2005-2006 Annual Report

Introduction 

We are pleased to present the 2005-2006 Grand River Post Secondary Annual Report. 

Each year brings new accomplishments and challenges. 

As we work with our students and community to fulfil our responsibilities, we attempt to set an example by turning challenges into opportunities. 

In this year of reclamation, the GRPSEO facilitated rebuilding of relationships through education, especially between Six Nations and Caledonia residents. 

We are pleased to acknowledge so many of our Six Nations post secondary students and graduates participating in this process. Together we can help to build a better future for us all. In this way, education truly is a path to the future.

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. 
Nia:weh 
Telephone: (519) 445-2219 Toll Free: 1 (877) 837-5180 Fax: (519) 445-4296 P.O. Box 339 2160 4th Line Ohsweken, ON. N0A 1M0 
E-mail: grpseo@worldchat.com  Web Site: www.grpseo.org

Special Message  

Pandemic precautions continue – in the event of a declared health risk – appropriate notices and updates will be posted on the GRPSEO web site.  Our top priorities are doing what we can to protect people against health risks while avoiding any disruption to student funding.    

Contact GRPSEO staff via direct lines and e mail or leave a message if you have a specific question for someone.  All staff have voice mail so you can leave a detailed message and your call will be returned.

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.

Outcomes and Accountability 

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 Collins Barrow, 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 

 Core Functions of the GRPSEO 

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 six years. Note especially the high number of graduates and students who complete their year successfully.

Graduate Recognition

• Special recognition is given to graduates and award recipients at the Annual Student Recognition. The 14th Annual Student Recognition was held August 17, 2006 with a record number of scholarships issued to students. A commemorative CD-Rom of the event is produced each year. The CD-Rom is also used as an education resource with younger students. 
• Graduate photos are published annually in local and regional newspapers. 
• A Six Nations Grads poster series is published annually. The posters inspire younger students. The poster series is issued to elementary schools at Six Nations and Aboriginal Services offices on campuses upon request.
  

Please see the list of Graduates from 1992 to 2006 in this annual report

University Graduates by Program (data from 1998 to 2006)

College Graduates by Program

Education...contributes to community development and a better future for all 

Program Diversity 

The GRPSEO encourages student enrolment in a diversity of programs. 

The GRPSEO encourages education in strategic directions (areas) which address the identified needs of Onkwehon:we communities and the community at large. Health professions and technology (including Water Management/Technology) have been identified as strategic areas of study. 

In 1993, there was one graduate from a health science program. Since 2004, the Post Secondary Office has supported several incentives for students who choose this field of study and encouraged students to consider health careers. 

In 2006, we had 14 graduates from health science programs - including the first graduates from the Registered Practical Nursing with Aboriginal Communities program offered jointly by Mohawk College, the Institute of Applied Health Sciences at McMaster and Six Nations Polytechnic. We are also proud to have two medical school grads. In 2006-2007, we have 54 students enrolled in health sciences!!

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Program Selections – Multi Year Comparison

Levels of Study 

The GRPSEO encourages student enrolment in all levels of study. Given the current and future labour market needs, this is a strategic factor for community capacity building.

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Six Nations post secondary students contribute significantly to broader society  

Six Nations post secondary students make significant economic investments to the economies of the cities and provinces where they attend. Please see the maps showing enrolment and economic contribution by student location.   A chart showing economic contribution by study codes is also included.         

Funding (tuition and mandatory student fees) –      
to Top 10 Post Secondary Institute for Six Nations students 

Year 2005-2006
Brock University	$       218,545.01
Mohawk College	215,011.81
McMaster University	196,507.98
Wilfrid Laurier	140,142.49
Niagara College	77,969.70
Six Nations Polytechnic	69,929.89
University of Western Ontario	65,852.66
York University	45,647.11
Sheridan College	45,883.02
Fanshawe College	44,134.20
Sub-Total	$  1,119,623.87
*All USA Combined	356,800.13
Grand Total	$  1,476,424.00

 

GRPSEO Student Enrolment and Economic Contribution by Location 
in Canada

GRPSEO Student Enrolment and Economic Contribution by Location in other countries

GRPSEO Student Economic Contributions by Study Sector

Six Nations Students' Contributions - Beyond Economics 

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. This year has been an especially poignant example - given the issues that have emerged between Six Nations and Caledonia over Six Nations land rights. 

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.

Clearly, Six Nations is working with the collective 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.

In support of student success and graduation… 

• Student funding, within available resources, is provided for: 
  • Mandatory tuition at Canadian public post secondary institution rates 
  • Book allowance to a maximum of $400 for a full time semester 
  • Education allowance at $800 per month 
  • Mandatory program fees for college students to a max of $2,000 per year 
  • Mandatory program fee for undergrad students to a max of $1,000 per year. 
  • Tutorial assistance funding to a maximum of $150 per semester. 
    
