Verna’s Vlog: First Nations, Métis and Inuit student services at the U of A

Verna’s Vlog is a series in which I sit down with some of the incredible people who are a part of the U of A community to share their stories and learn more about what they do.

The University of Alberta is deeply committed – at every level – to ensuring First Nations, Métis and Inuit students feel welcome, safe and supported so they can thrive and succeed. 

The commitment to Indigenization is embedded throughout university strategic plans, including the university’s 10-year strategic plan, Shape: A Strategic Plan of Impact, Braiding Past, Present and Future: University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan, Forward with Purpose: A Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation, Culture of Care: Safety Action Plan and the Student Experience Action Plan. The commitment calls for institutional work in teaching, research and community engagement, as well as programs and services for Indigenous student recruitment and retention to be Indigenous-led.

Shana Dion, assistant dean of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students, and her team provide a diverse array of meaningful resources, systems and support that help students in many ways, including through cultural connections and by reducing barriers. 

This academic year, the University of Alberta welcomed more than 1,900 students who self-identified as Indigenous, helping us reach the highest ever First Nations, Métis and Inuit enrolment for the university, 4.4 per cent of the U of A’s total enrolment. Significantly, this year also saw 89.5 per cent of Indigenous students return to the U of A for the second year of their studies — a five per cent increase over the previous academic year, building on Indigenous student retention that has been growing since 2020-21.

I encourage you to watch this edition of Verna’s Vlog featuring Shana as we discuss vital supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students that operationalize our deep commitments to all student success. We also discuss the need for a newer and larger First Peoples’ House to support our growing student population in alignment with the U of A’s enrolment growth goal of 60,000 students by 2030. First Peoples’ House is a safe and holistic space for Indigenous students to connect, find academic, health and well-being support and celebrate culture. The current space can only fit 50 people, and a newer and larger space will increase the capacity to expand programming, staffing and resources.

Watch previous episodes of Verna’s Vlog.

Verna Yiu
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)