Hundreds of self-identified Indigenous high school students will come together next week to explore post-secondary education options in Niagara.

Co-hosted by Brock University, Niagara College, the District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board, the Indigenous Career Fair takes place at the Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC) on Tuesday, March 29.

More than 400 local students have been invited to attend to receive information on available Brock and Niagara College programs.

Sam Charal, Brock’s Aboriginal Recruitment/Liaison Officer, said the day is a chance for Indigenous students to not only connect with their peers, but to also learn more about programs that will allow them to stay close to their homes and communities.

“Although supporting our students in finding their path through post-secondary is important to us, we are equally excited to host a space at NRNC that allows Indigenous students to come together in a good way after a taxing stretch of being isolated from in-person connections, laughter and kinship in quarantine,” he said.

In addition to gathering information, the day will see students treated to traditional food, such as scones and strawberry juice, given promotional material and accessories from Brock, Niagara College and local Indigenous partners, and treated to a live musical performance by DJ Shub.

Brock’s Director of Aboriginal Student Services Cindy Biancaniello said the event aims to serve as a steppingstone for the students as they begin to explore what they will do after high school.

“It’s never too early for kids to get interested in post-secondary education,” she said. “We want them to see they are welcome in these schools, and there will be Indigenous students and staff to support them along the way.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the Indigenous Career Fair is invited to contact Biancaniello at cbiancaniello@brocku.ca