1. Executive Assistant – Employment Opportunity

Position Title:  Executive Assistant
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Remote
Pay Range: $50,000 to $65,000 per year

Role:

• Administrative support to Executive Director to ensure operational efficiency
• Manage all executive level administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings (virtual and in
person), and travel arrangements
• Managing Governance Circle meetings and coordination of attendees, meeting materials, minutes
• Locates, compiles and consolidates data to prepare papers or presentations
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Leads the expense reporting process of members and assist in the coordination of budget and
ongoing review of expenditures
• Develop records management system to process executive documentation

Skills and Qualifications:

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Time management
• Intermediate computer and office equipment skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high volume environment

Educational and Professional Requirements:

• Diploma/degree in Business Administration or related field
• 5+ years experience as an Executive Assistant

About the Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC)

The IIC represents the collective and collaborative efforts of its seven Indigenous-owned and operated
post-secondary education and training institutes across Ontario. We work collaboratively to improve the
outcomes of First Nation learners and strengthen our communities by providing high-quality
postsecondary education and training to Indigenous learners.

Contact

Please send cover letter and resume to the attention of Marsha Josephs, Executive Director at
info@iicontario.ca

View and download the full job description here:

2. Marketing and Communications Intern – Employment Opportunity

Position Title:  Marketing and Communications Intern
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Remote
Pay Range: $27.00 per hour

Role:

• Write and edit content for internal and external communications, including electronic newsletter,
stories/features, blogs, letters, speech preparation, video scripts, event collateral, reports, proposals
• Social media messaging, web page copy
• Execution of communications campaign
• Liaise with Marketing and Communications teams across the province
• Event and project management
• Daily monitoring of media releases and reports
• Participating in meetings/webinars with external partners

Skills and Qualifications:

• A demonstrated interest in the Indigenous postsecondary sector, policy, and government
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Organized, self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team in a remote work
environment
• Manage multiple tasks at once and adaptable with priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word and Excel)

Educational and Professional Requirements:

• Graduated from an undergraduate, diploma/advanced diploma, program in Communications or
Journalism

About the Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC)

The IIC represents the collective and collaborative efforts of its seven Indigenous-owned and operated
post-secondary education and training institutes across Ontario. We work collaboratively to improve the
outcomes of First Nation learners and strengthen our communities by providing high-quality
postsecondary education and training to Indigenous learners.

Contact

Please send cover letter and resume to the attention of Marsha Josephs, Executive Director at
info@iicontario.ca

View and download the full job description here:

Deadline:  September 1^st, 2023

iicontario.live/submissions

The National Indigenous Education Symposium 2023, organized jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and the Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC) will take place October 16-18, 2023, in Regina, Saskatchewan, home to the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation.

This year’s theme, Operationalizing Reconciliation will explore the role leaders in Indigenous education play to close skills gaps and respond to the biggest challenges facing Canadian Society.  Over two and a half days, leaders in Indigenous and non-Indigenous education and other committed groups will share and reflect on a unified vision for promoting, protecting and valuing Indigenous culture, knowledge and history while sharing exemplary practices and programs that support the well-being, participation, engagement, and success of Indigenous learners.
CICan and IIC invite presentation proposals that align to any of the following subthemes:

• Accessibility: Recruitment, Retention, and Success of Indigenous Learners  
• Braiding Indigenous Knowledge to Attain Climate Resilience 
• Empowering the Next Seven Generations  
• Strengthening Governance and Leadership 
• Indigenous Languages and Indigenous Teacher Training  
• Applied Research 

This is your chance to have your voice heard and participate in this important and exciting event!
iicontario.live/submissions

The past three months have been a fulfilling period of planning and celebrating reconciliation in action. Our Indigenous Institutes have been sharing Indigenous knowledge, traditions and supporting lifelong learning goals.

‘Academia became a reality’: Students learn about residential schools from their survivors

“When we learn in the classroom, we have an emotional buffer…We discuss and analyze serious topics without fully realizing their impacts. At Shingwauk, that emotional buffer was stripped away.”

Full story: https://www.utoronto.ca/news/academia-became-reality-students-learn-about-residential-schools-their-survivors

Exhibit shows benefits of Indigenous inventions

“Here in the Sault we have this beautiful host in [Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig] where we can host this exhibit and it’s about showcasing Indigenous innovation and ingenuity. We want people to think differently about items or inventions that they use in their everyday lives and show them how they come from original Indigenous innovations. We want people to look at things through a different lens.” said Ashley Larose, Science North CEO at Friday’s exhibit opening at SKG.