    
• 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 and when students repay overpayments). 
  
  
• Accurate and timely information is available:

  In 2005-2006, three student-parent information sessions were held in addition to the annual Post Secondary Information event. 

Students, families, and the community are advised of 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. 

Students receive the following GRPSEO publications: GRPSEO Student Information Calendar, and A Student Guide to Post Secondary Education Assistance. Students also receive email or mailed updates each semester. 

Each spring the GRPSEO hosts OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) information sessions. Our continued thanks to Mohawk College staff for assisting in this information service. 

The GRPSEO Community Awareness Strategy continued throughout the year. The information sessions mentioned above were in addition to our on-going communication strategy that involves morning radio spots, monthly radio shows, the new calendar, e-mail, web and print updates. In June (2006), we added a new initiative, an information booth at Chiefswood Park, on Solidarity Day where we launched a new feature to our "save for education" awareness campaign. This campaign will continue in the fall with the issuing of savings banks to all grade one students at Six Nations. 

A snap shot of our contact rates gives an indication of our service volume.



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• Student planning is required: 

The 10th Annual Post Secondary Information Evening was held in November 2005 with college and university reps on hand to answer questions. Six Nations students enrolled at attending college and universities were on hand to answer questions. 

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. 

• Student contact is maintained: 

Each first time funded student must complete a mandatory orientation interview with their Education Counsellor. The subsequent student-counsellor contact schedule is established from this session. The contact requirement may range from the once a semester minimum to once a week. 

The mandatory orientation session for first time funded students has proven to be a key strategy to developing student confidence in dealing proactively with their education matters. Initiated in 2005, the sessions continue as a requirement for 2006-2007. Results show an almost 300% improvement rate with new high school grad success rates in their first year of study once the mandatory interview was implemented1 . 

While enrolled, students are required to:

• Maintain contact with their Education Counsellor
• Submit marks/progress reports by scheduled dates
• Submit a revised education plan if significant changes are planned. 

Contacts are made by phone, e mail or in-office sessions. 

• Equipment and systems access: 

The GRPSEO strives to provide a welcoming atmosphere for students. In 2005, the external physical appearance of the office was upgraded with handicap access doors - a riser ramp is scheduled for installation this fall to complete the office improvement for student access. 

Students continue to access fax, photocopy, computer, and Internet equipment at the GRPSEO. The Internet station is an essential tool for students researching institutions, programs, scholarships, and bursaries. Students are increasingly required to apply for admission on-line so the demand for these services continues to grow. 

• The GRPSEO web site is a key information access point for most students. Students access education assistance application forms and up to date policy information twenty-four hours per day via our web site at www.grpseo.org. A special thanks to Virginia Martin for keeping the website up to date. We are currently developing an on-line application for education assistance process to be piloted in 2006-2007.

• Student progress is monitored:

  Student progress and marks review are completed by Education Counsellors for each semester to determine appropriate follow up for tutorial assistance, student program changes; cancellations; withdrawals, and overpayments if required. The Education Counsellors also analyze student success and failures for key contributing factors. This analysis informs future student service strategies. 

• Funding rewards SUCCESS: 

  Due to demand exceeding available 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 and rewarded: 

  Through on-going GRPSEO staff interaction with students. 

  Within available resources, scholarships and incentives are issued through the GRPSEO. 

  A history of student accomplishments (pictures and video tapes) is maintained at the office. 

  Each edition of the Board newsletter features a good news story about a student or grad. The newsletter is distributed in the community. 

  Award and scholarship recipients are given special recognition at the Annual Student Recognition (the following list is from August 2005). We are pleased to note that the list of recipients continues to increase.
  

Special Mention - August 2005 Student Recognition

• The GRPSEO advocates for Six Nations specific scholarships and awards from donations, fundraising and private sponsors. We are pleased to note the list continues to grow. 

  Norm's Golf for Grads is the GRPSEO's main event to raise funds for GRPSEO specific scholarships. A special thanks to the Jacobs family for their support in this event. Tournament Profits each year: 

2004 ($9,480.55)      2005 ($7,498.68)       2006 ($8,085.87) 

The SEED (Science Education and Employment Development - Imperial Oil) initiative with Six Nations once again provided significant scholarships this year. These are in addition to other initiatives supported through the SEED partnership. Six Nations Specific Scholarships and Awards - 2005 Student Recognition



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• Positive learning environments for Six Nations post secondary students are supported by the GRPSEO within available resources: 

  The Board and staff support good access, equal opportunity, respect, and support systems. Board members continue to be involved in Aboriginal Education Councils at various post secondary institutes where a high number of our students are enrolled. These Councils advise college and university presidents regarding programming, student support needs, and also help to sensitize college and university staff regarding Onkwehon:we culture, language and history. The GRPSEO is active in Councils at Mohawk College, Niagara College, Fanshawe College, Lambton College and the following universities: Western and Brock. 

