June 18, 2025

In recognition of the 10-year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, several schools and institutions have reflected on what has been accomplished and what there is yet to do. Algonquin College has shared a report called Minokamì – On Solid Footing, which outlines its progress over the last decade and the initiatives it is currently working on. In an article for CBC, reporter Jessica Wong examines the progress made in the K-12 sector. While none of the education-related calls to action have been fully completed since 2015, several schools and school boards have implemented changes to drive reconciliation. “I’m seeing more conversations, more curriculums, and probably most important of all, the change in school culture,” said University of Manitoba Professor and former high school teacher Niigaan Sinclair, who noted that improvements tend to be most noticeable in areas with a high Indigenous population. Wong also highlights how schools like SouthFields Village Public School and school boards like the Yukon First Nation School Board have changed their approach to education and more meaningfully integrated truth and reconciliation into their programming.

Several community organizations are partnering with public postsecondary institutions to bring higher education to Indigenous communities in northern Quebec and the Nunavik region. Kativik Ilisarniliriniq is partnering with John Abbott College and McGill University to bring postsecondary education to Nunavimmiut in the Nunavik region. John Abbott College will bring a variety of courses to the region, while McGill will work with Kativik to launch a Certificate in Education for First Nations and Inuit program. CBC says that the McGill program will be the first full-time university program to be delivered in Nunavik. Meanwhile, Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, Conseil scolaire crie, and JEDI (Joint Economic Development Initiative) have partnered to bring an Indigenous-led information technology program to Cree communities in northern QC. The program will be composed of progressive micro-programs and practical internships and will culminate in a diploma from CCNB. The program will be offered to a cohort of 20 Cree students who will receive support from the JEDI team.

Aspen View Public Schools has introduced formal guidelines to help teachers and staff deliver Indigenous education, reports Town and Country Today. The guidelines contain information on smudging and engaging Elders and Knowledge Keepers; the roles and responsibilities of administrators, families, students, and teachers; and the delivery, evaluation, and source material for Indigenous education. It also includes commitments to ensuring Indigenous and non-Indigenous students have access to courses in traditional languages, can take part in traditional activities and events such as land-based learning and smudging, and have access to dedicated spaces for gathering and celebrating culture. “The purpose of this procedure is to respect Indigenous worldviews, cultures and traditions and to meet the TRC’s Calls to Action on education,” said AVPS Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Technology Katherine Mann.

The Government of Yukon’s forthcoming education strategy will include metrics for students’ happiness, confidence, and connection to the land, says CBC. The strategy reportedly stems from a 2019 auditor general report, which found that the education system was failing Indigenous and rural students. The strategy is built around 14 goals for what students will have achieved upon graduating from the public education system. These goals, which were developed with the help of the Indigenous-owned business IRP Consulting, include being resilient and emotionally intelligent; understanding Yukon First Nation history, culture, protocols and world views; and knowing who they are. “The learner outcomes are holistic, grounded in Yukon realities and very ambitious, but they’re purposefully so, because we want the very best outcomes,” said YK Director of Policy Clare Daitch.

Wilfrid Laurier University and the Indigenous-owned facility RedDoor Collective have agreed to explore the creation of a Global Indigenous Innovation Centre and Immersive Shared Reality Cinemas in Brantford. By bringing together WLU’s Brantford infrastructure and RedDoor’s expertise in areas like Indigenous media production, the partnership will build an ecosystem where Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and entrepreneurship can thrive. WLU and RedDoor will also promote Indigenous-led cultural and creative programming and facilitate student experiential learning and research opportunities. “We envision a platform for Indigenous youth, creators, researchers, and entrepreneurs, bringing together academics, industry leaders and community organizations to co-create new models of success,” said RedDoor Founder Gary Joseph. “For the RedDoor Collective, this agreement is about exploring the potential to build something that will outlast us all—where our communities lead the creative and economic future, not just participate in it.”  

Elementary students from across the Prairie South School Division recently came together for a full-day celebration of Indigenous culture and knowledge. The day opened with a blessing and land acknowledgement, after which students rotated through hands-on learning stations where they took part in activities that ranged from sage planting to tipi-raising. “We’ve got every elementary school in Prairie South, in Moose Jaw and Caronport, with us today,” said King George Elementary School Principal Jill Tressel. “The kids have learned a lot, they’ve participated, and it’s been quite a nice day.” The day concluded with the giving of a Star Blanket to Tressel to recognize her efforts in including Indigeneity in school life, followed by a round dance accompanied by the Buffalo Boys Drum Group.

Angus McKay School has filed a police report after its teepee was stolen from the school grounds the morning after it was erected, reports CTV News. The teepee was set up on the elementary school’s grounds by a knowledge keeper for National Indigenous History Month. It was intended to serve as a visual reminder of the school’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities and was going to be used for land-based learning opportunities. “I’m still quite dumbfounded, because it would have taken a lot of effort to get that teepee down,” said Angus McKay Principal Jean-Paul Rochon, adding that the four-meter-wide teepee was constructed with heavy wooden poles. Parents were also upset to hear about the theft; parent Chelsea Dyck said that she expected that the teepee would have been a pleasant surprise for her children when they arrived at the school. The school has another teepee set up in the school library, which will be used for some of the original planned activities.

Eeyou Istchee College of Science and Technology celebrated its official launch in Chisasibi earlier this week. The college is a not-for-profit, English postsecondary institution that is rooted in principles that place Indigenous culture and language at the forefront. It will serve the James Bay area, in addition to welcoming students from the neighbouring regions of Nunavik and Naskapi. “For the first time, higher education that is grounded in Cree values and fueled by innovation is now available here in the North, for the North,” said the college in a statement on Facebook.  

Quinte Mohawk School recently celebrated its 50th year in service with a special event where the school unveiled a commemorative stone. Community members, teachers, Mohawk territory officials, and current and former students gathered at the school for the anniversary event last weekend. The event featured honorary speeches, an open house, and displays with photos and history. The new stone, which is located in front of the school’s main doors, was unveiled by two members of the original graduating class and two current students. The stone is in the shape of an arrowhead and reads: In commemoration of Quinte Mohawk School’s 50th Year Celebration.”

Rio Tinto, School District 91 (Vanderhoof), and the University of Northern British Columbia are expanding their partnership to support youth in northern British Columbia. Rio Tinto has donated a total of $400K to support Indigenous youth and students, create culturally safe learning experiences, and pursue higher education successfully. School District 91 (Vanderhoof) will use $150K over three years to support youth engagement programs, while the University of Northern British Columbia will use $250K for its Minds Integrated Youth and Student Engagement Initiative. “By reaching students early – particularly those who may face systemic barriers to post-secondary pathways – we are helping to expand access, inspire curiosity, and create new possibilities for their educational and career futures,” said SD91 Superintendent Anita McClinton.