VIU opens pathways to learning

Doris Sagutch will tell you it’s never too late to change careers.

After many years working as a cook in a Snuneymuxw First Nations daycare, arthritis set in and she started getting sore hands. Sagutch could have collected long term disability “but I didn’t feel disabled,” she said.

Instead, she headed back to school. Now she wants to teach younger generations the Coast Salish language.

Sagutch is a recent graduate of Vancouver Island University’s Pathways to Learning program, an intensive two-week course to help Aboriginal learners make a successful transition to higher learning.

The program is team taught by Sharon Hobenshield, VIU’s Director of Aboriginal Education, and First Nations faculty members Lillian Morton, Richard Aisaican and Nick Claxton.

“Pathways to Learning is a three credit course designed to support students who want to pursue academic learning,” explained Hobenshield. “It’s one of the ways we are trying to improve access to education for Aboriginal learners of all ages.”

The course was developed through community consultation to help students re-enter the education system and provide them with an opportunity to assess and identify their learning styles and needs in a respectful and supportive environment.

According to Shane Hartman, VIU’s newly hired Aboriginal Student Success Advisor, the Pathways program is designed to address the social, emotional, cultural and academic challenges students often face when they start or resume post-secondary education.

“The course helps build their confidence,” said Hartman. “Our participants come from all over Canada and for some, it’s been a long time since they’ve stepped foot into a classroom. Many of the recent graduates are going on to further education in VIU’s Adult Basic Education program or through the Aboriginal University Bridging program.”

Sagutch said she liked the classroom diversity in the Pathways program and feels more confident about pursuing her goal . Her dream is to upgrade her education and eventually teach the Coast Salish language to younger generations.

“Pathways to Learning helps you get to know yourself, where you are at and where you want to go,” she said. “I enjoyed being in the classroom with younger students. They liked to listen to my stories and experiences in life.”

For more information about Pathways to Learning, contact at Lillian.morton@viu.ca