Full story: https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/exhibit-shows-benefits-of-indigenous-inventions-7-photos-6413434

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8EKmYBl6x0

Fort Erie-based program will train early childhood educators

“This program is ‘ReconcilliAction’ and an example that when we move beyond policy into innovative solutions, there are benefits to everyone,” said Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre Executive Director Jennifer Dockstader. “This is an important lesson that innovation and ‘ReconcilliAction’ are possible when people are priority over policy.” Other program partners include the FENFC, where the program will be based, Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) and funding from Niagara Region’s Children’s Services (NRCS).

Full story: https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/local-fort-erie/news/2022/12/21/fort-erie-based-program-will-train-early-childhood-educators.html?

Akwesasne History Project: The Indian Act

The Indian Act is a part of Canada’s history of assimilation policies intended to erase the cultural, social, economic, and political distinctiveness of Indigenous people. The Indian Act has been widely attacked and criticized due to the fact that it is discriminatory and an affront to the basic human rights of Indigenous people. Iohahi:io collaborated with AMBE and Katenies Research and Management Services on the Akwesasne History Project video explaining the Indian Act.

Watch here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTcXe-pGOCc

The Ęjidwahsrö:ni’ Fund – “We will build again”

The Ęjidwahsrö:ni’ Fund has now raised over $20,000 from generous donors towards the rebuilding of the OSTTC Longhouse Ganǫsa’ǫ:weh!

Before production of the Longhouse began, Project Advisor Committee Member, Kahyonhakta, Richard W. Hill Sr said, “While it has been many centuries since our people actually lived in bark-covered longhouses…It is such a good feeling knowing that soon our children will be able to see such a historic structure here in our own community. It will be very important to reinforce our traditional identity as the People of the Longhouse. It will also allow us to have a sharing place where the stories, crafts, and games of our ancestors come alive for the next generation.”

Donate here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/the-ejidwahsroni-fund-we-will-build-it-again-2/

As we fully embrace the fall season, there are lots of accomplishments and stories within Indigenous education in Ontario to celebrate. The past few months have proved that anything is possible, with IIC’s inaugural National Symposium and the first Indigenous person to sit on the Supreme Court, to strong Haudneosaunee community support, and the official opening of Shingwauk Kinoomage Gamig.

Read on for a highlight of the latest happenings at our Indigenous Institutes.

IIC’s Inaugural National Symposium

In mid-October, IIC’s National Symposium brought together educational professionals to discuss ways to strengthen local community economies, respond to labour market needs and decolonize post-secondary education. Featured speakers included Amos Key Jr. Executive Director and founder of SONICS/CKRZ 100.3 FM Wadrenota’ (radio) at Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Guy Freedman Chief of Staff of the Métis National Council, Irene Barbeau current president of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA) and more.

Check out the resource booklet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Spa36gJASaDsAVvpgwBtEPp95f41F62/view?mc_cid=100f256f43&mc_eid=4429136f27

Supreme Court nominee encourages young Indigenous women to dream big

“At the end of the day, if you work hard and your heart’s in it you can do whatever you want,” the first Indigenous nominee to the Supreme Court of Canada told a group of parliamentarians… “And I hope young Indigenous women will see that anything’s possible if you set your mind to it.” –  Michelle O’Bonsawin

Read more: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/supreme-court-nominee-encourages-young-indigenous-women-to-dream-big/

Support, recruitment for the Masters in World Indigenous Studies in Education expanded

“As an accredited Indigenous Institute in Ontario, Kenjgewin Teg looks forward to enhancing our long-standing partnership with Queen’s University and now contributing to graduate level studies from our Anishinabek lens.” – Beverly Roy, Kenjgewin Teg acting president

Read more: https://www.manitoulin.com/support-recruitment-for-the-masters-in-world-indigenous-studies-in-education-expanded/

Expanding training programs bode well for life-long learning

“Serving the First Nation communities of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, as well as Indigenous learners from across Ontario, Oshki-Wenjack is proud to provide a path to life-long learning and stronger communities.”

