Aboriginal Support Services

The Aboriginal Access and Services Department supports Aboriginal learners interested in applying to and studying at Okanagan College. We are an integral component of the Student Services Department.

We encourage all Aboriginal learners to self-identify their ancestry. Voluntarily disclosing your Aboriginal ancestry either on your application for admission or by going to the voluntary self declaration webpage is a means of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all our Aboriginal learners. Think of it as a process of coming together rather than singling out. It gives us the ability to make students aware of the support services that we offer as well as to ensure that Aboriginal students are adequately represented at Okanagan College.

As a part of Okanagan College’s commitment to enhancing the participation of Aboriginal learners, the College provides Aboriginal support services at each of the four campuses. 

We strive to enhance your educational experience here by providing you with culturally relevant support including: 

• Aboriginal Services Coordinator - coordinates, develops and implements Aboriginal support services
• Aboriginal Mentors - provide personalized daily support to Aboriginal students
• Aboriginal peer mentors - provide peer support to Aborignal students
• Aboriginal student centres
• Aboriginal student associations
• Aboriginal scholarships/bursary/awards information
• Assistance with Band funding applications
• Academic Advising referrals
• Campus Health referrals
• Counselling referrals
• Disability Services referrals
• Financial Aid referrals
• Computer access

Please check out our PowerPoint presentation the contents of which will give you a more extensive review of the Aboriginal programs and services at Okanagan College.

Whether you need a place to study, relax, use a computer, or would like to inquire about other support services you can always visit any of the Aboriginal Student Centres (Penticton, Kelowna Vernon and Salmon Arm) or get in touch with local Aboriginal Access and Services staff.