Indigenous Education
Colleges and Institutes
Reconciliation Through Education
Colleges and institutes across Canada are the primary access point to post-secondary education for First Nations, Inuit and Métis learners, and are deeply engaged in advancing reconciliation and empowering communities. They work in close partnership with local Indigenous communities to remove barriers to education for learners and promote a culture of respect and inclusion.

95% of all Canadians and 86% of Indigenous people live within 50 km of a college or institute location.
Their unique presence in northern and remote communities, reaching well beyond large urban centres, allows colleges and institutes to forge strong partnerships with Indigenous communities all across Canada.
Post-secondary attainment
Indigenous people vs national average
College Diploma

Bachelor’s or higher

Apprenticeship

Source: Statistics Canada, Census of population, 2016
Programs that make a difference
Colleges and institutes across the country offer over 300 credential programs (certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate certificates) tailored to the needs of Indigenous learners and communities. This includes training options in a range of fields that align with many of the Truth and ReconciliationCommission’s calls to action, including:

Education

Health

Justice

Language & Culture

Child Welfare
Supporting reconciliation
Launched in 2014, CICan’s Indigenous Education Protocol consists of seven principles to support reconciliation and aligns closely with the recommendations issued by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015.
Over 65 institutions have signed the Protocol and commit to:
- Make Indigenous education a priority
- Ensure governance structures recognize and respect Indigenous peoples.
- Include intellectual and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples in curriculum and learning approaches.
- Increase understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and nonIndigenous peoples.
- Increase their number of Indigenous employees, including Indigenous senior administrators.
- Establish Indigenous-centred holistic services and learning environments.
- Build relationships and be accountable to Indigenous communities in support of self-determination.
Tailoring support services to foster success
- Academic advising and peer support networks
- On-campus Indigenous Elders
- Cultural and spiritual activities
- Gathering places for Indigenous students
- Dedicated funding and resources such as daycare, housing, food and family services that offset the costs associated with post-secondary education
