Indigenous Initiatives at Augustana
About the Project
Augustana is the University of Alberta faculty with the third largest population of Indigenous learners. In the spirit of wahkohtowin, a nehiyaw (Plains Cree) concept related to "kinship," Augustana is committed to enhancing educational pathways, programming and support for Indigenous students and investing in their journey as future leaders.
The sense of wahkohtowin (kinship) created over the years amongst the various Indigenous students and the Indigenous student office at Augustana has made it a very welcoming and safe place.
Gordon Naylor, ‘11 BSc, Muskoday First Nation
wahkohtowin — the heart of Indigenous learning and community at Augustana
Support Indigenous presence, success and engagement opportunities at Augustana Campus.
Augustana is located in asiniskaw sipsis (Stoney Creek) on Treaty 6 territory within what is now the city of Camrose, just an hour southeast of Edmonton. The Augustana campus offers high-quality arts and sciences degree programs in an intimate, personalized setting, with just over 900 students and an average class size of 22. Our small campus and classroom sizes make it easier to connect with classmates, staff and instructors — meaning community, support and degree-enhancing opportunities are always close at hand.
As the only rural-based campus at the U of A, Augustana offers a distinct learning environment option for First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners. Well-supported Indigenous initiatives on campus ensure that regardless of which U of A campus students choose to study at, they know their success will be supported.
Previous Indigenous initiatives at Augustana have included constructing wahkohtowin Lodge; welcoming Elders to campus to connect with students and offer teachings; funding student awards; hosting Round Dances and workshops on ribbon skirts, moccasins, capote jackets and traditional medicines; launching an Indigenous Speaker Series; and more.
This project aims to build upon that strong foundation of programming and support by further developing, enhancing and connecting pathways that Indigenous students can access before, during and after their academic journey at Augustana. Ultimately, we aim to foster a strong sense of community that builds reciprocal relationships and provides an exceptional student experience that truly supports success.
Your Impact
By making a gift to Indigenous initiatives at Augustana, you expand the educational pathways, programming and support available to First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners at the U of A. Your investment in these areas directly addresses potential financial barriers to education while also investing in supports for cultural and personal connection.