  The Board Chair and the Director of Student Services & Counselling participate in the provincial Advisory Committee on Aboriginal Post Secondary Education, Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. 

  Board and staff members also attend selected education forums to keep up to date on student support strategies and opportunities and to inform others of Six Nations education needs. 

  The GRPSEO conducted a Graduate Survey in 2005 and is completing a Graduate Employment/Satisfaction Survey for with 2005/2006 graduates. The information from the 2005 survey helped to identify programs with significant strengths and weaknesses. 

  The Director participates in the Six Nations Ethics Committee. This committee has identified a need to develop a protocol for research involving Indigenous Knowledge. 

• The GRPSEO facilitates long term strategies for a diversity of graduates
  • Science & Technology Initiatives continue with SEED (Science Education & Employment Development) funding from Imperial Oil. GRPSEO participates in the Steering Committee. In 2005, for the second year, post secondary scholarships were issued to students in studies relevant to the petroleum industry including Engineering, Petroleum Technologies, Business Administration, Commerce, Computer Science, Earth Science, and related disciplines. These were in addition to tuition and books sponsorships for students studying in programs deemed to be directly required for employment in petroleum processing. SEED is also funding science focused professional development days at Six Nations for 2005/2006 and funds strategic activities at the secondary and elementary levels.
  • Vision 2020 - Health Professions Strategy The GRPSEO Director continues involvement in regional Vision 2020 initiatives. In addition to being a member of the 2020 Partnership Table2 , GPRSEO involvement continues specifically in the Partnership Table Pre-Med Working Group. The pre-med working group developed a proposal to obtain funding to design two phases of pre-med programming. It is anticipated the program will run in 2007. These and related initiatives will help us to reach our Vision 2020.
  • Broadcast Industry Linkage was established with SABAR - a Broadcasters group (Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection) re: recruitment and retention in the broadcast industry. Contacts made included: CH, CTV, APTN, CHUM, Seven Seeds, NAAF; AVR 106.5 FM, Confederation College, Rogers Media, & more.
  • Land Revitalization Industry The GRPSEO Director maintains linkages with the Red Hill Valley Project via the Six Nations Economic Opportunities Group to keep informed of current and future human resource needs. " 
    
    
• The GRPSEO Advocates for Increased Funding 

  The GRPSEO continues to advocate for increased funding through the submission of briefings to the Six Nations Council, and the Department of Indian Affairs. 

  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 [for 2004 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 2005, notification was received of an additional $168,100 (annualized funds) [for 2004 this 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. For 2006, a budget freeze was in place until early September when notification was received of an increase of $138,400. 

• The GRPSEO Professional services on a Fee for Service basis to First Nations 

  The GRPSEO engages in fee for service to help cover the costs of operations. The GRPSEO continues to market the Grads data base, now in use by over thirty First Nation education organizations. Our in office expertise also provides technical support and training. Policy Governance training is also provided on a fee for service basis to First Nations organizations. 

Funding Allocations 

Resources are linked with student success and equitable distribution 

Within available resources, the majority of funds are allocated based on student priority and continued academic success. The priority system is designed to provide fair and equitable access to limited funds as students pursue their goal of graduation. Successful continuing students are rewarded with top priority for on-going funding. If a student fails a course then students are expected to pay back the tuition funds, so once again, success is rewarded. Limited resources (primarily recovered overpayments) are assigned for intervention and incentive purposes to further support student graduation. 

Strategic Allocation of Funds

The following graphs show distribution of student funds according to significant identifiers:

Note the continued decrease in students with dependents. This is a function of limited rates of assistance through the GRPSEO (allowance is $800 per month for all full time students) and the increase in program length for some programs.

Once a student is approved for funding, very rarely do they allow this opportunity to be lost. "Suspended" applications in the above chart, indicates the declining number of students unable to complete their year once it has started. Cancelled refers to student who apply and then change their mind and includes student who are not admitted to their programs of choice. "Unfunded" is self-explanatory. Note: 2006/2007 data is as of Sept 1, 2006 so does not reflect a full intake cycle.

The allocation of funds to students with membership under Bill C31 (1985) is consistent with overall membership statistics for each reported year.

The allocation of funds to students by residence is reflective of the residence rates for overall membership. The following audited financial statement provides an overall Statement of Operations.

Significant Trends Affecting Six Nations Students' 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 and responsible decisions, 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. Informed by these trends, the GRPSEO continues to advocate for increased post secondary funding and encourages students to graduate high school with a full complement of courses to keep their options open. 

