LE,NONET (pronounced le-non-git)—a SENCOTEN (Straits Salish) word meaning "success after enduring many hardships" speaks to many Aboriginal student experiences.
The LE,NONET Project (2004-2009) was designed to help create a space at the University of Victoria where Aboriginal students would feel welcomed, could be successful in a community environment, and experience a beneficial education. To accomplish this goal, several interrelated programs and initiatives were designed in consultation with Aboriginal students, faculty, staff, and representatives from local First Nations.
The LE,NONET Project included:
- Research Apprenticeships & Community Internships
- Student Mentoring
- Student Bursaries
- Training & support for faculty and staff
- Partnerships with Vancouver Island First Nations and Aboriginal organizations
LE,NONET Logo
Straits Salish Master Carver, Charles Elliott, translated a classic spindle whorl design into a stylized form for the project logo, entitled “SUL SUL TUN.” This image depicts a human surrounded by a pair of wolves, speaking to the capacity of students to use the best of both worlds - the wisdom and traditions from First Nations on one hand, and academic research and knowledge on the other. [Find out more...]
LE,NONET Research
Qualitative and quantitative research are being undertaken to evaluate the impact of the LE,NONET Programs on the success of Aboriginal student participants, as well as the impacts on community partners, faculty advisors and the broader university. The research findings will make recommendations for the development of future programs to support the success of Aboriginal students, both at UVic and at other post-secondary institutions. An interim research report was released in 2008, and a final report is expected to be released in March 2010. Enquiries about the LE,NONET Research can be made to Sarah Hunt, Co-Principal Investigator (sarah@uvic.ca or 250-472-5982).