We’re hiring an Executive Assistant to join our team…

… and help keep things running smoothly. If you’re a master at multitasking and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is for you.

 

Employment Opportunity

Position Title: Executive Assistant (Temporary Contract)
Reports to: Executive Director
Duration: June 1 to Sept 30 (option for permanent employment)
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
  • Leads the coordination of awards
  • 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 post-secondary education and training to Indigenous learners.

 

Contact

Marsha Josephs, Executive Director
mjosephs@iicontario.ca

 

 

Reconciliation in Action

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/

 

 

Celebrating Community and Indigenous Education

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/

Springing into Summer with Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes

The past few months have been ripe with opportunities for Ontario’s Indigenous learners. Many investments in Indigenous education through our partner, Indspire, have paved the way for future generations to access their full potential. Throughout June, Indigenous history was honoured as Six Nations Polytechnic’s knowledge centre Deyohahá:ge contributed to a new Heritage Minute about Tom Longboat.

Keep reading to see what’s happening at our Indigenous Institutes.

ACESS offers Akwesasne youth intro to trades programs

The Akwesasne Career and Employment Support Services (ACESS) recently wrapped up an Introduction to ATV Maintenance Program at Iohahi:io. ACESS offered this in a series of programs to introduce Akwesasne youth to a possible career in trades. This session featured professional technician Jay Francis teaching eight students aged 14- to 18-year-old on what’s involved in being a mechanic.

Read more about the program: https://www.indiantime.net/story/2022/06/02/news/acess-offers-akwesasne-youth-intro-to-trades-programs/39865.html 

iA Financial Group Donates One Million Dollars in Bursaries for Indigenous Students

“Indspire is proud to be working in partnership with iA Financial Group on this very important program, not only does it represent a significant new opportunity for Indigenous learners across the country, it is also a tangible sign of reconciliation in action.” – Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire.

Read more: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ia-financial-group-donates-one-million-dollars-in-bursaries-for-indigenous-students-869870684.html

Heritage Minute features Tom Longboat

Tom Longboat’s story is one of dedication and triumph. From residential school systems and identity theft to a war hero and Olympian; he’s an inspiration for all of Turtle Island.

On this production, Historica Canada consulted with the senior co-ordinator of Deyohahá:ge – Indigenous Knowledge Centre at Six Nations Polytechnic, among other professors, researchers, scholars, authors and historians.

Read more: https://tworowtimes.com/news/local/heritage-minute-features-tom-longboat/

Six Nations students combine dance and education

Students from the STEAM program (a combined high school/college diploma program) at Six Nations Polytechnic combined dance and learning during an intensive two-week training program that included six hours of daily choreography training through the innovative Outside Looking In program.

Read more: https://tworowtimes.com/news/local/six-nations-students-combine-dance-and-education/

Mars Canada and Inspire Announce New Partnership to Drive Educational Opportunities for Indigenous Students

Through a three-year partnership, Mars Canada will directly support Indspire’s annual Soaring and Building Brighter Futures programs, advancing career development opportunities and offering needs-based bursaries to Indigenous students to further their education.

Read more: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/mars-canada-and-indspire-announce-new-partnership-to-drive-educational-opportunities-for-indigenous-students-862407612.html

 

Setting the Foundation for Indigenous Learners and Healthcare

This spring, the IIC’s members and partners have received several significant investments and scholarships which will empower Indigenous learners. These ongoing investments from the government into culturally-responsive education and healthcare will create a better future for Indigenous communities across Ontario. Read on to learn more about these crucial investments.

