UCC raising the level of awareness

Page 3

Native participation in post-secondary training is up at the University College of the Cariboo, and so is non-Native participation in the UCC First Nations Awareness Week. Awareness events were held from March 26 to 29 and included drum and dance demonstrations, a political forum, Elders luncheon, fashion show, and arts and crafts show.

"At the risk of sounding humorous, the experience of being Native is one we are already familiar with," said Vicki Manuel, president of the UCC First Nations Students Association. "We would like to bring this experience to others. I encourage non-Aboriginals to participate, to witness and to learn from each of our traditions that are being showcased here. I've heard way too many times that people don't know about Aboriginals. This is the dead-on opportunity to find out."

Manuel is proud of the fact that UCC has some 700 First Nations students enrolled in numerous programs, representing close to 15 per cent of general campus population. This is proof positive that Aboriginal people are eager to improve their lot in life, despite a common misconception to the contrary, she said.

"These numbers are probably the highest in any educational institution in the province. Although I'm encouraged, I would like to see an increase of 50 per cent by the time I'm done."

Her dream, she said, is to have the Red Million-Man March come through educational institutions, her adaptation of the Martin Luther King's Million-Man March.

"If we take care of Aboriginals, we take care of Canadians, because the long term goals are to have our communities taken care of."

Manuel is in her second year as president of the students association and her third year of participation in awareness week, this year as coordinator.

"What keeps me coming back is providing liaisons and opportunities for the Aboriginal community, watching as they develop, grow and prosper, watching traditions being honored here.

"A couple of years ago we brought around 900 First Nation students to UCC from area high schools, carrying on the tradition that it's our responsibility to bring the next generation alongside the support of the generations that are already out here; providing them with encouragement and a happy face. The responsibility of bringing up the next generation is something I keep close to my heart because I want to see graduation statistics ultimately rise, not only here but also in the high schools, providing a future through education."