Holding copies of A Handbook for Educators of Aboriginal students is Kathy Mitchell (left), Estella Patrick Moller, and Nathan Matthew. Kathy Mitchell served as principal researcher for the project, Estella Patrick Moller is a TRU Elder, and Nathan Matthew is TRU’s Director of Aboriginal Education.

Holding copies of A Handbook for Educators of Aboriginal students is Kathy Mitchell (left), Estella Patrick Moller, and Nathan Matthew.
Kathy Mitchell served as principal researcher for the project, Estella Patrick Moller is a TRU Elder, and Nathan Matthew is TRU’s Director of Aboriginal Education.

A handbook intended to increase the educational success of Aboriginal students was introduced to the Thompson Rivers University community today.

Developing “A Handbook for Educators of Aboriginal Students” was a recommendation from Phase I of the A Learning Bridge for Aboriginal Adults (ALBAA) research project lead by Kathy Mitchell. A long-time faculty member and former Dean of the Faculty of Student Development and the area formerly responsible for Adult Basic Education (ABE). Mitchell received provincial funding through the Aboriginal Transitions Research Funds from the Ministry of Advanced Education now the Ministry of Science and Universities.

From A Handbook for Educators of Aboriginal Students

The ALBAA research project is intended to identify and develop strategies and support systems to increase student success and retention among Aboriginal adults transitioning into post-secondary education institutions from community-based Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs.

“B.C.’s Aboriginal students have a promising future and we’re working to help them reach their full potential,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Science and Universities. “Supporting Aboriginal students with appropriate and culturally-aware educational tools and approaches helps them be successful at school and as workers in the future.”

The handbook is designed to be a brief overview for faculty providing insights into the unique educational, social, political and cultural context that Aboriginal students come from and to support faculty as they begin to indigenize their courses and programs. “The handbook is one of several professional development initiatives by the ALBAA project to assist faculty with engaging and interacting with Aboriginal students.  It supports TRU’s goal to be the University of Choice for Aboriginal Students,” said Mitchell.

“The handbook is one of several professional development initiatives by the ALBAA project to assist faculty with engaging and interacting with Aboriginal students” – Kathy Mitchell, Principal Researcher, ALBAA Project

“To attract and retain Aboriginal students, it is essential TRU provides an inviting learning environment for Aboriginal learners. A key aspect to such an environment is establishing a respectful, positive relationship between the faculty at TRU and Aboriginal students,” said Nathan Matthew, Director Aboriginal Education at TRU.