Thompson Rivers University has organized and is hosting a conference that will bring together representatives of regional First Nations to discuss and address ways to encourage and increase enrolment of Aboriginal students in post-secondary institutions, explore factors that will lead to success for Aboriginal students, and examine ways to develop greater awareness of Aboriginal history and culture among all students at the university.

TRU has invited world-class experts to present and facilitate discussion on the following topics:

• Improving Aboriginal student support services
• Increasing Aboriginal enrolments
• Improving Aboriginal post-secondary success rates
• Partnering to build self-government
• Supporting economic development
• Developing greater awareness of Aboriginal history and culture

DATES: June 11-12, 2007

LOCATION: Thompson Rivers University Campus Activity Centre, Kamloops B.C.

Keynote Speaker – Monday evening

• Phil Fontaine, National Chief Assembly of First Nations

Speakers and Discussion Group Facilitators: Monday and Tuesday

• Dr. Stelomethet Ethel Gardner, chair of the department of Aboriginal education, Lakehead University
• Michelle PenOziequah Aguilara-Wells, director of the Reservation Based/Community Determined Program, Evergreen State College
• Professor Leroy Little Bear, visiting professor, University of Lethbridge and former director of the American Indian Program, Harvard University
• Dr. C.T. (Manny) Jules, chair of the Indian Taxation Advisory Board
• Dr. Makere Harawira, assistant professor, Faculty of Education (policy studies), U of Alberta

Media are invited to attend the conference to interview the speakers.