Kwe.
My name is Denis Gros‑Louis and I'm executive director of the First Nations Education Council. I'm here representing Kiuna College, which is actually managed by the First Nations Education Council. Joining me is José‑Tomás Arriola, clinical supervisor at Kiuna. I will be sharing my time with him.
Established in 2011, the Kiuna College is the only college designed by and for first nations. Kiuna's goal is to shape first nations citizens in a learning environment geared to their identity, culture and language. Kiuna offers college programs in English and French through accreditation partnerships with two Quebec CEGEPs. Kiuna stands out from non-indigenous colleges for its unique programs and, most importantly, its outstanding support services.
The student body is largely made up of indigenous people, and they have multiple unique needs. When students arrive, in addition to providing them with a quality education, we take into account their needs, whether psychosocial, emotional or socioeconomic. All too often, difficulties of this nature hinder their ability to learn.
Fifty per cent of students use psychosocial intervention services. Psychosocial services are therefore the foundation of Kiuna's mission and success. In addition, Kiuna welcomes students and their families. A third of our students have family responsibilities. To serve their needs, Kiuna created a family and children's program called Skamon to help with homework.
Those services need to address that reality, as well as the complexity of learning a second language for many of our students. We must therefore think outside the box to help our students and their families succeed, and do so without financial support for their unique circumstances.
As a college institution, Kiuna receives funding based on a three-part formula from Quebec's department of higher education, the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur du Québec. Unfortunately, the provincial formula only meets 40% of our operating budget requirements, and Kiuna's dual educational and support services mission is therefore at risk. Kiuna College must be able to count on financial support from the federal government, because post-secondary education is not a social policy, it is our future.
I will now turn the floor over to you, Mr. Arriola.