In the first part of our Education Guide, we feature four institutions that stand out for their commitment to providing culturally sensitive and empowering education for Indigenous students, particularly those from the Cree communities.
Each of these institutions offers a range of options for Indigenous students to find their path in higher education, blending academic excellence with a respect for and integration of Indigenous culture and values.
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)
UQAT’s School of Indigenous Studies is the only university department in the province wholly focused on Indigenous studies. This multidisciplinary approach underlines UQAT’s commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into higher education.
Primarily a French-language institution, UQAT offers courses in English for Indigenous students. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the university’s practice of forming small cohorts and signing agreements with Indigenous communities and organizations, including various Cree groups. This collaborative approach has led to the development of advanced Indigenous studies programs, including a master’s program set to launch in 2024, adding to the existing graduate offerings for Indigenous students.
At UQAT, the First Peoples Service supports students’ academic and psycho-social needs. This service provides tools for effective time management and assists with housing, personal relationships and other non-academic concerns. The intimate scale of UQAT allows for close relationships between faculty and students, fostering a personalized and supportive educational environment.
The university offers a range of teaching methods, including on-site community classes, remote learning, hybrid formats, and both intensive and conventional courses. This flexibility ensures that education is tailored to the diverse needs of students, particularly those from Indigenous communities.
UQAT extends its reach beyond the campus, organizing events that facilitate networking between students and potential employers, thereby supporting students’ transition from education to employment.
UQAT’s initiatives and research projects are developed in close collaboration with Indigenous partners. The university’s dialogue with Indigenous people, including former and prospective students, ensures that its programs and research respond to the concrete needs of Indigenous communities.
First Nations Executive Education / HEC Montréal
As First Nations Executive Education (FNEE) celebrates its third anniversary, it marks not just a milestone for HEC Montréal but an achievement in Indigenous and non-Indigenous collaboration in higher education. FNEE is a driving force in fostering excellence, blending traditional knowledge with modern executive training.
FNEE’s third anniversary event, held November 14-15, attracted over 300 guests from academia, business and politics to celebrate this remarkable journey. Participants from six cohorts received university attestations and certifications at the event.
FNEE has offers 42 training sessions to more than 800 participants from 37 communities and 10 Nations, 66% of whom are women. Its six co-created programs are taught by 85 instructors, 46 of whom are Indigenous, and awarded 150 certificates in 2023-2024.
One FNEE initiative is the launch of a program focused on the Next Generation. Developed in partnership with five Indigenous organizations, this three-day program is designed for youth aged 18 to 35 who want to blaze their own trail. The program will be held March 4-6 in the community of Mashteuiatsh.
The collaboration of HEC Montréal and FNEE exemplifies a commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive education. This partnership highlights the vital role academic institutions can play in fostering and supporting Indigenous leadership.
Algonquin College
Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke and AC Online are located on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in eastern Ontario, offering more than 300 programs ranging from health studies to advanced technology and trades.
Algonquin is not just an educational institution; it’s a vibrant community. The college supports Indigenous learners, fostering their success in an inclusive and empowering atmosphere. Algonquin College takes pride in its commitment to making Indigenous knowledge and Truth and Reconciliation an integral part of their culture.
Students have access to qualified Indigenous counsellors and student support officers, a food security program, assistance with housing and meaningful connections with career and employment fairs. Bursaries are available for Indigenous students, as well as entrepreneurship and applied research positions, volunteer opportunities and information about community resources.
The Mamidosewin Centre is the hub for Indigenous learners at the Ottawa campus. Mamidosewin is Algonquin/Ojibwe for “meeting place” or “walking together.” The Mamidosewin Centre strives to build a community that embodies this sentiment.
Employees and student navigators plan and host cultural programs and activities including feasts, celebrations, drum circles and social gatherings throughout the year. A welcoming place to visit between classes, the Mamidosewin Centre presents student events, smudging ceremonies and guest speakers. Other activities include monthly cultural celebrations, an annual Round Dance, and an Indigenous graduate celebration ceremony.
Experiences and celebrations of First Nation, Inuit and Métis cultures and traditions are observed through calendar events, speakers, feasts and activities. A permanent courtyard, fire pit, a memorial sculpture and two Indigenous gardens, as well as many murals and symbols are prominently on display throughout the Ottawa campus.
The College’s Pembroke campus is home to Campus Kokum, Campus Elder and Drumkeeper as well as a recently unveiled Medicine Wheel Garden. This spiritual place is located on a hill to the west of the campus and has become a special area for reflection and learning about Indigenous teachings.
Algonquin College is actively working towards bringing Indigenous languages back to life on campus. This includes Indigenous street names within the campus grounds and Indigenous wayfinding and pathways offering direction and placemaking. The College also hosts an ongoing video series that shares greetings, cultural information, and Anishinàbemowin pronunciation guides to get more people speaking it. This gives learners and employees partnerships and social relationship opportunities with elders and communities from Kitigan Zibi and Pikwakanagan.
Leadership opportunities, like the annual Niganizi Indigenous Student Leadership Retreat, offer Indigenous students opportunities to connect with their roots and work on their leadership skills, as well as Student Navigator leadership opportunities within the Mamidosewin Centre and throughout the campus. Additionally, a student seat is available on the Indigenous Education Council, aimed to help close the educational gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and to increase knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives among all students.
For students who wish to participate in post-secondary studies but want to stay close
to their community, AC Online is the Algonquin College virtual campus. It offers quality online education, more than 80 programs and over 800 courses.
Canadore College
With its significant Indigenous student population, Canadore College is a hub for cultural diversity and educational excellence. Its commitment to Indigenous education and support is evident across its campuses and in its specialized programs.
With campuses in North Bay and Parry Sound, Ontario, Canadore has around 750 Indigenous students, making up about 15% of the total student population. This diverse student group includes Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Cree, Algonquin, Métis, Mohawk and Inuit, highlighting the college’s role as a melting pot of Indigenous cultures.
The First Peoples’ Centre at Canadore is more than just an academic facility, it’s a vital cultural and support hub for Indigenous students. It offers a range of services, from comprehensive academic support to cultural programs. The Centre also engages in recruitment, promotion and community outreach projects, extending its impact beyond the college walls.
Canadore offers various learning paths. Last year, over half of the Indigenous learners attended on-campus programs, while others studied at Indigenous partner campuses or in their home communities. Many chose part-time learning, indicating the college’s flexibility and commitment to accessible education.
A standout initiative at Canadore is the Kikandaaswiwin Mookiisin (KM) Indigenous STEAM Program. Developed in partnership with Actua, this program helps Indigenous youth enter high-skill fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). KM emphasizes the importance of Indigenous identity and perspectives in these fields, offering students not only academic growth but also a renewed confidence in their cultural heritage.