By understanding that Indigenous Education is rooted in the cultural traditions of Indigenous people GPRC provides numerous supports to help Indigenous students succeed. Fostering the only on-campus Friendship Centre in Canada with a full time Elder in Residence are clear indicators of that GPRC’s commitment to acting on this understanding to support its Indigenous students. GPRC also has the Circle of Indigenous Students which is a student elected executive body that works to carry the Indigenous student voice on campus. Its role is to ensure Indigenous culture is honored and celebrated on-campus. Support is not focused on the academic portion of student life. The role of the Indigenous Liaison Coordinator in the college is to provide social support services to Indigenous students to help move them toward success. Coordinator ensures Indigenous culture is included, celebrated and honored within the college. This is built upon solid relationships developed within the college and the community. The goal of the Circle of Indigenous Students on-campus is ensuring Indigenous students are immediately connected to the urban Indigenous community and that they have access to celebration and ceremony – this is a critical piece of striving for student success on and off campus.
