New program helps First Nations students transition to university

WINNIPEG — A new pilot program is helping students from Manitoba First Nations transition to life on a university campus. The Peguis First Nation Post Secondary Transition Program runs for ten months. The 19 students live and study at the Canadian Mennonite University.

“What’s good about this program is that it introduces them to the city with a group of people they already know,” said Cheryl Pauls, CMU president. “They’re learning the same things, experiencing the same things but at the same time they’re a part of the community here.”

Stephanie Sinclair hopes to become a pharmacist. She initially enrolled at the University of Manitoba but found the transition to be too overwhelming.

“It’s hard moving from home to university,” said Sinclair. “It hit me emotionally and I just wanted to quit.”

Instead the 19-year-old started the pilot program and she said it’s helped immensely with her studies.

“It’s easier to stay in school when they’re pushing us, that’s what I missed. I wish they had that last year for me but it’s better for me this year,” said Sinclair.

The program does have a strong academic focus but it also touches on  subjects  like navigating the city and how to handle the emotional stress of big life changes.

“They learn how to ride the bus, find a family doctor, do online banking,” said Clairissa Kelly who coordinates the program. “All of these life skills are a big part of our program.”

If the pilot program is successful, it will be considered for future First Nations students.