Increased Demand (cost per student) + Limited Resources3 = More Unfunded Students

Note the number of applications is leveling off. Why? Students are well aware that due to budget management requirements, very few applications are processed for the summer or winter intakes.

• Tuition continues to increase4 ; legislation allows more private institutions that charge increased tuition tag (sometimes twice the public institution rate).

• Mandatory program fees for equipment and supplies at the college level of study continue to increase. For example, many students are required to lease a computer before they can register. The cost of the lease (up to $1,500 per year) is in addition to tuition costs. The GRPSEO is also taking steps to address some of the mandatory program fees at the college level but once again available funding is soon out-stripped by the demand.

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Note: 2006/07 numbers are as of Sep 30/06

Of the applications received, over 25% have not been funded, due to increased per student costs. The following graph shows the cost to fund all eligible applications received each year.

• Increased Demand (cost per student) + Limited Resources = Reduced Purchasing Power 

  Students must seek supplemental funding or income to cover costs. The overall cost of 'living' while going to school increases. The student allowance of $800 no longer covers the cost of residence and a meal plan at several post secondary institutions in Ontario. 

  Without a significant change to the overall post secondary funding for Grand River: 

  • More students will go unfunded.
  • More students will totally self-fund.
  • All students will continue to partially self-fund as GRPSEO funding rates do not cover costs.
    
    
• The number of graduates increased significantly over the years, unfortunately now we are seeing a decline. The main reason for this is the rising cost per student without comparable funding increases. i.e., the number of students funded in the last three years has declined dramatically (from 822 in 2002/03 to 710 in 2005/06).

• There is wide spread concern over the skill levels of secondary school graduates. For Six Nations, we also have a concern with the percentage of students who DO NOT graduate from high school. The 2005 Federal Auditor General's report estimated it would take 28 years for First Nation high school graduation numbers to reach the Canadian average.

More measures to improve student skill levels at the elementary and secondary levels are required - NOW.

What does all this mean to you?

1.  Will there be post secondary funding for your children and grandchildren? 
2. Will your child or grandchild have a dream to pursue?
3. Will your child be prepared to pursue that dream through post secondary education?
4. Will your child get admitted to his/her program of choice?

What Can You Do?  

Here’s a starting list…..we encourage you to pick one and act on it.

• Support increased funding for eligible Six Nations post secondary students. There are a variety of ways to do this. For example, send letters of support to the GRPSEO, your councillor; Members of Parliament.  
• Establish a scholarship or bursary in support of student graduation or donate to the Six Nations Post Secondary scholarships c/o the GRPSEO.  
• Sponsor an unfunded student.  
• Hire a summer student so the students can gain valuable experience in their field of study.
• Become a mentor.  
• Golf in Norm’s Golf for Grads 2007 or donate to the Tournament.
• Encourage excellence in our young people.  
• Raise a reader.  
• Help you child with their math and science home work.  
• Help young people to know who they are, to understand their past so they can help to make a brighter future for us all.

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Six Nations Post Secondary Graduates 1992 to 2005  This will download an excel spreadsheet with a listing of Six Nations Post Secondary Graduates from 1992 to 2005

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A Message to All Families 

It is wise to save for your child's education

Here are the facts: 

Every year available post secondary funding falls short of what is required. 

Every year students have to cover part or all of their costs of going to college or university. 

Costs continue to increase. Plan for the future - save what you can. 

[1] In 2004-05, 18 of 122 new high school grads (14.75%) ended with a “suspended” file status indicating a “not able to continue in their program” in the majority of cases. In 2005-06, the suspended rating for this priority of student dropped to 5.2% (6 out of 114).

[2] The Partnership Table was established in follow up to the 2020 Symposium held at Six Nations, September 28th & 29th, 2004.

[3] Financial assistance is provided to eligible Six Nations students within available resources. This can include assistance for: tuition, books, direct costs associated with attending full time (allowance), and tutorial assistance. Tuition @ public institution mandatory fees; books @ $400 per full time semester; allowance @ $800 Month. Book rates were increased to $400 in 2001; allowance rates have not been changed since 1996.

[4]Statistics Canada reports that tuition fees in Ontario , allowed to increase because of the cancellation of the tuition fee freeze, have spiked by 4.6% this year, bringing it up to an average of $5,160.  Graduate, professional, and international students continue to be the hardest hit by tuition fee increases this year. Students studying in a Masters or PhD programme this year will see a fee increase of 5.6% to $6,479 and international students at all levels will see their fees increase by 5.2% to over $13,000. New students studying in law, medicine and dentistry in Ontario will be facing fee increases that are as high as 8% this year. …a student starting in law at the University of Toronto will be paying over $17,000 this year, while a student studying at McGill University in Québec will pay under $4,000  - excerpts from Ontario Tuition Fee Increases Drive UP National Average: Sept 1 06, Canadian Federation of Students

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