What you will see… GRPSEO Governance and Operations A Memorandum of Understanding (1992), between the Six Nations Council and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) provides for the local administration of the Post Secondary Student Support Program. The Post Secondary Board is mandated to direct the operation of the Grand River Post Secondary Education Office (GRPSEO). Post Secondary Board policy begins with the understanding that the moral ownership of the Grand River Post Secondary Education Organization are Onkwehon:we with Grand River Territory lineage. Board Policy is based on the belief and vision that acquiring knowledge, skills, capabilities, and confidence empower individuals to be self-sufficient and contribute to their communities and society at large. Post Secondary education provides a path to do this. Organizational expectations are clearly stated in Board policy. These include limitations placed on operations through Board policy. Mega Ends Policy
In achieving this purpose, the Grand River Post Secondary Education Organization places a high value on organizational integrity and efficiency. The GRPSEO strives to operate in an accountable and consistent manner. The GRPSEO consults the moral ownership of the organization, on a regular basis, to ensure that the organization is on the right track when it comes to community expectations about results and the values that guide the organization. The GRPSEO then reports issues and outcomes on a regular basis. The GRPSEO measures outcomes in student accomplishments leading to graduation. Organizational resources are expended in support of this outcome and the steps toward this end. The GRPSEO reports on student graduation outcomes on an annual basis. The Grand River Post Secondary Education Office (GRPSEO) financial audit is completed through KPMG Chartered Accountants, the auditing firm for the Six Nations Council. The GRPSEO further provides an annual enrolment report to INAC as per the 1992 MOU mentioned above. This report is issued to the Six Nations Confederacy Council and the Six Nations Elected Council at least once per year as well as to other key stakeholder organizations. Individuals may also request a copy of this report by contacting the GRPSEO or view the report on our web site at www.grpseo.org. The GRPSEO measures outcomes in student accomplishments leading to graduation. Organizational resources are expended in support of this outcome and the steps toward this end. The GRPSEO reports on student graduation outcomes on an annual basis. The Grand River Post Secondary Education Office (GRPSEO) financial audit is completed through KPMG Chartered Accountants, the auditing firm for the Six Nations Council. The GRPSEO further provides an annual enrolment report to INAC as per the 1992 MOU mentioned above. This report is issued to the Six Nations Confederacy Council and the Six Nations Elected Council at least once per year as well as to other key stakeholder organizations. Individuals may also request a copy of this report by contacting the GRPSEO or view the report on our web site at www.grpseo.org. The GRPSEO provides encouragement and support to Onkwehon:we students throughout their post secondary education experience. Student responsibilities are defined at the beginning of the GRPSEO/student relationship in order to ensure student responsibility for decisions and accomplishments. Eligible students requesting funding have access to funding within available resources. Results-Post Secondary Graduation Six Nations post secondary students continue with high rates of success! The following chart entitled, "Multi-Year Student Status Comparison" shows the outcomes for Six Nations students who received funding through the Post Secondary Office over the past five years. Multi-Year Student Status Comparison
Note especially the high number of graduates and students who complete their year successfully. Education ..contributes to community development The GRPSEO encourages student enrolment in a diversity of programs (see charts for Student Program Selections). The GRPSEO encourages education in strategic directions (areas) which address the identified needs of Onkwehon:we communities and the community at large.
Grand River student enrol in an increasing diversity of university programs.
