Indigenous Student Programs
- The In-Community program was created in collaboration with local Mi’kmaw communities to address numerous barriers to post-secondary education for Mi’kmaw students. Original iterations of the programs focused on bridging cohorts of mature Mi’kmaw students into CBU degree programs and supporting students who were first language Mi’kmaw speakers with their post-secondary studies. Present day programs attract newly graduated high school students and mature students who want to complete a degree. Several programs have emerged through collaboration with Mi’kmaw communities. Active programs are still running and include: Elmitek, a year-one university pathway program delivered in Eskasoni, and the modularized BA, BACS, BSc, BEd and BBA degree programs, which are delivered in Indigenous communities across Mi’kma’ki. To date, In-Community programs have been offered in the First Nations communities of Eskasoni, Membertou, Wagmatcook, We’koqma’q, Potlotek, Pictou Landing, Paq’tnkek, Millbrook, Sipekne’katik, Tobique, Listuguj and Gesgapegiag. Addressing a nation-wide need, the InCommunity BSc cohorts prepare students to enroll in designated Indigenous student seats in the CBU School of Nursing. Through modular delivery, Indigenous students are offered the opportunity to complete an entire degree exclusively in their communities. The modular format allows students to take one course at a time in a condensed format for the duration of the degree. Some of the benefits of the In-Community Program are small class sizes, specialized student support, degree programs and/or courses held locally in students’ communities, access to community Elders and knowledge keepers, and inclusion of Indigenous perspectives within courses
- “Elmitek” is a Mi’kmaw expression for showing someone a path to follow. The Elmitek Program offered through Unama’ki College maps a path that students may travel toward the successful completion of a university education. The Elmitek Program is a one-year, for credit, post-secondary program designed for Mi’kmaw students who wish to further their education by attending university. Elmitek is designed to make the future transition into full-time study on campus at CBU a successful experience for Mi’kmaw students.
- In.Business is a high school business mentorship program facilitated by Unama’ki College at Cape Breton University (CBU). The program introduces Indigenous high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 to Indigenous business mentors, who are educated, working professionals with a background in business.
- During the school year, students work on bi-weekly business challenges facilitated by their mentors using smartphone technology (either a smartphone or tablet, which, if needed, is provided by CBU). The primary goal of these challenges, and this program, is to help the students explore various facets of business to make informed decisions about their future education paths.
- Currently, In.Business is operating an Atlantic Canadian-based program that includes students and mentors from: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador.
L’nu Health Science Advantage Program
- The L’nu Health Science Advantage Program (LHSAP) is a new program designed to inspire and prepare Indigenous students in grades 9-12, who have an interest in science, to pursue health sciences in post-secondary education. This program supports students by offering personal assessments, mentorship from Indigenous professionals, and a challenge-based curriculum that integrates Indigenous ways of knowing and Western science. By incorporating the concept of Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, students gain a holistic understanding of health sciences. The program aims to boost students’ self-esteem and confidence, enhancing their likelihood of success in post-secondary education. Through this innovative pilot program, students are guided to make informed decisions about their future educational goals, fostering both academic and personal growth.
