Kjipuktuk Aboriginal College
2158 Gottingen Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 3B4
Tel: (902) 420-0686
Fax: (902) 423-6130

Program Mission & Objectives:

A fairly comprehensive institution, the Kjipuktuk Aboriginal College defines its mission as one which "strives to offer educational programs tailored to the needs of First Nations people". And in fact, it has been attempting to establish a province-wide Aboriginal college. Since its inception in 1985, the college has offered a variety of adult education programs designed to meet the needs of adult learners at various stages of literacy: the Native Literacy Centre, the Academic Upgrading Program (Levels 1 to 4), Computer Applications for Business (CAB), Office Administrative Training Program (OATP), the Early Childhood Education Program, the Native Science and Health Careers Program and the University & College Preparation Program (UCPP). In addition, Kjipuktuk provides employment counselling to individuals looking for immediate employment, or who are interested in re-training.

The training programs offered through the college are intended to accommodate the needs of adult First Nations learners as well as those of the business community. The academic programs focus on the academic and personal development of the adult learner in preparation for post-secondary programs. All programs endeavour to provide the student with the skills and attitudes that will ensure success in his or her chosen occupation. The basic literacy program for returning learners, in particular, places a significant emphasis on fundamental life skills and provides a good deal of information for self-care (nutrition, hygiene, etc.).

Admission assessment is a thorough and varied process that involves a series of tests and interviews with each applicant. In addition to the Canadian Adult Achievement Test, personal interviews and goal-setting exercises provide a fairly accurate estimate of an applicant’s placement within the program.

The college works in tandem with the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre. Not only does it share quarters with the Centre, it also avails itself of the various support services offered to the Aboriginal learners. Moreover, policy governance and support for the college comes from the Board of Directors of the Friendship Centre.