April 8, 2026

Carleton University Professor Gabriel Maracle, who is Mohawk, and McGill University Assistant Professor Amy Shawanda, who is Anishinaabe, recently spoke to University Affairs about the importance of addressing “pretendians” in higher ed. Maracle and Shawanda discuss how institutions can protect against Indigenous identity fraud in several areas of operations, such as recruitment, admissions, and scientific research activities. They also point to a reference guide that they published through the Yellowhead Institute to help address issues with Indigenous identity fraud in research. In their concluding comments, they encourage institutions to be proactive in preventing fraud by building stronger research policies, involving Indigenous people and knowledge in and across scientific work, and ensuring all scholars’ work is peer reviewed.

The Yukon First Nation Education Directorate (YFNED) is pursuing legal action against Indigenous Services Canada, reports CBC. YFNED Executive Director Melanie Bennett says that the organization filed an appeal with ISC about the termination of its Jordan’s Principle funding for a nutrition program. The appeal was filed seven months ago with no response; ISC’s guidelines state that the department must respond within 90 business days. YFNED Director of First Nations Initiatives Courtney Wheelton stated that school attendance has dropped, with students saying that they miss having meals at the school. In a statement, ISC asserted that Jordan’s Principle is “not intended to replace existing federal/provincial or territorial universal programs,” and pointed to the National School Lunch Program that is intended to address food insecurity. Bennett said that the national program would amount to $1.44 per day per child, while the previous funding provided $15 per day per child, and asserted that the government’s statement demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of the principle.

The leaders of Inuvik and Fort Smith are calling on Aurora College to offer more programming to their respective communities. Inuvik Mayor Peter Clarkson and Fort Smith Mayor Dana Fergusson told Cabin Radio that while the programs on offer in their communities are important, the variety of programming has declined over time, which has pushed learners to look outside of the territory for further education. Clarkson asserted that the municipality intends to write to the college’s Board of Governors about the issue, while Fergusson stated that the Thebacha Leadership Council has already been in communication with the college. CKLB Radio states that Salt River First Nation recently signed an intergovernmental MOU with the Government of the Northwest Territories during a meeting where they discussed, among other topics, a potential collaboration with Aurora College and the territorial health system on midwifery programs.

Researchers from the Indigenous Literatures Lab at the University of Toronto recently shared a series of book recommendations for non-Indigenous readers and teachers looking to delve into Indigenous literature. The authors—Jennifer Brant, Erenna Morrison, Gayatri Thakor, Jasmine Rice, and Miyopin Cheechoo—explain that the works of Canadian writer Thomas King were commonly included on school and university syllabi to introduce readers to Indigenous literature. With educators now looking for replacements to his work, the authors offer several recommendations from Indigenous writers across the country. These include books by Joshua Whitehead, Sara General, and Drew Hayden Taylor. “We celebrate that there’s no shortage of extraordinary Indigenous writers to choose from, whose work unsettles and expands literary study beyond broad accessibility,” they conclude.

Several Indigenous training organizations and colleges in British Columbia are among the recipients of $6M in funding for new labour market training projects. The funds will support programs for 329 individuals—including youth, Indigenous people, immigrants, and more—to prepare them for employment. The programs will include a mix of classroom training, work experience, and follow-up support. Examples include a multi-industry trades exploration and employment program offered by Camosun College, a plumbing program offered by Squamish Nation, an education assistant program offered by the Indigenous Community for Leadership and Development, and a trades-related training and work experience through Kulspai Learning Village Society. “By investing in skills… matched to what employers actually need, we’re helping people across the province connect to good-paying jobs and building stronger local economies in the process,” explained Government of British Columbia Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kahlon.

The Government of the Northwest Territories and the NWT Legislative Assembly have launched the Interpreter Career Pathway Program. This pilot program will train Indigenous language speakers who are fluent in one of eight official Indigenous languages so they can support the Legislative Assembly. One applicant in each language will be selected. The curriculum—developed by current Legislative Assembly interpreters—will include the practical skills and theoretical knowledge, and will emphasize Trainer-Trainee relationship-building. Indigenous language developer Elizabeth (Sabet) Biscaye said that the program will allow Indigenous languages to be heard. “[I]t makes sure that information is available in the language for those who want it in the language,” said Biscaye.

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig recently announced the launch of a new practical nursing program that was developed through a partnership with Canadore College. The two-year diploma program is intended to help address critical healthcare shortages in Northern Ontario. The program, which will officially begin in September 2026, is expected to welcome up to 30 students in its first cohort. Learners will benefit from simulation-based learning, cultural teachings, and community connection aspects. Students who complete SKG’s one-year personal support worker certificate program will also be able to transition into the diploma program. “It’s really exciting to be able to offer that for our students,” said SKG Instructor Shantelle Nichol. “They take the [personal support worker program] and they’re not sure if they want to keep going, so then they at least have that year to decide if they want to keep going on to the nursing program.”

Living Sky School Division and Light of Christ Catholic Schools have reportedly withdrawn from their partnership with Battlefords First Nations Joint Board of Education, which was focused on supporting Sākewew High School. The Battlefords First Nations Joint Board of Education will now maintain sole ownership of the Indigenous high school, with plans to continue running it independently. Battlefords First Nations Joint Board of Education board member Randy Fox told CBC that it could be a challenge to ensure “that provincial students that come to the school are funded.” The school operates as a safe place with more opportunities for Indigenous students who are not excelling in public or Catholic school, explained Sākewew Grade 12 student Yarrow Harlingten.

Students in the Lambton Kent District School Board are using a digital language-learning app to develop their skills in Anishinaabemowin. The app contains 30 instructional units that include vocabulary practice, listening and reading comprehension, and writing activities that teachers can use for assessment. LKDSB worked with local Anishinaabe language speakers to ensure the app’s accuracy and cultural integrity, and to record the audio for the app. “This is not just language; it is customs, it is culture, it is identity,” said LKDSB Indigenous lead Dallas Sinopole. “When students know their identity, they soar in all areas. This is student success.” Chatham Daily News reports that the app will introduce Lenape in the future.

Youth-led organization Black Spruce Education will receive up to $1.2M from the Government of Canada to support a four-year project focused on creating a space for training opportunities, small business development, and cultural programming. The funding will be used to create new and renovated spaces, including a workshop, commercial teaching kitchen, greenhouse, and agricultural space. The investment is part of a broader federal investment into food projects in the Northwest Territories through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and IDEANorth. “I am proud to see projects supporting food businesses in the Northwest Territories by drawing on the strength of our communities,” said federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty.