February 26, 2025

The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) has signed a framework agreement with all Québec universities to lay the foundations for the House of Knowledge (Maison des savoirs), the first university teaching establishment in Québec made by and for Indigenous peoples. Under this agreement, FNEC and the universities will draft and present a business plan for this institution by 2027. They will focus on shaping a curriculum that facilitates face-to-face and online learning while ensuring cultural safety for Indigenous students. The partners will also put measures in place to enhance access to higher education among Indigenous peoples, including through the recognition of prior learning and transition programs.

Indigenous Services Canada has announced changes to Jordan’s Principle that will narrow eligibility for funding requests. APTN News reports that Canada recently appeared before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal for a case examining issues with the processes around Jordan’s Principle funding. In its ruling, the tribunal expressed its concern about the shift in some of the funding requests being submitted to Canada and offered clarifications on what constitutes an urgent issue. Indigenous Services Canada posted an operational bulletin in which it explained that it will not approve funding for certain items—including school-related requests that are not linked to the specific health, social, or educational need of a First nations child—unless “such funding is required by substantive quality.” ISC Minister Patty Hajdu also stated that “big, large, group requests from provinces and territories for education supports for within off-reserve school systems” will no longer be funded under Jordan’s Principle.

Researchers from Algoma University and the University of Toronto recently published a study on supports for Indigenous students that help to improve access and success in postsecondary education. Researchers Rose E Cameron (AlgomaU), Meghan Bird (U of T), Deanna Naveau-Heyd (AlgomaU), and Esme Fuller-Thompson (U of T) identified several financial and social barriers that Indigenous students may encounter, such as difficulties with the transition off-reservation, parental and childcare responsibilities, and a lack of funds. The researchers made several recommendations for how postsecondary institutions can better support Indigenous students, such as by offering increased funding, hosting affordable childcare options, supporting the transition to postsecondary education, and offering culturally affirming supports. Naveau-Heyde, who is of the Mattagami First Nation, pointed to AlgomaU’s Anishinaabe Academic Resource Centre as one model that institutions could follow when looking to support students of Indigenous ancestry.

The Greater Victoria School District (SD61) recently organized a traditional Indigenous Lahal tournament that brought together hundreds of students from across the southern parts of Vancouver Island. Students from four school districts—SD 61, Saanich School District, Sooke School District, and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board—gathered at Spectrum Community School in Saanich to compete in the tournament. Saanich News explains that the traditional Coast Salish game is played with two teams, sets of “bones,” and scoring sticks: One team conceals the bones in their hands, while the other team tries to win scoring sticks by guessing the location of unstriped bones. “When we start to normalize this as part of a curriculum, we start to bring forward the understanding of history and culture and really great pride,” explained SD61 Director of Indigenous Education Shelly Wilton. The top four teams took home prizes such as custom-made hoodies, and the winning team will steward a handcrafted drum until next year’s tournament.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (KPDSB) and the Shibogama First Nations Council have signed a memorandum of understanding that renews and extends their current education service agreement. The priority areas outlined in the agreement include engaging parents, preparing students for the transition from primary to secondary school, creating pathways from graduation to work in the community, supporting academic success, and fostering mental health and wellbeing. The MOU also includes commitments to professional development opportunities for staff at Shibogama First Nations Council community schools. “[This agreement] represents a historic commitment to collaborate and learn from each other, and provide supports for students and educators in community to ensure student success,” explained the partners in a release. The agreement was signed by KPDSB Director of Education Christy Radbourne and Shibogama First Nations Council Executive Director Matthew Agnees.

Aurora College and the Government of the Northwest Territories have shared the college’s new mandate agreement, which prioritizes the institution’s transformation into a polytechnic university in 2027. Aurora states that the new identity will enable it to create more opportunities for students, strengthen the workforce, and drive economic growth. The Dene Nation issued a response to the new agreement and the recent announcement that Aurora will close its community centres. In the statement, Dene National Chief George Mackenzie emphasized the importance of consulting with Indigenous communities about the territory’s educational future and pointed out how some recent changes have overlooked the needs of Indigenous students. “While the agreement aims to enhance educational opportunities and economic growth, it inadequately involves Dene communities in the decision-making process,” said Mackenzie.

The Government of Canada and Government of Manitoba are taking action to support child-care across the province—including in Indigenous communities—in the form of new spaces and training opportunities for professionals. Canada and MB signed an action plan that details how MB will use federal funds to create new child-care spaces in health-care facilities, schools, and postsecondary institutions. Two Indigenous organizations—the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Urban Circle Training Centre—are among those that have received funds to support professional training and curriculum. Schools such as Red River College Polytechnic and University College of the North’s Thompson campus will also receive funds for new child-care spaces.

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) and Weengushk Film Institute have partnered to bring a certificate program in short film production to Sault Ste Marie. The eight-month Lab 1 program provides Indigenous and non-Indigenous students with knowledge and hands-on training in areas such as screenwriting, directing, and production and editing. The training is provided through an Indigenous lens, according to APTN News. “It takes you through the entire process, start to finish, of how a film gets made and how a film gets sold, which is something that’s rarely ever tapped into,” explained Weengushk Film Institute VP Nano Debassige. Speaking to the Sault Star Debassige and Chief Karen Bell of Garden River—a member of SKG’s board—further emphasized the importance of equipping Indigenous people to tell their own stories. “Storytelling has always been an essential part of our culture and remains so today,” said Bell. “It’s how we pass on knowledge, share experiences, keep traditions alive, and bring laughter into our communities.”

Seaspan and Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services (ACCESS) have renewed their partnership and announced a $2.5M investment into skills training and apprenticeship opportunities. The partnership focuses on helping Indigenous people in Vancouver prepare for and pursue a career in the marine industry. The funds will be used for skills upgrading and technical training at British Columbia Institute of Technology, high school outreach in the form of “sampler programs,” and financial aid in the form of emergency relief funds and achievement awards. “Creating meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous youth is key to building an inclusive society based on the principles of reconciliation, and in turn, our industries and economy will be better and stronger for it,” said Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry François-Philippe Champagne.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has released the fourth module in its Walking in Our Truth Together online course, which explores the history, perspectives, and rights of Indigenous Peoples. The free course will be comprised of 10 modules which are being released gradually between September 2024 and June 2025. The latest module focuses on the history of the Métis people, including their historical and cultural roots, the pivotal role that the Métis played in the creation of Manitoba, and the ongoing efforts to revitalize their traditions and language.