Royal Roads University Indigenous Distance Education Conference Deb Linehan 1

What are the financial opportunities and barriers that exist in relation to Indigenous students accessing education through a distance model ?

Non Government Resources  RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program 148 (1.6 million)  RBC awards 10 scholarships annually in two categories:  For students majoring in disciplines related to the financial services industry  For students majoring in disciplines unrelated to the financial services industry

Non Government Resources  RBC Aboriginal Summer Internship Program (ASIP)  Aboriginal Stay in School (ASIS)  Pursue your Potential (employment programs)  Donations to support education and training programs in First Nations communities/associations

Ministry of Advanced Education  British Columbia Scholarship Society   Aboriginal Emergency Assistance Fund  Aboriginal Learning Links  Government Student Loans

Other Financial Sources  The Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool is a searchable list of 767 bursaries, scholarships and incentives across Canada.  aandc.gc.ca/eng/ / aandc.gc.ca/eng/ /  Tribal councils and family

Barriers and opportunities Cost of Tuition  distance delivery is often comparable to the traditional face-to- face approach Financial Literacy Work and Life Balance

Employees  “I chose RRU. Distance education allowed me to work and continue my studies. The challenge was trying to do both well. In the end I left my very demanding job to complete my studies. Thankfully I found a less demanding job.”  “I like my shorter work arrangement. I am able to fish to sustain my whole family”  “I need the time to participate in my traditional practices, attend potlach and other family gatherings”