Ottawa, June 19, 2020 – This Sunday, on National Indigenous Peoples Day Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) joins all Canadians in recognizing and celebrating the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of Indigenous peoples!
As the primary access point to post-secondary education for First Nations, Inuit and Métis learners, with 86% living within 50 km of a college or institute, CICan members are deeply engaged in the process of reconciliation and deeply committed to empowering Indigenous students. They work in close partnership with their local Indigenous communities to remove barriers to education and promote a culture of respect and inclusion on their campuses. Indigenous spaces on campus, elder advisors, and traditional knowledge in program development help put college and institute diploma attainment for Indigenous students on par with non-Indigenous students. CICan is very proud of the support our members provide every day!
CICan stands with our seven Indigenous member institutions and the more than 65 colleges and institutes that have signed CICan’s Indigenous Education Protocol and committed to reconciliation through education, governance structures, learning environments, and being accountable to the Indigenous communities they support. In the current global climate, tailored programming for Indigenous communities in areas such as education, health, justice, language & culture, and child welfare is more important than ever.
As a part of Indigenous History Month, we are also reminded of the darker periods in Canadian history and the systemic discrimination that many Indigenous people still face. Five years after the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we must continue to build stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. We can and will do better.
Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!
About Colleges and Institutes Canada:
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the voice of Canada’s publicly-supported colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics, and an international leader in education for employment with ongoing programs in over 25 countries. CICan’s members add over $190B to Canada’s economy each year and contribute to inclusive economic growth by working with industry and community partners to offer more than 10,000 programs to learners in urban, rural, remote, and northern communities.
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For more information:
Julien Abord-Babin
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
Colleges and Institutes Canada
jabord-babin@collegesinstitutes.ca
Tel. : 613-746-2222 ext. 3131
Twitter : @CollegeCan