Oshki-Wenjack launches the Goyce Kakegamic student bursary

“Goyce Kakegamic was a champion of our Institute, and we miss his words of encouragement and gentle wealth of advice he instilled over the years. The bursary will help support our students and the potential he truly believed in as they work toward a brighter future for themselves and their families.” – Jonathan Kakegamic , eldest son of Goyce and educator

Full story: https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/04/14/2423130/0/en/Oshki-Wenjack-Launches-the-Goyce-Kakegamic-Student-Bursary.html 

Six Nations Polytechnic gets funding to train nurses, PSWs

“Indigenous institutes have unique capacities to provide pathways to health-care education that link our learners to community health care employers. This funding is critically important as we collectively work to recover from a global pandemic while continuing to create positive paths forward from our collective experience of inter-generational trauma and loss of language and culture.” – Rebecca Jamieson, president and CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic and chair of the IIC

Read more: https://www.theobserver.ca/news/six-nations-polytechnic-get-funding-to-train-nurses-psws

Fedeli hands out major funding to Anishinabek Educational Institute

“This investment will help Anishinabek Educational Institute expand existing programs or create new ones to support the training of approximately 101 practical nurses and 30 PSWs over four years. This will include additional lab and classroom space, and course materials like hospital beds, simulation manikins and patient lifts to support the larger cohort of students.”

Full story: https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/fedeli-hands-out-major-funding-to-anishinabek-educational-institute-5157716

Ontario training more health care workers at Indigenous Institutes – Government providing culturally responsive education for learners close to home

“Six Indigenous Institutes will receive funding to increase enrolment in their nursing and PSW programs: Anishinabek Educational Institute, First Nations Technical Institute, Kenjgewin Teg, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute, Seven Generations Education Institute and Six Nations Polytechnic. Since 2018, enrolment at Indigenous Institutes has increased by 43 per cent.”

Full story: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001679/ontario-training-more-health-care-workers-at-indigenous-institutes

$4.5M Investment will support training of more PSWs and practical nurses

“You receive more individual feedback at Kenjgewin Teg, so you know which areas you excel at and which areas you need to enhance. As a result of the support offered by Kenjgewin Teg, I am very confident about my education”. – Practical Nursing student at Kenjgewin Teg

Green Shield Canada and Indspire announce partnership

“Contributions like this one have an impact that goes far beyond the individual receiving the scholarship, as Indigenous learners reinvest the benefits of their education back into their communities. We see this trend regularly, and it is particularly pronounced and especially impactful in the context of health care initiatives like this one supported by GSC.” – Mike DeGagné, president and CEO of Indspire

Read more: https://tworowtimes.com/news/local/green-shield-canada-and-indspire-announce-partnership/https://t.co/X20rJR0rNk

Hyundai Canada donates $50,000 to Indspire, funding post-secondary bursary to drive Indigenous youth forward

“The Hyundai Canada Bursary represents a bright new opportunity for Indigenous learners to pursue their dreams of a career in the automotive or business administration fields. We are very pleased to be working with Hyundai Canada on this important initiative – and, with the creation of this Bursary, to be laying good groundwork for further collaborations which will empower Indigenous learners.” –  Mike DeGagné, president & CEO of Indspire

Read more: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/hyundai-canada-donates-50-000-to-indspire-funding-post-secondary-bursary-to-drive-indigenous-youth-forward-812607646.html

Deloitte commits over half a million dollars to Indigenous educational charity

“We’re happy to work with Deloitte as they continue to take a leadership role in corporate Canada towards reconciliation, their support will have a significant impact for Indigenous students and communities by allowing us to build educational capacity, help strengthen Indigenous youth identity, and in the long term, increase economic sustainability and prosperity.” – Dr. Mike DeGagné, president and CEO of Indspire

Full story: https://www.consulting.ca/news/2762/deloitte-commits-over-half-a-million-dollars-to-indigenous-educational-charity

IIC Acknowledges Ontario’s Recognition of Indigenous Institutes and Investment in Indigenous Post-Secondary Education in the 2022 Provincial Budget

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.

New Beginnings and Championing Indigenous Control over Indigenous Education at Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes

A new year signals new beginnings, and Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes have continued to contribute to some exciting milestones in Indigenous education. From achievements in accreditation to the wider-accessibility of Indigenous knowledge, the past few months have paved the way for a brighter future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners alike. We look forward to seeing what the rest of 2022 has in store for us.

