On November 12, 2004 The University of Winnipeg opened its new Aboriginal Student Services Centre (ASSC) as part of a strategic plan to better meet the needs of a growing population of Aboriginal students. The 3,000 square-foot space offers a home-away-from-home for the more than 800 Aboriginal students who attend The University of Winnipeg.

This project was made possible through a contribution of $275,000 from CIBC to The University of Winnipeg Foundation as well as a gift of $50,000 from The University of Winnipeg Students? Association (UWSA). The new Centre, along with the restoration of Wesley Hall, is one of a number of University of Winnipeg capital improvement projects generously funded in part by the Provincial Government in 2001. In its development stage, the new ASSC was supported by a gift from Honor de Pencier.

CIBC recognizes the importance of helping create a place where Aboriginal students can connect with one another and access resources to assist them with their transition to university life.

“The ASSC is a timely initiative which will greatly improve the university experience for Aboriginal students,” said Bob Miles, Director, Commercial Banking, CIBC. “CIBC believes its investment in the Centre is truly an investment in the future of a Canada that values and celebrates diversity.”

The new Centre is the University?s focal point for culturally relevant Aboriginal programming, including interactions with Elders, healing circles, and programs that encourage students to celebrate their identity as Anishinabe, Cree, MŽtis, and Inuit people as they navigate the halls of academia.

“First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students come to Winnipeg from varied locations across the province and throughout Canada,” says Mary Young, Director of Aboriginal Student Services at The University of Winnipeg. ?We are working to create the supports they require to be self-sufficient within the community - to feel at home while away from home, able to concentrate on their studies, fully engaged with their world and its teachings, and fully prepared for what the larger world has to offer.