Hamilton,
11
November
2020
|
10:57 AM
America/New_York

Momentum - Path forward

Indigenous students have a growing number of options to study at Mohawk College

Providing pathways to postsecondary education for Indigenous learners is a priority for Mohawk College and its longest-standing partner in making that happen is Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP).

Since SNP formed in the early 1990s, the relationship between the two institutions has grown into joint program delivery of programs, says Rebecca Jamieson, President and CEO at SNP.

“SNP is very honoured to see graduates from programs such as the Practical Nursing program offered through SNP; remote northern delivery of continuing education on Indigenous Health Mental Health and Addictions; Personal Support Worker; Mental Health and Disability Management and Social Service Worker now working in their communities and making a positive difference.”

The mission of the partnership is to encourage access to a postsecondary education for all Indigenous learners, said Amy Kelaidis, Director and Special Advisor of Indigenous Initiatives.

“The programs we offer are built on the relationship we have developed over many years and they have made a real difference for so many students.”

SNP operates two campuses, one in Ohsweken and another in Mohawk’s former campus space in Brantford. That expansion allowed for more shared programs and deeper partnerships with Mohawk.

Pictured: Leah Hogan, Manager, Indigenous Education and Amy Kelaidis, Director and Special Advisor of Indigenous Initiatives

“In the last year, we’ve been able to increase enrolment in our shared programs by three times,” said Leah Hogan, Manager of Indigenous Education at Mohawk. That includes programs in the construction trades, health care, and community justice services.

“We work closely with SNP to focus on programs that fit the needs of the community and where jobs are in demand.”

The partnership has resulted in increased student success, measured by enrolment, retention, graduation and employment, says Jamieson.

“Students studying in a Mohawk/SNP program get the best of both worlds,” said Hannah Abram, Acting Registrar at SNP. “SNP also values the partnership with Mohawk as it allows us to brainstorm and collaborate on ideas and programming beneficial to our students.”

It has been a privilege to partner with SNP on delivering programs and services to support Indigenous learners and communities, says Paul Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer at Mohawk.

The collaborative programs embed professional knowledge and skills along with Indigenous culture, traditions, healing practices and knowledge, he says.

As well, Mohawk and Six Nations are developing applied research projects in water safety and security in conjunction with McMaster University.

“We look forward to further expansion of programs and new initiatives to support Indigenous learners and communities.”

 

 

 

Pictured: Six Nations Polytechnic team 

 

 

 

 

Pictured: Left to Right

Barbara Chessum, Simulation Centre Support Officer

Theresa Merwin, Director – Simulation, Business Development and Interprofessional Learning

Priscilla Patterson, Professor

Tracy Lickers, Professor

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured: Community Access Team