Increase in Aboriginal post-secondary students

The latest numbers indicate that more than 10,000 university and college students identify themselves as Aboriginal, a figure 70 per cent higher than it was 10 years ago. The number of Aboriginal students enrolled in Alberta’s publicly-funded post-secondary institutions has increased from 6,236 in 2005 to 10,610 in 2013, according to Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education. However, that figure could be higher, said department spokesperson Kevin Donnan, as many students choose not to identify themselves with a particular ethnic group. Although the numbers have increased, the province says more can be done and there is a strong push for schools to try to get their percentage of Indigenous students to match the general population.