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 Bureau des Relations pour les Premiers Peuples at UQAM, Member of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Nation.
The history of this convention dates to 2014, at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), when Mr. Bacon—who then held the position of Director of the Centre des Premières Nations Nikanite (CPNN) —launched the first edition. From its inception, the objective of the convention was clear—to bring together First Nations education actors to discuss the challenges faced by Indigenous students in Quebec.
General Presentation of the Bureau des relations pour les Premiers Peuples (BRPP)
The Bureau oversees the organization of the Convention on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples, and the publication of the scientific journal dedicated to perseverance and academic achievement of First Peoples. It also ensures the visibility of UQAM’s institutional actions in terms of inclusion and Indigenous development, particularly through the development of communication tools and dedicated portals.
With the expertise of its team, the presence of an Elder in residence, and its impactful actions, the Bureau des relations pour les Premiers Peuples has become the key institutional reference for success, collaboration, and commitment to First Peoples at UQAM.
Mission
The Bureau des Relations pour les Premiers Peuples (BRPP) has the mission of supporting, accompanying and promoting the Indigenous community within the university by offering an integrated set of services adapted to the diversity of the realities, needs, and aspirations of First Peoples. BRPP works to recognize and promote Indigenous cultures, knowledge, and perspectives in all academic spheres, while fostering a safe, respectful and equitable climate. It acts as a dynamic bridge between the university and Indigenous communities, ensuring ongoing, respectful collaboration.
Objectives
- To promote the academic success and retention of Indigenous students in university,
- To provide individualized academic, personal and cultural support,
- To support the recognition and integration of Indigenous knowledge into programs, research, and outreach activities,
- To organize the Convention on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples (CPAAFP), every two years, to create a sustainable platform for dialogue, research, and collaboration to foster Indigenous student retention and success,
- Provide a space for the dissemination of pathways that lead to Indigenous personal, social or academic success through the periodic publication, every two years, of the Journal on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples,
- Following each new edition of the Convention, set up webinars with the presenters, to share the workshops and papers presented during the Convention with interested audiences.
- Promote the rights, issues, and realities of First Peoples to the broader academic community,
- Building sustainable partnerships with local and national Indigenous communities,
- Combat discrimination and prejudice through training and awareness-raising initiatives.
Services
1. Welcome, educational support and personalized guidance:
The welcome, pedagogical support and personalized guidance are designed to help each First Nation student adapt to their university career, both academically and personally. This system offers a space for listening, advice and individualized support to promote success and well-being.
2. Resources and safe spaces
Offering a secure and inviting environment that celebrates cultural identity, the NISKA space is a dedicated area decorated with Indigenous art and symbols (e.g., art, colours, materials) to foster a sense of community, encouraging connections and mutual support among indigenous students.
3. Training and awareness-raising
Actions aimed at the university community to raise awareness of the realities, knowledge, and perspectives of First peoples, and to combat prejudice and discrimination.
4. Research and Development
A commitment to support and promote the production of knowledge rooted in Indigenous perspectives, in collaboration with communities and urban Indigenous organizations, while respecting their realities, priorities and traditional knowledge.
5. Partnership and community collaboration
BRPP works closely with regional, national, and academic Indigenous organizations, helping to create a strong and respectful network that values the cultural sovereignty, self-determination, and well-being of First Peoples.
6. Mentoring program and scholarships
Measures have also been implemented to concretely support the success of Indigenous students, by promoting personalized guidance, the creation of intergenerational links and access to financial support adapted to their realities.