COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA
CNC Quesnel receives generous donation from Quesnel Tillicum Society to facilitate Indigenous student success and cultural campus activities

Indigenous students at CNC's Quesnel campus will have access to new financial support and cultural activities thanks to a generous $14,000 gift from Quesnel Tillicum Society Native Friendship Centre (QTS).

The funds will support students in achieving their educational and career goals by removing financial barriers or hardships they may encounter, and enhancing their cultural well-being.

"We're excited to be working with CNC to make a true difference in the lives of Indigenous students and strengthen their employability," says Kathy Canuel, QTS Employment Coordinator. "We know that financial stress and basic needs insecurity can be huge factors in students dropping out of college early, or not considering post-secondary education at all. This contribution provides holistic support to Quesnel students to help fund their studies, overcome unexpected obstacles, and celebrate Indigenous identity with local Nations." 

The donation will support students and the college community in the following ways:

• Bursaries: twelve $500 grants to support students who need financial aid to cover expenses like tuition, books, and living costs. Deadline to apply for winter intake is January 30, 2025.
• Hardship Fund: available for students facing short-term, unplanned and unanticipated financial hardships who need help to cover purchases or costs such as school supplies or aids, transportation, and food security. Application forms are available at the Quesnel campus via Karen Green or through CNC's Financial Aid department.
• Cultural Fund: $4,000 available to support First Nations cultural understanding and enrichment at the Quesnel campus, such as Indigenous Culture Week, monthly Elder on campus events, and Indigenous commemorative and awareness days.

Indigenous students at the Quesnel campus looking for culturally safe services, facilities, support, and information are encouraged to connect with Karen Green, Aboriginal Advisor/Liaison via greenk1@cnc.bc.ca or 236-301-0280. Karen is a well-known face around campus and is eager to assist students on their educational path. A strong believer in lifelong learning and dedicated to the empowerment of Indigenous Peoples, she affirms that supporting student success begins with cultural connections. Karen shares teachings from Elders, holistic health and wellness traditions, and a good sense of humour with the students she mentors.

"I'm very excited to see this generous donation being targeted for Indigenous student success. These funds will not only remove barriers but offer more opportunities for Indigenous students to flourish during their studies and eventually into their respective careers", says Dr. Jessie King (Hadiksm Gaax), CNC Vice President: Indigenization. "This partnership with Quesnel Tillicum Society is a great example of prioritizing the success of Indigenous learners at CNC."

First preference for the bursaries and hardship funds will be for Indigenous students attending programs at the Quesnel campus. For more information on CNC's vision and plans to help Indigenous students thrive, see lhk'enazdulkat (we change ourselves), the College's Indigenous Education Plan for 2024-2029.