Why ABM College is a Trusted Choice for Indigenous Learners Across Canada

ABM College is located on traditional lands. Our online students also join us from many different traditional territories across Canada. We believe education is important, and we are committed to supporting understanding and respect through learning.

A Barrier Too Many Indigenous Learners Face

Finding a college in Canada that truly understands your circumstances as an Indigenous student can be challenging. If you live in a remote or rural community, your nearest post-secondary institution might be hundreds of kilometres away. If you are a working adult or a parent, relocating is rarely an option. And if you have never seen yourself reflected in a classroom, it is hard to feel welcome.

ABM College was built differently. As a private career college that Indigenous Canada trusts, we offer online programs designed specifically for learners who need flexibility, cultural safety, and practical career training. 

Band Funding Made Simple

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Does ABM College accept band funding?” The answer is yes. We are a college that accepts band funding from First Nations communities across Canada, and we have made the process straightforward.

Indigenous Student Funding & Financial Support

At ABM College, we are committed to supporting Indigenous students in accessing financial assistance for their education. Funding options may be available to help cover tuition, books, and living expenses during your studies through Band sponsorship funding.

Students are encouraged to apply for funding as early as possible, as some programs have specific application deadlines and processing times.

To be considered for sponsorship and receive funding from your First Nations Band for tuition, or from another third party, students will need to contact their Band’s funding office directly to inquire about the application process and available funding packages. Please note that all applications for financial support must be submitted directly to the Band.

Once we have obtained an approval letter from the Band, we will be able to issue an invoice and send it directly to them.

To help facilitate this process, we kindly ask students to provide the following contact details for their Band after they have initiated communication and submitted their funding application:

• Band Name and Address
• Contact Person’s Full Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number

Many Indigenous learners delay their education because they assume navigating funding is too complicated. At ABM College, we assign a dedicated student advisor to guide you through every step. 

Indigenous Student Support Services that Actually Help

When you search for Indigenous student support services and college programs, you will find many institutions that make promises they cannot keep. At ABM College, our support is practical, not performative.

Our Indigenous Learner Supports Include:

– A dedicated Indigenous Student Liaison who understands community protocols

– Monthly virtual check-ins to track your progress and well-being

– Access to tutors who are trained in culturally safe communication

– No one should have to choose between their education and their identity. At ABM College, you keep both.

– Flexible schedules for working students

Many Indigenous students are also working adults. You might hold a part-time job in your community, care for elders, or help raise younger siblings. A rigid 9-to-3 classroom schedule simply does not work. That is why flexible schedules for working students are not just a feature at ABM College; it is the foundation.

Real Student Experience

Pamella Starr, a recent Addictions graduate, says, “I’m in the addiction support worker program, and I’m at ABM College in Calgary. I’m very, very excited for my graduation. A little bit nervous, but really excited. My experience within the program was lots of fun, and it was very interactive. It was very encouraging. We were always asked to ask a lot of questions, and it was very informative.

So my relationship with my classmates and my instructor is really great. We had a lot of time to interact with each other, especially during class times. My instructor, whose name was Usha, was really great, and she was never afraid to answer a question and just interact with us, especially during song days, which were always on Friday.

My advice is to go for it. It’s like it’s one of the best things that I’ve done. Like, I haven’t gone to school for a while, and my son was the one who actually got me into this program. And it was one of the best things that I’ve ever done.

My plans for the future are to just see where everything takes me. I really want to get into the field. Like helping people with addictions and stuff like that. And to become the person I needed in my time of need.

Your Next Step

ABM College welcomes Indigenous learners from Nunavut to Newfoundland. Whether you are Métis, First Nations, or Inuit, you have a place here. Check your band funding eligibility today and start a program that works for your life, not against it.