Tara Williamson

University of Manitoba student Tara Williamson braved the cold to voice her opinion at the protest.

Tara Williamson is the aboriginal students' representative for the University of Manitoba Student Union.She said despite the increase in graduation rates of aboriginal students, there is still work to be done.

"An increase in graduation rates without a closing of the gap in rates doesn't eliminate or diminish inequity," she said.

She said that retaining aboriginal students, while increasing enrollment of new aboriginal students, would require much time and effort.

"There is now a generation of role models for aboriginal students where there may not have been before - this helps to break down the myths that post-secondary education is not for aboriginal students.It makes education seem more accessible.

"The UofM claims to be the top choice in the province for aboriginal students, but the UofM is also the only choice for many programs," she said.

Williamson also said many aboriginal university students choose fields of study that differ from their non-aboriginal peers.Generally, aboriginal students take longer to complete degrees, entering university later in life and are more likely to be parents.As a result of these factors, as well as funding cuts and shortages, the various academic and access programs intended to improve graduation rates of aboriginal students have focused on recruiting new students rather than retaining current ones, which is equally important, Williamson said.

Tara Williamson is the aboriginal students' representative for the University of Manitoba Students' Union.She explained the crux of the current issues in aboriginal education.

"An increase in graduation rates without a closing of the gap in rates doesn't eliminate or diminish inequity," she said.

She argued that retaining aboriginal students, while increasing the student population, will require time and effort.

"There is a generation of role models for students where there may not have been before-this helps to break down the myths that post-

secondary education is not for aboriginal students.It makes education seem more accessible."

Williamson also questioned the interpretation of the many studies being done on the postsecondary experience of native students, wondering whether they are of any benefit.

"The U of M claims to be the top choice in the province for aboriginal students, but the U of M is also the only choice for many programs," she said.

In addition, many aboriginal university students choose fields of study that differ from their non-aboriginal peers.Also, many aboriginal students take longer to complete degrees, entering university later in life, and are more likely to have children while attending.

As a result of these factors, as well as funding cuts and shortages, the various academic and access programs intended to improve graduation rates of aboriginal students have focused on recruiting new students rather than retaining current ones, which is equally important, Williamson said.

Tara Williamson is the aboriginal students' representative for UMSU.She explained the crux of the current issues in aboriginal education.

"An increase in graduation rates without a closing of the gap in rates doesn't eliminate or diminish inequity," she said.

She argued that retaining aboriginal students, while increasing the student population, will require much time and eff ort.

"There is a generation of role models for students where there may not have been before - this helps to break down the myths that post-secondary education is not for aboriginal students.It makes education seem more accessible."

Williamson also questioned the interpretation of the many studies being done on the postsecondary experience of native students, wondering whether they are of any benefit.

"The U of M claims to be the top choice in the province for aboriginal students, but the U of M is also the only choice for many programs," she said.

In addition, many aboriginal university students choose fields of study that diff er from their non-aboriginal peers.Also, many aboriginal students take longer to complete degrees, entering university later in life, and are more likely to have children while attending.

As a result of these factors, as well as funding cuts and shortages, the various academic and access programs intended to improve graduation rates of aboriginal students have focused on recruiting new students rather than retaining current ones, which is equally important, Williamson said.

My name is Tara Williamson and I was recently acclaimed as the new Aboriginal Student Community Representative for the University of Manitoba Students' Union.
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Tara Williamson474-8850