Manitoulin Island Educational Institute Receives Accreditation

Kenjgewin Teg has been striving for this for many years, facing many uphill challenges for being an Indigenous-led institution. It’s something they’ve been doing for many years and to achieve this accreditation, in our view, is about time.” – Chief Linda Debassige via CTV News.

KT and Queen’s University Expand Indigenous Studies Courses Offered

“The new courses will provide students with the opportunity to enhance their awareness of Indigenous perspectives on a diverse range of subjects, from climate change, the connection between language and identity and the arts. Building awareness of the perspectives and knowledge of Indigenous peoples is a key part of the reconciliation process.” – Stephanie Roy, President, Kenjgewin Teg via The Manitoulin Expositor

Work On Proposed Mental Health and Addictions Research and Training Institute Continues

“I walked the halls of Shingwauk Hall and there is something very special you feel when you are in that facility. When you are in that institution you can feel the history in that building and you can feel a lot of the pain and suffering in that building. That’s why it was important to bring Algoma University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig into the plan.” – Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie and Ontario’s minister of Government and Consumer Services

Read more.

Optimistic Outlook as Rural Township Looks to Rename Derogatory Road Sign

“You have to find that meaning behind what you are teaching to inspire students. A lot of our courses are related to empowerment, our culture and making change. The best way to gain that empowerment is by experiencing it. And experiencing that you have the power to make change. And that these things really matter.” – Joanne Morrison instructor of the Native Identity Development course that is part of the Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) Native Community Worker Program

Full story here.

Kenjgewin Teg Participates in Annual Walk for Wenjack Day

“Our Kenjgewin Teg team raised $1,300 in this our first year taking part in the walk. We received really good support from people who donated to our team. Not everyone took part (from Kenjgewin Teg) but the many who walked home after work. We hope to be able to increase participation in future years.” – Andrew Gerhard, Kenjgewin Teg staff member via The Manitoulin Expositor

NAN Mourns Passing of Educator, Artist Goyce Kakagemic

“Goyce was passionate about education and the well-being of youth and their families. He was determined to close the significant gap experienced by students in our communities compared with those in urban centres. He led tremendous work to ensure that our youth received quality education opportunities and took every opportunity to encourage and support them throughout their academic careers.” – NAN deputy chief Bobby Narcisse

Read more.

“There’s a lot of troubling findings”: McMaster Professor Awarded International Water Prize for Work at Six Nations

“It’s led and shaped by the community, Indigenous science and ways of knowing [and looks at] everything from turtle tagging to a mental health app” for youth struggling with climate change and water insecurity.” – Dawn Martin-Hill, the first Indigenous cultural anthropologist in Canada and recipient of the 2022 University of Oklahoma International Water Prize.

Find out how SNP’s STEAM Academy is making a difference here.

Recognizing the Momentum for Indigenous Education

It’s been an exciting fall for our member Indigenous Institutes. In addition to each institutes’ journey towards accreditation, historic firsts in course development, holistic learning and new degree programs have been keeping the Institutes busy and making leaps and bounds for Indigenous education.

Earlier this fall, the University of Sudbury transferred its intellectual property in certain Indigenous Studies online courses to Kenjgewin Teg. These courses were previously offered by the University of Sudbury’s Indigenous Studies Department. This historic gesture respects the autonomy and empowerment of Indigenous peoples.

Six Nations Polytechnic’s Virtual Reality Asynchronous Learning Experience was highlighted in Ontario’s Virtual Learning Strategy and will facilitate the intergenerational transfer of Indigenous knowledge and language, while strengthening Indigenous technological capacity and accessibility.

Read on for more news stories about how our Indigenous Institutes are making their mark for Indigenous education across Ontario.

University of Sudbury and Kenjgewin Teg Announce Agreement

“By, for and with” Indigenous peoples – “This agreement is a gesture of reconciliation by the University of Sudbury with Indigenous peoples. It is a concrete, constructive and bold action that goes beyond symbolic gestures and words and recognizes the legitimacy of our communities to manage our education.” Learn more. You can also find more coverage on the CBC, CTV, Anishinabek News, the Manitoulin Expositor and The Sudbury Star.

