Paving the Way for a Brighter Future

Improving Indigenous Education in Canada

There is something exciting about starting a new journey but there is always a lingering degree of fear associated with plunging into the unknown. Whether you’re transitioning into a new school, making decisions about your future or stepping out into the world after graduation, it always helps to have someone in your corner. Many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada face significant barriers to academic success due to lack of support. Mentoring not only breaks down these barriers but also strengthens traditional culture and inspires growth, talent and confidence in Indigenous students on their path to discovering their potential and becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

Background

As Canada’s fastest growing demographic group, Indigenous youth face a greater intensity of social issues such as poverty, unemployment, language or educational barriers, disability, racial and cultural stereotyping, violence, gangs, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of adequate housing, health concerns, and poor water quality (Statistics Canada, 2005). Furthermore, only 40% of Indigenous students graduate high school and only 11% go on to attain a University education, compared to 90% and 29% of non-Indigenous students. As they transition from truth to reconciliation, Indigenous students have been vocal about the need for vital resources and mentorship programs to help them graduate and achieve their full potential.

The good deed

Your good deed today will provide a First Nations, Inuit, or Métis student with 30 minutes of mentorship through Indspire’s Rivers to Success: Mentoring Indigenous Students program. With its unique three streams and customized cultural resources, students will have access to Elders, Indigenous mentors, Indigenous Laureates, and Indigenous Building Brighter Futures alumni. Connecting with these resources will enable students to prioritize their own development, seek out exciting opportunities, and ultimately achieve success in their chosen fields. Repeatedly, we have seen that investing in one Indigenous student leads to benefits for their family and many generations to come, helping to create a path out of poverty and towards success.