June 3, 2026

The Government of Manitoba has announced a new $2.5M investment into adult learning centres and literacy programs, with the goal of helping more Manitobans graduate and find good jobs. Part of the funding has been dedicated to First Nations and Northern communities; an additional $100K has been provided to support 60 Indigenous women enrolled in training related to Early Childhood Education, Adult Education and Employment, and Family Support Work. “We have heard from the community about the impact that adult learning and literacy programs have,” said MB Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable. “We are supporting Manitobans to obtain high school credits and diplomas and improve basic literacy and numeracy skills to help them find good jobs to lift their families out of poverty and increase the chances [that] their children will go on to graduate.”

A recent article from Radio-Canada explores the impact of a partnership between the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan. The two parties have co-managed higher education delivery to the community since 2024, bringing select programs to community members that are tailored to their individual paths. Radio-Canada explains that UQAT faces several challenges to delivering the programming, including the community’s location and the workload for faculty members who need to adapt courses. However, several community members and students noted that the partnership is what has made pursuing higher education possible.

The Government of Canada has announced a $22.8M investment in Indigenous-led projects that will bring sports and physical activity to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. The funds will be used to support the development and delivery of culturally relevant sport and physical activity opportunities, breaking down barriers to participation and creating spaces where peoples of all ages and abilities can thrive. The recipients of the award include communities and organizations across the country, including the Elsipogtog First Nation Education Authority, NEC Native Education College, the Pirurvik Preschool Society, the Three Nations Education Group Inc, and the Woodland Cree First Nation Education Committee. “Sport brings people together, strengthens communities, and supports physical and mental well-being,” said Canada Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden. “These initiatives are helping break down barriers to participation and creating spaces where Indigenous peoples of all ages and abilities can thrive.”

The Government of Ontario has partnered with Seven Generations Education Institute and Skilled Trades Ontario to open an apprenticeship exam testing centre in Kenora. The centre will provide a location for apprentices to write their certification exams locally. Previously, apprentices needed to travel about five hours to Thunder Bay in order to write their exams. “We are currently experiencing a large increase in commercial construction, and skilled trades are key to ensuring these projects are completed on time,” explained Kenora Mayor Andrew Poirier. “Additionally, we are fortunate to have Seven Generations Education Institute in Kenora, supporting the trades and offering this certification opportunity.” “The opening of a local exam centre in Kenora is an important step in reducing barriers for apprentices, particularly in Northern communities where travel has long been a challenge,” explained Skilled Trades Ontario CEO Candice White.

Regina Public Schools and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Regina recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will guide the development of the school division’s strategic plan. Under the five-year MOU, the partners will also create shared education projects that promote understanding regarding treaties, UNDRIP, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls to Justice. “By understanding our shared history and what it means to be a treaty person, we can create a stronger future for everyone,” said Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan Dr Kathy Walker.

Kenjgewin Teg has announced that the Manitoulin Anishinaabek Research Review Committee (MARRC) will officially become part of the institution. MARRC is a committee that reviews research proposals and provides recommendations to researchers and community partners, with the goal of supporting informed decision-making and ethical research planning practices. The move is expected to strengthen Indigenous-led research ethics, community-based research leadership, and culturally grounded research practices across Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island). “With the support of Noojmowin Teg Health Centre and a dedicated team of volunteers, MARRC has helped reshape the research landscape by applying Anishinaabek ethics guidelines to research proposals,” stated MARRC Chair Dr Lorrilee McGregor. “The shift to Kenjgewin Teg aligns with its new research focus, ensuring the momentum built over the years continues.”

At Clearwater River Dene Nation, students from the CRDN Kodiak School are learning through a seasonal land-based learning model. CBC explains that the students have had the opportunity to talk to scientists, go sampling, and, recently, go snare fishing. The model was introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic, when attendance was low at the school. “After the pandemic, it just seemed like there was more anxieties, there were more attendance issues, there was more apathy towards education,” said CRDN Kodiak School Land-based Educator Paul Haynes. “A lot of people had a hard time adjusting from going from that online learning to back in the classroom, and the motivation just didn’t seem to be there.” CBC reports that students are motivated to go to school with the program, and that the older schools now help teach skills to the younger students. In the most recent experience on the land, students learned how to snare and handle fish, as well as about their inherent rights to hunt and fish. Elders Doreen Louise Moise and Pauline Fontaine showed the youth how to clean the fish they caught.

The University of Toronto Scarborough recently held an opening ceremony for its newly built Indigenous House. The building features a variety of academic and social spaces for Indigenous students, offices for Elders and staff, gathering spaces, and areas for Indigenous-centred research and scholarship. “This is placemaking in action—not simply creating a building, but shaping a space grounded in connection to land, community, and shared understanding,” said U of T President Melanie Woodin. “Indigenous House is an important milestone in strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities.” The building’s opening began with a sunrise ceremony and sacred fire led by Elder Josh Eshkawkogan, which was followed by a reception and self-guided tour of the building.

Mount Royal University has launched its Indigenization and Decolonization Strategic Framework, which is titled: Inii Awattoo, Buffalo on the Move. The plan draws on the Blackfoot lodge that was gifted to MRU by Elder Miiksika’am as a living model for the strategic plan. The plan itself is built on four foundational poles: Indigenous student success; transformative education; Indigenous oral traditions and pedagogies; and reciprocity, consensus, and shared responsibility. The university explains that these four “lodge poles” represent the strength of the institution’s commitment to Indigenization and decolonization, while the lodge fire—fed by the activities and initiatives that give life to the shared commitments—symbolizes the vitality of the framework.

East Carling Public School has introduced a book vending machine that is stocked with books by Indigenous authors. The book vending machine was provided through Start2Finish’s Indigenous Literacy Enhancement Project, which is focused on supporting youth in Grades 1 to 8 from Indigenous and diverse communities across Canada. The machine is intended to make reading more accessible and engaging by letting students select and keep books of their choice. “This new book vending machine will give students and families greater access to books that reflect Indigenous voices, paving the way for a lifelong love of reading and understanding of Indigenous history and experiences in Canada,” said East Carling Principal Susanne Young. “We are excited to see how the project will strengthen literacy and belonging in our wonderfully diverse school community for years to come.”