The Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC) has issued a statement urging the federal government to provide stable, long-term funding to Indigenous postsecondary institutions. The IIC—which represents seven Indigenous institutes in Ontario—has called for $96.6M in federal funding and $78M for urgent infrastructure renewals, student housing, and mental health support. “The unmet demand for culturally grounded education is stifling opportunities for over 3,300 learners annually,” said IIC Executive Director Marsha Josephs. Josephs further asserted that this investment “isn’t just a constitutional obligation, but an economic necessity,” as Indigenous institute graduates are a part of the solution to the labour gaps in the trades, health care, and education sectors.
