| Summary: | In Canada, there is a significant gap between the educational level of Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. In 2016, 3 out of 10 Indigenous people had dropped out of high school, and only 11% of Indigenous people have a university degree, compared to 29% of non-Indigenous Canadians (Statistics Canada 2017). Considering these inequalities, several studies have identified the needs, barriers, and success or failure factors for Indigenous students. In this regard, my doctoral degree aims to improve understanding of the experiences of First Nations students in university. It is based on a qualitative empirical-inductive survey conducted between 2014 and 2017 in Montreal, Quebec. The body of data consists of interviews with 21 current and former First Nations students from Université du Québec à Montréal and Université de Montréal, supplemented by interviews with 3 English-speaking First Nations students from McGill University, 3 non- Indigenous students and 9 resource people from Montreal postsecondary institutions. The research mobilizes critical theories in education (critical pedagogy and anti-racist perspective) and Critical Race Theory to interpret the results, distancing itself from traditional analyzes based on theories of "cultural discontinuity". Addressing issues from the perspective of racial oppression helps to redefine the framework for thinking about inequalities in education between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Several factors are key to differentiating the academic experience of participants, including the relationship to the urban environment and cultural, social, and linguistic capital. Only a minority of participants experienced urban, academic, and social adjustment difficulties. All participants, however, experienced the consequences of systemic racism towards Indigenous peoples. The thesis therefore sheds light on the effects of discrimination mechanisms that students face at interpersonal and institutional levels. It also contributes to a better understanding of the ways in ...
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