Course:Classroom Climate/6. Supporting Aboriginal Students

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Learning Objectives

• By the end of the session, participants will be able to...

Session Records

• "The Role of Holistic Advising in Academic Success" on April 1, 2014
• 3-part series in 2013

A. "More Than Numbers: Critically looking at Aboriginal Student Data" on March 13, 2013 by Thane Bonar & Graeme Joseph

B. "Welcome to the First Nations House of Learning" on March 6, 2013 by Debra Martel & Rick Ouellet

C. "Idle Know More: A Space For Inquiry" on February 27, 2013 by Kim Lawson

• "Supporting Aboriginal Students" on February 7, 2012

Facilitator Bio

• Thane Bonar (Research and Communications Officer, the UBC First Nations House of Learning)

In his role, Thane is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and reporting on data related to the University's Aboriginal initiatives and for Aboriginal-related communications at the Vancouver campus. He previously worked at the BC Ministry of Advanced Education as a Research Officer in the Aboriginal Education unit. Thane has an MA in Political Science from the University of Victoria.

• Graeme Joseph (Coordinator, Strategic Aboriginal Initiatives with the Vice President Student’s Office and Enrollment Services)

Graeme is Gitxsan from the upper Skeena River region in BC. He is currently the Coordinator, Strategic Aboriginal Initiatives with the Vice President Student’s Office and Enrollment Services. His role is to work in direct support of the university’s Aboriginal Strategic Plan. Graeme was previously the university’s Aboriginal Student Recruiter-Advisor and Coordinator, Student Services at the First Nations House of Learning. He is also an alumni of the university and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2001.

• Kim Lawson (Reference Librarian, Xwi7xwa Library)

Kim is from the Heiltsuk Nation of BC. Her MLIS research looked at First Nations Perspectives on archives, libraries and museums. Prior to joining UBC, she worked as the Archivist/Librarian for the Union of BC Indian Chiefs Resource Centre.

• Debra Martel (Associate Director, the UBC First Nations House of Learning)

Originally from Manitoba, she has a B.Ed from the University of Manitoba and a M.Ed from the University of British Columbia. Debra has dedicated over 22 years working in the public K-12 school system in a variety of teaching and administrative positions before joining UBC in August, 2011. She is passionate in her work and strives to create learning environments that are both inclusive and rewarding. She is proud of her Cree, Metis, Irish and Scottish ancestry.

• Rick Ouellet (Student and Community Development Officer, the First Nations House of Learning)

In this role, Rick is responsible for developing and managing programs and services for Aboriginal students and fostering a vibrant and inclusive community at the Longhouse. Rick grew up in the upper Athabasca Métis community and was fortunate to be exposed to his ancestral culture and worldview. He has taught post secondary classes since 2005, mostly in First Nation studies, and is passionate about bridging the academic and Aboriginal (Métis) worlds. Mr. Ouellet, a descendant of the Aboriginal families evicted from Jasper National Park in 1910/11, is currently working on a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies.