Convention History
The Convention on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples is the result of the vision and commitment of Marco Bacon, Director of the Office of Inclusion and Student Success (Biré) at UQAM and member of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Nation.
It all began in March 2014 at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) when Mr. Bacon held the position of Director of the Centre des Premières Nations Nikanite (CPNN). From the beginning, the goal was clear: to bring together First Nations education actors to share practices and discuss challenges encountered in the Indigenous school environment in Quebec.
The next edition, special in that it celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Convention, promises to be a moment of reflection and celebration. It provides an opportunity to look back on a decade of hard work and success, while working together towards a better future for Indigenous learners, highlighting past successes and identifying future challenges on the path to self-determination.
General Presentation of the Bureau de l’inclusion et de la réussite étudiante (BIRÉ)
The considerable increase in students with disabilities and the diversification of the student population in general have led UQAM, over the years, to devote a great deal of attention to issues of inclusion. Under the Services de soutien et de développement académiques (SSDA), the creation of the Bureau de l’inclusion et de la réussite étudiante (BIRÉ) in January 2021 stems from this inclusive concern and is, in addition to the various actions, implemented by the University in order to promote better accessibility to higher education.
Mission
In collaboration with its partners, Biré’s mission is to support the student population in the realization of its study projects, to mobilize and support the university community in establishing a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity with respect and openness. In this perspective, Biré works to ensure access to education in all equity, equal opportunities without discrimination. Its primary goal is to remove obstacles that could hinder the path to academic success for several members of the student community, and to provide, to everyone, the best conditions to achieve their academic objectives.
Services
The Bureau de l’inclusion et de la réussite étudiante provides services, either on campus or remotely, through a dedicated counsellor.
For the entire student community, education specialists can provide individualized support for learning, and workshops on study strategies can be offered. Individualized support measures can be provided to people with disabilities (interpreting, tutoring, assistance with exams, support with adapted technologies and tools, etc.).
The BIRÉ also offers Indigenous students the opportunity to get support from a counsellor throughout their academic career, as well as a dedicated space—the NISKA*—to meet, discuss, and organize activities. Students from abroad can benefit from personalized help for various tasks related to their study programs. It is worth mentioning that services targeting student relatives and 2SLGBTQIA+ have been launched since the start of fall 2022.
Finally, for UQAM teaching staff and employees, BIRÉ offers training and awareness-raising workshops on inclusive education and can help resolve problematic teaching situations related to the diversity of student profiles.
*NISKA
The NISKA, which means “bustard” in the Atikamekw language, is a space specifically designed for Indigenous students. It provides them with a culturally safe environment to study, gather, and recharge. It is our pleasure to invite you to NISKA not only to study, but to relax between classes, to organize study meetings, tutoring, committee meetings, and social activities.
Activity Program
Each semester, a program of one-time and recurring activities is designed in collaboration with Indigenous students. The program is shared bimonthly through the NISKA newsletter.
The following recurring activities are offered at each session:
Mentoring
· The mentoring service was developed to support Indigenous students' perseverance and success in their studies. It offers First Peoples students personalized assistance in all spheres of academic life.
French language support
· The French language support service assists Indigenous students in developing their general French skills, preparing oral presentations, and writing assignments.
Personalized help
At any time, Indigenous students can also benefit from the assistance and services provided by the Hospitality and Integration Advisor:
· Welcoming new Indigenous students.
· Individual meetings and personalized guidance throughout the university course (implementation of learning strategies, personal or study-related questions, etc.).
· Help in finding resources and services at UQAM and outside (for needs directly related to studies or not).
· Supporting future Indigenous students.
· Help for people applying for First Peoples Scholarships.
· Information on employment opportunities during studies.
· Role of intermediary and liaison with teaching staff and other educational actors.
· Psychosocial support.