Helping Indigenous Learners Prepare for Good Jobs

Brantford — Ontario is putting students first by investing in Indigenous students and their potential with increased funding to Indigenous Institutes to provide postsecondary education and training for hundreds of learners.

Today, David Piccini, Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Colleges and Universities was at Six Nations Polytechnic to announce that the government is increasing funding by $1.8 million this year to Indigenous Institutes in Ontario to help them provide high-quality education that responds to community and local labour market needs.

“Indigenous Institutes are a critical part of our public education system because they provide a culturally holistic learning environment that prepares learners for success in the workforce,” said Minister Romano. “By increasing support to Indigenous Institutes, we will help hundreds of Indigenous learners access the education and training they need to get good jobs and make Ontario open for business.”

Indigenous Institutes are a pillar of Ontario’s postsecondary education system. In partnership with publicly assisted colleges and universities, the Institutes offer a variety of provincially recognized postsecondary education programs.

“Indigenous Institutes like Six Nations Polytechnic are doing an excellent job preparing the next generation of talent to support the province’s growing economy,” said PA Piccini. “So, in turn, our government is more than happy to support the important work they do.”

“Indigenous Institutes play a significant role in serving the learners, communities and regional areas in which they operate,” said Rebecca Jamieson, President/CEO, Six Nations Polytechnic. “Additional funding for our Institutes will undoubtedly help us to better support student success and provide greater access to educational opportunities.”

Quick Facts

  • Ontario supports nine Indigenous Institutes with operating funding to provide postsecondary education and training for more than 1,200 Indigenous learners.
  • The government is providing $22.8 million in total operating funding to Indigenous Institutes in 2019-20.
  • Indigenous Institutes are Indigenous-governed and operated institutions that receive their mandate from Indigenous communities and provide postsecondary education and training to Indigenous learners. Indigenous Institutes currently partner with colleges and universities to offer degree, certificate, and diploma programs.
  • Ontario is directing a greater proportion of the increased funding to Indigenous Institutes in northern communities to help them address the additional challenges and costs of travel, heating and snow removal.

Additional Resources