Preparing First Nations Students for College: The Experience of the Squamish Nation of British Columbia

Abstract

The Squamish Nation of British Columbia initiated a -program to improve the suc­ cess rate of their postsecondary students through a partnership with a local com­munity college. Accepting principles of First Nations self-determination, the partnership empowered the Squamish Nation to participate fully in developing a college transition program. The program assisted students by providing an initial skill assessment, developmental instruction, and ongoing support services. The success rate of students enrolled in the program demonstrated the benefits of the partnership. The experience of the Squamish Nation indicated that as colleges ac­cept First Nations self-determination more First Nations students will succeed.