Volunteers Gather to Build the Batchewana First Nation Teaching Lodge

“Visually, spiritually, emotionally. You’ll get a connection that you’ll find in no other educational institute,” Chief Dean Sayers of Batchewana First Nation told CTV News.

Six Nations Polytechnic Launches New Honours Degree Program

“[The new program] advances (our) vision to achieve international distinction for excellence in Indigenous education, Indigenous language revitalization and continuance of Indigenous knowledge,” says Rebecca Jamieson, president and CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic. Learn more.

What It Takes To Become an Underwater Welder

“Having the [women in trades] program so close to home was wonderful. It was awesome to go to school in a place where everyone pretty much knows me. Looking back, I think it definitely helped me push through the program. I felt like I was somebody. Everyone genuinely wanted me to do my best. I especially bonded with my welding teacher, Richard Green. I remember struggling with vertical welding, but he was always so patient, walked me through every single step and reminded me that I can do it—it’s just about practice. He kind of felt like a father figure to me, which I never really had. We stay in touch to this day,” Shelsea Hill tells Maclean’s Magazine.

Orange Shirt Day recognized at former Shingwauk site

“To acknowledge that we, as Indigenous people are being oppressed, even currently, from the genocide, from the past – and it’s still ongoing…They have to help bring that to an end, the systemic racism. That’s what this day is to me,” Algoma University psychology student and member of Constance Lake First Nation Mallory Solomon, told Soo Today.

Shining a Light on Six Nations Literacy

“Literacy is not just about teaching hard skills like English and math. It’s also about what people might need on a daily basis that might apply to running something like a small Indigenous-owned business, time management, how to study. Those kinds of soft skills are important too…Being literate on Indigenous knowledge is important too; knowledge, sustainability, food, spirituality.” Read educator and co-ordinator at the Achievement Centre, Nancy Gallo’s full interview in the Two Row Times.

Ontario Expanding High Quality Accessible Virtual Learning

“By continuing to promote innovation in the development of educational technology and virtual learning offerings, we are giving learners the flexible access to training they need to enter the workforce and obtain good jobs, regardless of their location,” says Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. Learn more.

 

Message from eCampusOntario on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Following the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the IIC is recognizing an authentic partnership alliance with eCampusOntario. Building meaningful partnerships based on an understanding of our Indigenous communities’ needs is action. We work together in the true spirit and intent of Reconciliation and commend eCO for their strong leadership. Together we will create change through education.

Read their full statement below:

Letter from eCampus Ontario

 

 

Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Orange Shirt Day originated from the experience of Phyllis Webstad from Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation in British Columbia on her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school in 1973, where she arrived with a new orange shirt, which was stolen from her. She was only six years old. Since 2013, Orange Shirt Day has become a legacy project that encourages global conversation on the crimes committed at residential schools. Today is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the ongoing generational and inter-generational effects of residential schools and the tragic legacy they have left behind – especially this year, as many communities are recovering the unmarked graves of their missing children. This day is not just a day off, but a time to do the work of Reconciliation.

As the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is time for all Canadians to recognize the blatant inhumanities committed against our lost children and the Survivors of residential schools, their families and our First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities. Public commemoration of the ongoing impacts of residential schools plays a role in the educating and reconciliation process. Canadians must do their part to create authentic action and bridge renewed relationships with the original peoples of this land. Today, we recognize Survivors and let them know that they matter and we hear them. Every one matters.

At IIC, we believe in the words of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair that, “education got us into this and education must get us out.” Today, we ask our followers to wear orange and raise awareness about the tragic legacy of residential schools, honour Survivors and those who did not come home, and to read, reflect, and put into action the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action.

Make no mistake, this is not history because it still lies before us.

We personally thank each of our member Indigenous Post-Secondary Institutes for their tireless work and dedication in providing high-quality and culturally relevant post-secondary education. They are carving the path for a better tomorrow for the young ones that are coming behind us.

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