The GRPSEO works with other community agencies to identify means to address the human resource needs for Community Development. Addressing the need for Health Professionals GRPSEO enrolment in all health profession programs has increased significantly – strategic study scholarships are in place for all health profession students. In February 2006, the first cohort for the Registered Practical Nursing with Aboriginal Communities program will graduate. Approximately half the enrolment is Aboriginal students. This program is jointly offered by Mohawk College, the Institute for Applied Health Sciences McMaster and Six Nations Polytechnic. Two Grand River graduates are in their residency phase in becoming physicians. Two more will enter residency next year. Two students are enrolled in masters programs for occupational therapy and physiotherapy. More students are enrolled in the B Sc Nursing, midwifery, etc. Long Term Impacts of Vision 2020 GRPSEO participates in a Partnership Table (a regional forum). A proposal to develop pre-med programs is in progress. Additional clinical-resident placements for under-serviced areas (Brant/Six Nations) are forthcoming in preparation for more MD students. Medical school curriculum and licensing will involve Aboriginal health competencies in the near future. Latest reports indicate 18 Aboriginal students were admitted to medical school in Ontario this fall. Last year there were six. The registered practical nursing initiative launched by the Six Nations Polytechnic –Mohawk-McMaster partnership is being replicated in northern Ontario by other institutions. Addressing the need for Technology & Business Graduates
GRPSEO participates in the SEED steering committee. This committee identifies and supports strategies to prepare students to work in technology and related areas. Strategies are being supported from the elementary to post secondary levels with funding from Imperial Oil.
Background to SEED As part of its project to reduce sulphur in gasoline, Imperial constructed a pipeline that crosses Six Nations Territory Claim Lands. An agreement supporting technology education and employment initiatives was developed jointly by the Six Nations Elected Council and Imperial, and reflects community outreach initiatives Imperial has in place in locations where it has operations. SEED Steering Committee A steering committee of representatives from Six Nations and Imperial designs and implements educational initiatives that are focused on providing people with the skills needed for careers with Imperial, the petroleum industry and other manufacturing industries. The committee welcomes the community input, and encourages all Six Nations members to contact one of the committee members directly or through the website (www.seedprogram.ca) with their comments or suggestions. SEED’s Strategic Focus The key focus is on encouraging students to continue with math and science and work towards post-secondary education in technology fields. Strategic Investment through Six Nations Polytechnic's programs In 2004-2005, SEED funded the Native Diploma Access Program at the Polytechnic. Students completed more than 30 high school credits in 2005. In 2005-2006, SEED will also sponsor on-line instruction of Lambton College's Chemical Production Engineering Technology Program (CPET). Graduates from this course have the opportunity for good paying jobs in the refining, petrochemical and other manufacturing industries. Technology Sponsorships SEED sponsors tuition, books and supplies for students enrolled in good standing in selected post-secondary technology programs, which are considered an entry point to jobs at Imperial. Thirteen sponsorships were provided in the 2004-2005 academic year, and since 2002, 27 sponsorships have been given out. Imperial Oil SEED scholarship In 2004, SEED introduced the Imperial Oil SEED scholarship. The scholarship is open to Six Nations members who are currently receiving financial assistance through GRPSEO. Priority is given to students who pursue studies relevant to the petroleum industry, including engineering, petroleum technologies, business administration, commerce, computer science, earth science and related disciplines. In 2005, eight students received scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. "I couldn't have gone this far in my university studies without the help of SEED and everyone else at GRPSEO!" - Meagan Hamilton, 2005 SEED scholarship recipient
Secondary Level Career Fairs and GRPSEO Information Day STAY in School Awards - The awards recognize top male and female students studying both math and science in grades 9 through 12 and are given out as part of the high school awards' event held each November. In 2005, the awards will be extended to grade 7 and 8 students. Secondary Level Homework Support Program - SEED continued to support the Six Nations Education Commission's homework support program for students in grades 6 to 12. The free program offers tutoring, internet/computer access, access to school supplies to complete projects, access to Grade 10 literacy and math-training software and a quiet place to work. Since the program began in January 2004, there have been close to 800 student visits to the program with over half of students receiving support in math and science. SEED also provided five computers, computer desks, and math and literacy training software for the program. Elementary Level Summer Science Day Camps - SEED sponsored four popular camps in July 2005, conducted at Six Nations Tourism by engineering students from the University of Waterloo. 