Many individuals think that First Nations students receive free tuition, and I was one of those individuals. "What is true is that First Nations can apply to their First Nation for funding for some Post Secondary education. If approved students may receive tuition and books for their program for a limited time (usually 4 years for undergraduate studies) and may also get a small monthly student allowance." (Common myths about First Nations: Post Secondary, 2010). First Nation people should have the same opportunity as everyone else to get the chance to be educated in post-secondary education. "Education at all levels is an Aboriginal and Treaty right recognized in the Canadian Constitution Act of 1982." (Aboriginal Education, 2008) so why don't all aboriginals get the chance to go to post-secondary, why do they get turned down because of the lack of funding? That is not fair and just, everyone is equal and we should all get the chance to be able to attend and receive further education.
The cost of post-secondary education is high enough along with the cost of books and supplies. The government should be making post-secondary education easier for each individual to succeed rather then fail and be in debt. Tuition should be lowered so that everyone can have an equal opportunity to get the education they need. The students at university are our future generation, so why not let us succeed and give everyone the chance to have the job and career they always wanted.
By: Alyssa
References:
CFS - Aboriginal Students. (2008). cfs-fcee.ca. Retrieved from http://www.cfs-fcee.ca/aboriginal/english/campaigns.php
Southwick, T. (2010, December 10). Yukon College: First Nations Initiatives Blog. Yukon College. Retrieved from http://www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/blogs/fni/common_myths_about_first_nations_post_secondary
I too believed first nations did receive full funding for their education and am surprised to find not all do. Its upsetting to know that only a few get selected for funding. If the government is going to help individuals with educational costs why not all and why only some first nations ?
ReplyDeleteSheri
I was under an understanding that First Nations recieved full funding for their post-secondary studies as well, if they were fully registered as First Nations. People wonder why the cost of necessities such as food, housing and clothing are rising. This seems because tuition rates are so high, which in turn are supposed to lead individuals to higher paying jobs. With higher paying jobs as a result of post-secondary education, it is understandable why cocst go up, as people with higher paying jobs can buy these items. However, not everyone has the chance of a post-secondary option because of such high tuition fees. Not everyone can qualify for OSAP. Many students are scared to apply for OSAP because of the fear of not being able to find a high-paying job to pay back their debt. If there is such a high demand for services such as health care, doctors and social workers, then why is tuition so high? If it wasn't there would be a lot more qualified for these professions and we would not run out of people needed for these jobs.
ReplyDelete- Kara (Poverty Group)
I’m glad you cleared the first nations aspect up because I was also under the impression that they would get all of their school paid for. This is a misinterpretation of several people I know as well so I will be passing along this information. As a student going to Algoma I struggle with paying for bills going to school. I am fortunate enough to get OSAP to pay for my tuition, but in the end I will be paying that back. I think it is important not to discourage people from going to school because of the high debt we will be going into by the end of it all. After reading this I have empathy for those who cannot get funding and I don’t think it is right or fair that they can’t.
ReplyDelete-Britney
LGBT