Old Sun Community College facts for kids
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NA TO SA PI (Old Sun "to see", as in "gain insight")
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| Motto | empowering a nation through education |
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| Type | Tribal College |
| President | Maria Big Snake |
| Location |
P.O. Box 1250, Siksika T0J 3W0
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50°50′54″N 113°03′38″W / 50.8482°N 113.0605°W |
| Campus | urban/suburban reserve |
| Website | Official site: http://www.oldsuncollege.net |
Old Sun Community College is a special school in Alberta, Canada. It is owned and run by First Nations people. This college helps members of the Siksika Nation get more education and job training after high school. It is located in the Siksika 146 area.
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About Old Sun College
Old Sun Community College is a type of school called a tribal college. This means it is created by and for Indigenous communities. It helps students learn new skills and get ready for jobs or further studies.
Working Together
Old Sun Community College is part of a group called the First Nation & Adult Higher Education Consortium. This group is non-profit, meaning it doesn't aim to make money. It works with other schools in Western Canada. Their goal is to make sure First Nations people have access to great education. This education is fully guided by First Nations communities themselves.
College History
The main building of Old Sun Community College has a long history. From 1929 to 1971, it was used as a Residential School for Blackfoot children. After that, from 1971 to 1976, it was a part of Mount Royal College.
In 1978, Old Sun Community College became its own independent school. It was then run by the Blackfoot Band. The college was named to honor Chief Old Sun (1819–1897). He was an important leader, a warrior, and a medicine man for the Blackfoot people. His Blackfoot name, NA TO SA PI, means 'Sun Elder' or 'Sun Old Man'. This name suggests someone who has great wisdom and insight.
Since the 1980s, Old Sun College has grown a lot. It started as a small program to help people improve their basic skills. Now, it offers many different courses. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, and even degrees. The college works with other well-known schools like the University of Calgary and Bow Valley College.
What You Can Study
Students at Old Sun Community College learn from professors who also teach at other universities and colleges. Here are some of the programs offered:
- Adult Basic Education (ABE): Helps adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills.
- Academic Upgrading: For students who need to boost their grades or complete high school courses.
- Blackfoot Language Classes: Learn the traditional language of the Blackfoot people.
- University & College Preparation (UCEPP): Gets students ready for university or college life.
- University Studies Diploma (USD): A two-year program that can lead to a university degree.
- Bachelor of General Studies: A flexible degree program.
- Master of Education Degree: For students who want to become teachers or work in education.
- Bow Valley College LPN Diploma Program: Training to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
- Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) Program: Helps students get credit for what they already know from work or life experience.
- Summer Programs: Special courses offered during the summer months.
Help with College Costs
There are many ways to get financial help for college. The Government of Canada has a special tool called the Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool. This tool lists over 680 scholarships, bursaries, and other types of funding. These are offered by governments, universities, and companies to help Indigenous students go to college.
See also
