"Moving to Edmonton from my community of Saddle Lake First Nations was challenging yet necessary change that I needed to do. I started my Bachelor of Arts degree at Grant MacEwan University and the Aboriginal Education Centre was the first place I went. The AEC became my second home, a place I went to access resources or just hang out with fellow Aboriginal students. It's difficult to think how my experience at MacEwan would be without the AEC because it played a major role in my development.
As an institution, MacEwan was a perfect stepping stone for me to enter the world. Through the interactions in and out of the classroom with professors and peers I gained the confidence to pursue my goals. Now, I'm completing my degree in International Studies at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and although this is another significant step in my life, I'm forever grateful of the people and experiences gained at MacEwan and definitely miss my old home at the AEC!" - Joel Cardinal
"The Aboriginal Education Centre was a positive outlet for me during my two years at MacEwan. Being a part of this club was a great benefit to me through stressful academic and personal times as I was able to talk to AEC staff, students - Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, openly as there was a warmness of home in the room. The cultural and club aspects in the AEC such as cultural teachings, club meetings, group activities, barbeques and cultural day was a great way to feel involved and part of a team.
Personally, I would recommend the AEC to any individual who is interested in Aboriginal culture and who would just like to hang out and get to know others; I know it was a place for me to grow and meet life long friends." - Joanna Cardinal
"The MacEwan Aboriginal Education Centre is a place where all Aboriginal students can go to interact, but the best part is that the centre is actually open for anyone. I enjoy going to the centre to relax and study or just hang out with other students. The centre offers cultural activities thanks to the involvement of Elder Jerry Wood. The centre also offers counselling for academics including scholarships. You should check it out!" - Justin Thomson
