February 12, 2025

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is now the keeper of the Talking Quilt, which was created by the women of the James Smith Cree Nation. The women sewed the quilt squares while sharing the stories of hardships they experienced during their lives, including their experiences with residential schools. At a ceremony, they passed the quilt to Sask Polytech representatives for safekeeping and display. “I’m happy the blanket is in a safe place,” shared James Smith Cree Nation Elder Sandra, who previously cared for the quilt. “With the quilt, it was difficult at times, we would break down. It did help us in the healing process, because we learned to talk about what happened to us and put it to rest. When we worked on the quilt it brought out a lot of feelings for us. We got to understand the women, why they were the way they were, because of their experiences in residential school.” In addition to displaying the quilt, Sask Polytech has recorded the oral histories of the women who contributed to the quilt who are still alive and made them accessible online.

Government of British Columbia Education Minister Lisa Beare has reportedly fired all nine trustees from the Greater Victoria School Board after the board failed to develop and implement a revised safety plan. “Our government has given this board multiple opportunities to act, and they have not delivered,” said Beare. “First Nations leadership have told me directly that they cannot continue to work with a board that does not believe in governing with transparency, integrity or in the public interest.” Songhees Nation Chief Ron Sam expressed “immense gratitude” towards Beare in a statement, while also acknowledging the impact that this decision would have on several communities and individuals. A single trustee—former Camosun College President Sherri Bell—has been appointed to oversee the district until the 2026 municipal election.

Trade Winds to Success Training Society has received $5M from the Government of Canada to train 290 Indigenous Red Seal apprentices. Trade Winds to Success will use the funds to help apprentices overcome barriers, complete their training, and find and keep skilled trades jobs related to homebuilding. Students will also be prepared for the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training entrance exam. “[A]s the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to rise, our graduates are ready to lead the way,” said Trade Winds to Success Executive Director Shannon McCarthy. The funds are provided as part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy.

Coast Mountains School District has received a proposal that would see its board changed to improve Indigenous representation and ensure funds designated for Indigenous education are used effectively. The Northern Sentinel reports that Inter-Tribal Education Committee (ITEC)—an Indigenous education group representing First Nations students in the district—has called for the district to create four new electoral zones. These zones would represent the Haisla, Tsimshian, Gitxsan, and Wet’suwet’en Nations; each respective nation would elect their trustee during municipal elections. ITEC representative Monica Sims commented that there is a $571K surplus in the funds designated for Indigenous students that remain unallocated, despite the fact that there are students in need. Simms presented the proposal to the city council for Kitimat, which expressed its support. CFNR FM reports that the school board has acknowledged the proposal but not yet taken a position on its contents; the Northern Sentinel added that the proposal has been submitted to the Government of British Columbia, which is responsible for legislative and electoral changes.

Portage College launched the formal recruitment process for its next president with a pipe ceremony and feast. The ceremony was held in the college’s wanîskah ᐊᐧᓂᐢᑲᐦ room, which is commonly used for spiritual reflection and traditional events, and attended by local Indigenous and municipal leaders. Saddle Lake Elder Ben Steinhauer, who was the Pipe Carrier for the ceremony, explained that this event acts as a link between the past and the future. “We lift the pipe to honour the traditional practices of our Indigenous communities, as we ask for guidance in selecting the next leader of Portage College,” said Portage Board of Governors Chair Randy Benson. “We believe it is essential to start this process in a way that is respectful, inclusive, and deeply connected to the values that shape our college and our future.”

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout is calling on the federal government to ensure that the Inuit Child First Initiative—which is set to expire at the end of March—is renewed and continued. APTN News explains that the program covers health, social, and educational services for Inuit children. More than 13,000 Inuit youth are enrolled in the ICFI, according to Nunatsiaq News. “With the ICFI being an equivalent to Jordan’s Principle, it’s meeting very critical needs for Inuit families,” explained Idlout. “Ending this program would be devastating for those families that rely on it. That’s why as soon as I found out that it was sunsetting, I started trying to get answers from the [federal government] about what they would do to replace it.” Indigenous Services Canada told APTN News that it is committed to ICFI, but future funding cannot go forward until Parliament resumes and approves the estimates.

Red River College Polytechnic and the University of Waterloo Warriors have shared how they are Indigenizing parts of their brand and branding processes. RRC Polytechnic has partnered with Indigenous-owned creative agency Narratives Inc to update its Indigenous visual identity. The resulting visual identity will define how the college visually represents Indigenous cultures, stories, and relationships in its formal communications. Meanwhile, the University of Waterloo Warriors have launched a new logo that was designed by Kyle Joedicke, a Cayuga Turtle Clan member of the Six Nations of the Grand River. Joedicke explained that this logo “speaks to what ‘warrior mentality’ means, and how that it isn’t just a term used to describe bravery, or courageous acts, but also speaks to one’s empathy, openness and compassion for their community.” A portion of all sales of merchandise with the new logo will go toward the Indigenous Student Development Fund and the Warriors Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Fund.

Sheshatshiu Innu School recently celebrated the grand opening for its expanded facilities. The school expanded with two new wings to introduce new space for cultural programming and 10 extra classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students. Among the new rooms, the school will now have an Innu culture and language classroom, where students will learn traditional, hands-on activities with Innu teachers. “We’ve been really overcrowded. Our teachers and our students had basically taken up any of the spaces that were available,” explained Mamu Tshishkutamashutau Innu Education CEO Kanani Davis. Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation Chief Eugene Hart added that the school’s expansion reflects both the growing community and the rising graduation rate.

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig and Wahkohtowin Development have partnered to accredit the Wahkohtowin Guardian Program. The program helps Indigenous students develop their knowledge and skills in conservation, cultural knowledge, and environmental monitoring, preparing them to act as Indigenous land stewards. Students who complete the program will receive both high school and postsecondary education credits. “This collaboration ensures that Indigenous Knowledge and land stewardship are not only preserved but also formally recognized within our education systems,” said SKG President Mary Wabano-McKay. “Through this initiative, we are creating meaningful educational opportunities that empower Indigenous learners and communities.”

The Government of Canada has announced a $24.2M investment into Indigenous sport programs across the country with the goal of supporting the strength and health of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. The funds will be distributed through three funding streams: One for the Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and Aboriginal Sport Circle; one for projects promoting sport and recreation led by Indigenous governments, communities, and other not-for-profit Indigenous organizations; and one for projects focused on Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The organizations receiving the funding include Native Education College and the Stein Valley Nlakapamux School Society. “Sport connects communities,” said Vancouver Centre MP Hedy Fry. “This $24.2-million investment in Indigenous-led sport programs reinforces our commitment to culturally relevant, community-designed initiatives that expand access to sport and physical activity nationwide.”