79 children in Grades 3-7 attended. This is the third year the program has been offered, and it has grown in popularity every year. Professional Development Days at Six Nations School - SEED is funding professional development initiatives for Six Nations' teachers focused on math and science. In June, teachers attended workshops provided by University of Western Ontario's Let's Talk Science organization, and in September the Ministry of Education conducted workshops on the new curriculum and achievement charts. Math and Science resource materials have also been purchased for teachers to use in the classroom. Six Nations Science Fair - SEED provides $500 to each school participating in the district science fair to be used toward supplies for student projects. Funds are also provided to operate the district science fair. In April 2005, Greg Addison from Imperial's Nanticoke refinery acted as a science fair judge Elementary Level Six Nations Science Fair - SEED provides $500 to each school participating in the district science fair to be used toward supplies for student projects. Funds are also provided to operate the district science fair. In April 2005, Greg Addison from Imperial's Nanticoke refinery acted as a science fair judge Employment Initiatives Summer Job at Nanticoke Refinery Two students from the Six Nations worked at Imperial's Nanticoke refinery during the summer of 2005. Four students have benefited from work experience at the refinery during the past four summers. Employment Initiatives Grand River Employment And Training (GREAT’s) REACH program. The REACH team, funded in part by SEED, travels to various communities where corporate and small business employers, educational institutions and Aboriginal employers participate in either a sunrise or sunset session that highlights programs and facilities offered at Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre (OSTTC). SEED Expenditures Six Nations Polytechnic courses - $377,000 Technology Sponsorships and Scholarships - $163,000 Elementary and Secondary School Programs - $80,000 Employment Initiatives and Community Activities - $68,000 SEED Steering Committee Lorne Bennett, Iain Howieson, Janet Maaten, Imperial Oil Rebecca Jamieson, Grand River Post Secondary Education Office Linda Parker, Grand River Employment and Training Imperial Oil Deneen Montour, Grand Erie District School Board Anne Noyes, J.C. Hill Elementary School Linda Staats, Six Nations Polytechnic Six Nations Post Secondary Students Contribute Significantly To Broader Society
Student Enrolment By Location
Economic Contribution By Location
Economic Contributions By Study Sector Each student also contributes individually to cross-cultural understanding and their chosen profession given their personal knowledge, skills and understanding of the world. Although these contributions are difficult to "quantify" they must not be overlooked. Even before graduation, our students are called on to "educate" others about Aboriginal history, rights and issues as well as correct stereo-types that are all too prevalent. Upon graduation, most graduates become de facto diplomats for their people at some time in their life. With time, the impacts of significant numbers of Aboriginal people in a given field produce positive measurable impacts. For example, the teaching and law professions have been significantly changed given the participation of Aboriginal professionals. We look forward to the changes that more Aboriginal health professionals will bring to our health services and our health status overall. Student funding within available resources is provided for:
Incentives are issued if funds become available within a fiscal year ( this happens when students withdraw or decide not to continue after being approved for funding). GRPSEO administers Student Support funding provided through Social Services to eligible resident students with dependent children. Student planning is required The 9th Annual Post Secondary Information Day was held in November 2004 with college and university reps on hand to answer questions. Students from grades 7 to secondary school attended. To focus more on improving the quality of contact between students and post secondary reps, the 2005 venue has changed to a Post Secondary Information Evening in the Student Centre at Six Nations Polytechnic. Six Nations students enrolled at attending college and universities will be on hand to answer questions. Accurate and timely information is available to students, families, and the community regarding educational trends, opportunities and available resources to support post secondary education. Students, families, and the community are informed that available funding may not be sufficient to meet the full requirement. A snap shot of our contact rates gives an indication of our service volume. GRPSEO Incoming Contacts
GRPSEO Response Log
In support of student success… A mandatory orientation session is required for all first time funded students. The initial student-counsellor contact schedule is established from this session. The contact requirement may range from the once a semester minimum to once a week. An education plan is required of all first time funded students as well as from students making significant education plan changes. The education plan must demonstrate that the student’s choice of program and institution is based on sound information, also that the student has given consideration to potential barriers and support systems while enrolled in their program of study. While enrolled, students are required to:
