First Nations and Métis students
Even a cursory reading of Saskatchewan's post-secondary education history reveals the number and variety of institutions and programs specifically for Aboriginal students. According to Bouvier and Karlenzig,
Compared to other provinces, a relatively high proportion of Saskatchewan's population is Aboriginal (13.5% according to the 2001 census). This proportion is growing, although recently the trend has been slowing down somewhat. In addition the median age (20.1 years) of Aboriginal persons in Saskatchewan is younger than in any other province. Approximately 20% of the province's school-aged population is Aboriginal. While a high proportion (82%) of First nations students living on-reserve attend First nations schools, most First Nations students living off-reserve as well as Métis students in Saskatchewan are enrolled in the provincial system.
While the interim version of the Post-Secondary Education Accessibility and Affordability Review points out that Saskatchewan was spending "$572 per capita" on post-secondary education, Banks (2007) argues that "if the province were to fund post-secondary education institutions on a per capita basis, then First Nations and Métis institutions, who serve 13.5% of the population should receive approximately $75 million per annum. Instead they receive in the neighbourhood of $7 million per annum from the province."
Given the demographic imperatives and the long-standing commitments to strengthen Aboriginal education in the province, it is difficult to comprehend why McCall recommends: "In the short to medium term, a dialogue must begin among the provincial government, the federal government and Aboriginal people around financial supports for Aboriginal people wanting to enter and complete post-secondary education". Surely we are far beyond 'beginning a dialogue, particularly since Aboriginal post secondary education institutions have existed in the province since the 1970s. One of the main issues is to recommend increase funding for the teachers education program and other technical and university programs.
While some of this discrepancy is addressed in the 2008-09 Budget (see Finance, below), it remains to be seen how well Saskatchewan's new government will do in terms of increasing access to post-secondary for First Nations and Métis students.
A November 2011 report "Bridging the Aboriginal Education Gap in Saskatchewan" by Eric Howe suggests that the province could experience an economic boom if the Aboriginal population were better educated. Increasing the level of education in this population, the report argues, would better position Aboriginal people to enter the workforce.
One of the main goals The Ministry of Advanced Education Plan of 2015-16 is to increase participation and completion of higher education for all especially for the First Nations and Metis people by designing and delivering effective financial supports for current and future students through the Canada-Saskatchewan Integrated Student Loan, Saskatchewan Student bursaries, grants and scholarships. Non financial support plans include seamless credit transfer between the province post-secondary institutions, increase student accessibility to open education resources, focus on the underrepresented groups on post-secondary attainment and increase enrollment and retaining the people of Aboriginal descent.
Rural students
For students outside urban centres, Saskatchewan offered online education through Campus Saskatchewan. It was a partnership, directed and managed by members, to support them in developing and advancing inter-institutional initiatives to achieve shared goals and priorities for the use of technology enhanced learning.
To enhance student mobility, the Saskatchewan Council for Admissions and Transfer (SaskCAT) was created to offer an online transfer credit guide called the Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Online Transfer Guide. According to its website, "The Transfer Credit Guide database allows users to search for credits transferable from one Saskatchewan institution to another. It provides information on both Course Equivalency and Program Agreements from either the Sending or Receiving Institution."
However, at its final meeting on December 2, 2009, the Campus Saskatchewan Board of Directors determined that "the Campus Saskatchewan partnership had fulfilled its mandate, and instructed that effective March 31, 2010, the partnership, including the Saskatchewan Council for Admissions and Transfer, would cease operations."