Read more: https://www.chroniclejournal.com/news/local/expanding-training-programs-bode-well-for-life-long-learning/image_900b43be-33d1-11ed-8cd0-23c949c953a8.html

Chief Shingwauk’s vision finally a reality

“Through the tribulation of the last 200 years we’ve been able to navigate through this system and have this beautiful place where an Indigenous view can be shared with not only our people but people from around the world in regards to post-secondary education through an Indigenous lens.” – Dean Sayers, Batchewana First Nation chief and SKG Board Chair

Read more: https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/chief-shingwauks-vision-finally-a-reality-15-photos-5893019

Six Nations’ Longhouse to be rebuilt after being destroyed by fire, fundraiser started

“The “We Will Build Again” fund has raised just over $15,000 in fundraising efforts to date. The plan for the new longhouse is already underway. The site has been cleared and excavated and GREAT has began drafting the plan and ordering supplies needed.”

Read more: https://canada-info.ca/en/six-nations-longhouse-to-be-rebuilt-after-being-destroyed-by-fire-fundraiser-started/

Donate here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/the-ejidwahsroni-fund-we-will-build-it-again-2/

April 28, 2022

The Indigenous Institutes Consortium, which represents seven First Nations-led post-secondary institutions in Ontario, is proud to continue to build on its partnership with the Provincial Government to deliver high quality Indigenous post-secondary education across Ontario.

Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes play an essential role in the preservation and knowledge-sharing of Indigenous languages, traditions and culture, while meeting the needs of lifelong learners in Indigenous communities across the province.

The IIC and its Members are ready to implement the 2022 Ontario Budget which invests $9 million dollars over three years to the Indigenous Institutes operating grant to expand post-secondary program offerings including new, independently-delivered programs to train more Indigenous learners; and equitable access to capital grants for facility and infrastructure renewal.

This crucial funding comes at a time when the Indigenous Institutes are operationally ready and able to help lead the recovery of Ontario’s economy and social infrastructure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to providing culturally rich teaching built on the foundation of Indigenous languages, culture, and ways of knowing, IIC Member institutes offer specialized accredited programs in nursing, personal support worker, skilled trades and so much more.

“The announcement today is a step on our journey towards a relationship that lives up to the 2017 Indigenous Institutes Act and the ideals of the Treaties and breathes life into the promise of reconciliation in education,” said Rebecca Jamieson, President and CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic and Board Chair of the IIC. “Our people cannot wait any longer. We have mature governance structures and oversight. Our members need core, predictable funding to deliver programs for our learners, respond to labour market needs in our communities and help Indigenous students succeed and reach their full potential.”

“Our Member Indigenous Institute programs are unlocking access to First Nations languages and culture that was stolen from us through the Residential Schools system. The power of Indigenous post-secondary education is the impact that comes in part from taking that power back through Indigenous control of Indigenous education for the greater good in our communities and in Ontario,” said Wendelyn Johnson, Executive Director of the IIC. “As Justice Murray Sinclair famously said, ‘Education got us into this mess… and education will get us out’.”

“Indigenous post-secondary institutions that make up the IIC’s membership are ready to build on our record of success in delivering culturally relevant, Indigenous-led post-secondary education. We know that both the need and capacity for growth are there, and we are pleased to see Ontario coming to the table with the resources support that capacity to meet our communities’ vast potential,” Norma Sunday, Director of Iohahi:io Akwesasne Education and Training Institute and Vice-Chair of the Board of the IIC.

“Oshki-Wenjack applauds the provincial government for the full recognition of Indigenous Institutes in Ontario with the financial commitments announced today. Indigenous learners deserve quality, stable and culturally relevant post-secondary education that is responsive to their unique needs. Equitable resources on par with other colleges and universities is achievable,” said Lorrie Deschamps, President of Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute

If this budget is not passed by the current Ontario legislature, IIC calls on all parties to make well-funded Indigenous-controlled post-secondary education a central part of their plans for Ontario.

Indigenous post-secondary institutions are mandated by their nations and are recognized through the Indigenous Institutes Act as the third pillar of the PSE education system in Ontario (along with colleges and universities). The Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC) represents seven post-secondary institutions in Ontario.

Since 2017, Indigenous post-secondary institutions in Ontario have received core operating funds from the provincial government delivered in a manner that respects Indigenous control over education.

For interview opportunities regarding this announcement’s implications for Indigenous education, please contact IIC Executive Director, Wendelyn Johnson at wjohnson@ingagedc8.sg-host.com

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest news about the IIC and Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes. For more information and news on IIC, please visit our website.