The IIC and its Indigenous Institute members have been hard at work entering the summer months with new partnerships, programs and funding.
One of the biggest announcements was Oshki-Wenjack’s modernization of its technology operations with Elllucian Saas Solutions. This partnership will deliver a better user experience across admissions, registration, student services and more for Indigenous learners and staff.
After delays due to COVID-19, the Anishinabek Educational Institute is making great strides in its journey towards accreditation and are optimistic that the process will be finalized by the end of this fiscal year.
Here’s what else our Indigenous institutes have been up to:
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute Selects Ellucian SaaS Solutions
“Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute will modernize its technology operations with Ellucian SaaS solutions. A new Ellucian customer, Oshki-Wenjack joins more an than 1,100 institutions worldwide that have chosen Ellucian as their higher education cloud solutions partner.”
Ontario provides over $2 million in funding for post-secondary mental health supports
“The Ontario government announced Friday that they will be providing $2.39 million to help improve mental health supports and services for post-secondary students across Ontario, through eight innovative projects at select colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes.” https://www.kitchenertoday.com/local-news/ontario-provides-over-2-million-in-funding-for-post-secondary-mental-health-supports-3818680
Six Nations Polytechnic Announces the Appointment of Inaugural Vice-President Academic
“SNP’s commitment to supporting the revitalization and transmission of Ogwehoweh knowledge and languages while also creating educational, employment and research opportunities across our academic pillars has been steadfast. I look forward to working alongside our learners, instructors, programs and support areas to develop and implement an academic plan that will carry us into a sustainable future, as one.” – Sara General-Deer, Inaugural Vice-President Academic
The Anishinabek Educational Institute working towards accreditation
“At the Grand Council Assembly in June of 2019, the AEI gave an overview and an update of where the work was for the accreditation process for AEI. A Transitional Strategic Plan framework was presented. Since then, there was not much work completed due to capacity issues and because of the pandemic.” – Mindy Taylor, Interim Director of the Anishinabek Educational Institute
Celebrate Local Tourism with Canoes for Conservation
“A great platform for teaching about the great outdoors and nature is from a big canoe. It’s a safe, stable platform, and with two interpretive guides, you can bring people of all generations, all abilities and have a wonderful on-water experience. Learning about freshwater ecology of the river, and the whole heritage of canoeing that goes back thousands of years,” – Joanie McGuffin, Executive Director of the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy
https://saultonline.com/2021/05/celebrate-local-tourism-with-canoes-for-conservation/
Indigenous Institutes Are Leading Indigenous Post-Secondary Education In Virtual Learning In Partnership With eCampusOntario
“Led by Six Nations Polytechnic, the IIC members will undertake the development of two new micro-credentials focused on Indigenous e-learning assessment strategies and Hybrid-flexible (Hyflex) design in Indigenous teaching and learning throughout 2021.”
Western attracts $1 million to advance virtual learning
“Western and the Anishinabek Educational Institute are working with local First Nation community partners (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation, and Oneida Nation of the Thames) to develop an enhanced, equitable and decolonized Indigenous languages program.”
https://news.westernu.ca/2021/05/western-attracts-1-million-to-advance-virtual-learning/
Indigenous Institutes Consortium receives funding to better virtual learning
“eCampusOntario is very pleased to support Indigenous Institutes in realizing the benefit of virtual learning. Our partnership with the Indigenous Institutes Consortium is helping to ensure the development of high quality Indigenous-led virtual education content, while supporting increased capacity of Indigenous Institutes to continue to create and lead the development of virtual learning for the benefit of all learners,” said Robert Luke, CEO of eCampusOntario
Announcing! Professor Dr. Rhonda Hopkins, Teaching and Learning – Anishinabemowin
“A much respected and valued team member of Kenjgewin Teg and a fluent Anishinaabemowin speaker from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Rhonda Hopkins is known by many across Turtle Island as a lifelong passionate educator in Anishinaabemowin. Rhonda’s commitment as a lifelong educator in Anishinaabemowin is now officially being recognized by the World Indigenous Nations University (WINU).”