Ontario is increasing operating funding to Indigenous postsecondary institutions.
The $57 million will help double what they now receive.
Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn says it is a recognition of the growth experienced by the institutions.
“Recognizing the 36% growth in Indigenous enrollment into the Indigenous Institutes,” notes Quinn.
“The numbers do show that the growth is in our Indigenous Institutes, as well as it’s our largest growing part of the workforce. So recognizing that we see the growth that’s behind us, but the growth that’s ahead of us, we want to ensure that they’re set up to serve their communities well.”
“We remain proud to partner with and support the exciting work underway at Indigenous Institutes as they provide the education and training that students need to enter skilled workforces,” says Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships.
Chair of the Indigenous Institutes Consortium, Laurie Deschamps, welcomes the funding.
“I would like to express our appreciation for this government’s continued support of Indigenous institutes,” says Deschamps.
“Indigenous institutes have been seeking long-term, stable, equitable operating and capital funding for many, many years. I would also like to thank Minister Quinn for his ongoing leadership, for listening, for engaging with us, for visiting our institutes and for supporting our work and the learners we serve.
Brent Tookenay, Chief Executive Officer of Seven Generations Education Institute, is also pleased to see additional funding for this learning institute.
“This funding will enable SGEI to respond and support learner access to postsecondary education programs, make new programs and deliver on priorities in the Treaty #3 territory,” says Tookenay.
A large portion of the funding, $33 million, is to be dedicated to expanding spaces in programs considered high in demand.
Specific focus will be made in the areas of healthcare, education, trades, transportation, STEM and Indigenous languages.
“The first group of students in these newly funded spots will start their programs in winter 2027, with another round of students beginning later on next year,” says Quinn.
The government is now accepting proposals, with a second call to be issued in the fall.
