Development and Evaluation of a Peer Mentorship Program for Aboriginal University Students

• Published in: Canadian journal of education Vol. 38; no. 2; pp. 1 - 34
• Main Authors: Rawana, Jennine S., Sieukaran, Daniella D., Nguyen, Hien T., Pitawanakwat, Randy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Toronto Canadian Society for the Study of Education 01.10.2015; Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE)
• Subjects: American Indian Students; Canada; Canada Natives; Children & youth; Collaboration; College Students; Colonialism; Communities; Councils; Cultural identity; Demographic aspects; Education; Educational Attainment; Elementary schools; Eskimos; Ethnic identity; Ethnicity; Evaluation; Foreign Countries; Graduate students; Higher education; Indigenous peoples; Indigenous Populations; Learner Engagement; Literature reviews; Measures (Individuals); Mental Health; Mentoring; Mentors; Minority group students; Mixed Methods Research; Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure; Native culture; Native education; Native North Americans; Native peoples; Native students; Needs Assessment; Peers; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Resilience (Psychology); Secondary Education; Secondary schools; Self Concept; Student retention; Success; Universities; University students; Well Being; Canada
• ISSN: 0380-2361; 1918-5979; 1918-5979; 0380-2361
• DOI: 10.2307/canajeducrevucan.38.2.08

Although Aboriginal students encounter educational challenges, few post-secondary mentorship programs that facilitate positive educational and mental health outcomes within this population are described in the literature. This study describes the development and evaluation of a mentorship program for Aboriginal university students. Program development was informed by a literature review and needs assessment. Using a mixed-methods design, 12 Aboriginal students completed pre- and post-program measures of resilience and ethnic identity awareness. Post-program, improvements in social competence resiliency, other-group ethnic orientation, and school engagement were identified. Research and community stakeholders are encouraged to develop mentorship programs to improve the well-being of Aboriginal students.