According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), education is one of the five key areas that must be reformed to achieve reconciliation. Colleges and institutes understand the critical role they play in reconciliation. We engage actively with our Indigenous communities across the country to remove barriers to education and promote a culture of respect and inclusion in our spaces.
In 2014, we launched the Indigenous Education Protocol for Colleges and Institutes, establishing seven principles to improve the participation, engagement and recognition of Indigenous communities in our colleges and institutes. Though post-secondary attainment rates remain lower among Indigenous populations, we are proud that attainment rates are on par with the national average within colleges and institutes. We also offer over 300 credential programs tailored to the needs of Indigenous learners and communities.
7 principles of the Indigenous Education Protocol:
- Commit to making Indigenous education a priority.
- Ensure governance structures recognize and respect Indigenous peoples.
- Implement intellectual and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples through curriculum and learning approaches relevant to learners and communities.
- Support students and employees to increase understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
- Commit to increasing the number of Indigenous employees with ongoing appointments throughout the institution, including Indigenous senior administrators.
- Establish Indigenous-centred holistic services and learning environments for learner success.
- Build relationships and be accountable to Indigenous communities in support of self-determination through education, training and applied research.