Panel

Oshki-Wenjack Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute is known for providing students with wraparound services that fit the needs of Indigenous learners. Our Student Success department offers wraparound services for cultural, academic, and personal well-being. Our leadership has either lived, worked, or spent extensive time on reserves, which helps our team understand that our learners face unique and complex challenges when attending post-secondary institutions. Students deal with cultural disconnection, language barriers, grief, academic disadvantages and systemic barriers. Our institution has developed a comprehensive service model to support the holistic well-being of Indigenous learners and their families. Additionally, we recognize that each community has its own culture and history. Diverse backgrounds such as communities, age, cohorts, gender, ceremonial practices, and family responsibilities are just some factors that we consider when developing our supports. Our institutional strategies include incorporating the Seven Grandfathers’ Teaching to make our campus an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment.

This presentation showcases Oshki-Wenjack’s Student Success approach to providing the most relevant support services that result in higher retention, graduation rates, personal growth and lasting friendships.