NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH CIBC WILL IMPROVE ACCESS AND EMPLOYABILITY OF INDIGENOUS LEARNERS AT INDIGENOUS INSTITUTES

The Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC) is very pleased to announce a partnership with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) to offer fourteen (14) new scholarships to Indigenous Institute students from the seven consortium member Institutes: Six Nations Polytechnic; Kenjgewin Teg; Oshki-Wenjack; Ogwehoweh Skills & Training Centre; Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gaamig; Anishinabek Education Institute; and IOHAHI:IO Akwesasne Education & Training Institute. There will be two scholarships available for each Institute per year for five (5) years. The scholarship will be available for its premiere intake in fall of 2023.

Since 2017, Indigenous Institutes in Ontario have been recognized as a foundational pillar of Post-Secondary Education systems alongside the province’s colleges and universities. Indigenous Institutes not only offer certificate and degree programming, but also high school completion, introductory trades, and other transferable credit courses that can be accessed from First Nation communities. Their programs are grounded in cultural awareness and informed by community leadership and Elders, often including the incorporation of language revitalization throughout curriculums. This scholarship will be available to any students pursuing education that falls under the broad theme of Community Development. “This is great because it provides maximum flexibility for learners,” enthuses Executive Director Marsha Josephs, “Nursing? Communities need healthcare. Early Childhood Education? Communities need daycares and schools. Business? Trades? Communities need entrepreneurs, skilled trades professionals and native community workers to build strong local economies.”

“CIBC is proud to partner with the IIC to help make education more accessible, flexible and inclusive for all,” says Jaimie Lickers, Senior Vice-President, Indigenous Markets, CIBC. “These 14 new scholarships for Indigenous Institute students will help make the ambitions of furthering education a reality and we are excited to be involved in this initiative.”

CIBC and IIC will be hosting virtual information sessions beginning in the fall of 2023 to share information about scholarship benefits. Benefits include enrollment and tuition fees, textbooks, and opportunities for mentorship and employment with CIBC. “It’s very exciting that soon, students will have such a good opportunity to receive education opportunities, and even employment in their communities. This is what community development looks like.” Rebecca Jamieson, Chair, Indigenous Institutes Consortium

ABOUT THE IIC

The Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC) represents the collective and collaborative efforts of its seven Indigenous-owned and operated education and training institutions across Ontario. Since 1994, the IIC has successfully raised the awareness and profiles of Member Indigenous institutions, learners, and communities.

FOR FURTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Marsha Josephs
Executive Director
Indigenous Institutes Consortium
[email protected]
519-861-774

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