Student progress and marks review are completed by Education Counsellors for each semester to determine appropriate follow up for student program changes; cancellations; withdrawals, and overpayments if required. The Education Counsellors also analyze student success and failures for key contributing factors. Where warranted these factors are addressed proactively i.e. mandatory orientation sessions new for 2005. Campus visits for post secondary, secondary and elementary schools were completed in 2004/2005. For 2006 these will be replaced by more frequent phone, email contact and information sessions. Funding rewards SUCCESS. Due to limited funds, it is necessary to apply a priority system to provide as fair and equitable access to the limited funds as possible. There are seven priorities – priority 1 is for successful continuing students; priority 2 applies to recent high school graduates applying to post secondary for the first time. Student accomplishments are recognized
Six Nations Graduates as Models The GRPSEO produces a poster series of Six Nations Graduates each year. The poster series is used as education resource materials. With revenue resulting from the completion of a special project contract, the GRPSEO was able to: (1) develop and conduct a Client Satisfaction Survey, (2) compile the results of the Graduate Employment Survey conducted in 2004, and (3) revise the grad survey to a Graduate Employment/Satisfaction Survey for use with 2005 graduates. Student Services – Quality Improvement The client satisfaction survey measured the expectations clients (students) have about the organization, as well, it exposes areas of service that are working well for the organization and areas of service that need improvement. The overall satisfaction rating for the quality of service delivery was very good 95% of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of service delivery, with 51.7% of those responses being very satisfied. None of the respondents were dissatisfied with the overall quality of service delivery, and 3.3% were neutral. 1.7% did not respond or felt this question did not apply to him/her. Student Services – Quality Improvement Improvements have nevertheless been identified and an action plan is underway to implement improvements within available resources in support of student success. Targeted areas include: revising forms to make them easier to understand, setting and communicating service standards.
Significant Trends Affecting Post Secondary Education The GRPSEO is guided by our collective responsibilities to make decisions that will not harm our future generations nor diminish their opportunities to thrive. This means that personal responsibility and accountability is expected of all who participate in the GRPSEO (board, staff and students).
In terms of post secondary governance and management, it is our responsibility to make prudent and ethical decisions, in an accountable way, and to implement appropriate plans to address trends and factors that will affect future post secondary students. The following outlines several key trends impacting post secondary education for Six Nations students and the undertakings of the GRPSEO designed to reduce negative impacts and to optimize opportunities.
In July, A Report of Eligible Costs for Unfunded Students as of July 5, 2005 was submitted to INAC. The report listed 255 students for a total of $2, 811,600.00 [last year the numbers were 215 and $2,188,832.00]. This annual exercise initiated by INAC distributes any funding increases to the post secondary area. Any funds received as a result of this exercise become annualized as an increase to the budget. In August, notification was received of an additional $168,100 (annualized funds) [last year was $162,200]. According to an INAC official, this represents 63% of the Region’s budget increase. Clearly, no increase to individual student funding allocations could be implemented.
Without a significant change to the overall post secondary funding for Grand River:
GRPSEO continues to showcase student accomplishments, and share best practices GRPSEO continues to demonstrate accountability and credibility in managing available resources – this positions Six Nations well in the event funding becomes available GRPSEO participated in national review processes for post secondary funding
There is wide spread concern over the skill levels of secondary school graduates. For Six Nations, we also have a concern with the number of graduates. In response, post secondary institutions continue to expand the number of prep courses/programs. In addition, students are being offered enrolment in GAS (General Arts and Science) programs as an upgrading year before being considered for admission to over subscribed programs. Colleges are also taking on more of a role in student remediation given the lack of academic preparedness of high school graduates. Many fully qualified post secondary students are not being funded due to increasing student numbers, increased costs and limited funds. Effective September 1, 2005, the Grand River Post Secondary Education Office will no longer fund programs at the pre-college level deemed to be preparatory, exploratory or access oriented for college level study (i.e., not resulting in full post secondary credit). More measures to improve student skill levels at the elementary and secondary levels are required – NOW.
College Graduates By Study Sector
University Graduates By Study Sector
As always, your comments and input are welcomed. Please feel free to contact us if you wish to comment on this report, have questions or wish to make a contribution toward post secondary education for Six Nations students. Thank you
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© 2000 GRPSEO. Questions? Please contact info@grpseo.org