November 19, 2025

Oshki Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute recently shared that it has been awarded official accreditation from the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council and will offer its own programming in 2027. With this recognition, the institute becomes a fully accredited Indigenous-led postsecondary institution in Ontario. APTN News reports that the institute will soon offer its own programming, though it intends to continue offering certain programs, such as nursing, in partnership with other public postsecondary schools. “I’m hoping that we will get capital, have a new campus, grow our student numbers, [and] be the institute of choice for Anishinaabe-Aski communities,” said Oshki Wenjack President Lorrie Deschamps. Deschamps shared that the institute is engaged in consultations with member First Nations about their needs and priorities as it develops its initial slate of programs and courses. “This is a big, really proud moment for us that we’re able to be recognized and able to move forward with having our own programs,” said Deschamps.

Several Indigenous leaders have shared their concerns and perspectives on the Government of Canada’s recent budget. APTN News and Nunatsiaq Online report that annual base funding for Indigenous health and social services and treaty work has been frozen, representing a 2% cut, and that funding for the Jordan’s Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative programs is only budgeted until March 2026. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak expressed disappointment that the budget lacked a plan “to close the First Nations education gaps that exist in this country.” Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc President Jeremy Tunraluk praised the budget’s support for the Inuit Nunangat University. Obed, Tunraluk and Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden each noted the lack of a breakdown for funding by each of the three major Indigenous groups. Federal Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty told Nunatsiaq Online that both Jordan’s Principle and the ICFI program will be retooled and made permanent in the future and explained that the “zeros” in the budget are not cuts, but part of an ongoing program reform.

In a recent article for Alberta Native News, NorQuest College shares how it uses student support services and events throughout the exam period to help alleviate Indigenous students’ anxiety and stress. In addition to offering events and accommodations, the college invites Indigenous students to smudge before exams or study sessions and to connect with Elders for advice. The college students’ association also hosts social events and distributes snacks. “The pressure to do well while being isolated from friends and family can have a significant impact on a student’s mental health and their exam anxiety,” explained NorQuest counsellor Michelle McKenzie. “Having exams around the holiday season can make feelings of loneliness even more intense. That’s why events and ceremonies at the miyo-pimâtisiwin Centre, and the social events that student groups arrange are important.”

First Nation LP and two mining companies—Newmont Corporation and Orla Mining Ltd— have created a $6.6M education, training, and skills development fund to be administered by the Indigenous-owned Opiikapawiin Services LP. Opiikapawiin Services LP is responsible for administering programs for local energy company Wataynikaneyap Power PM, including those related to community engagement and readiness, education and training, and capacity building. This fund will support the members of 24 First Nations in Ontario with programming that supports career development, trades training, mentorship, land-based learning, literacy, STEM initiatives, and scholarships. “It ensures that our youths today have the opportunity to gain the education, training, and knowledge needed for them to take charge of building a bright and prosperous future,” explained First Nation LP Chair Eliezar McKay.

Several institutions recently celebrated special milestones at their graduation ceremonies this Fall. Algoma University and the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute held a graduating ceremony for the first class of their community-based Bachelor of Social Work program. Six Nations Polytechnic held the first-ever graduation ceremony for the Advanced Diploma in Ǫgwehǫweh Languages program. Over the last two years, the six graduates have studied the Cayuga language. The University of Saskatchewan recently celebrated the graduation of 87-year-old Louise Fraser of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak. Fraser, who completed her degree with a focus on Cree language through the USask Indian Teacher Education Program, told Global News that she lost her language while in residential school and wanted it back for herself. The University of Regina also marked the inauguration of Chancellor Cadmus Delorme at its recent Fall graduation with the introduction of a stole signifying Indigenous identity.

The N’Swakamok Indigenous Friendship Centre—which operates the N’Swakamok Anishnawbek Kinomaadwin Gamig N’Swakamok Alternative School—and the Rainbow District School Board have renewed their partnership with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. At the alternative school, Indigenous students receive individual support from teachers, as well as small and large group instruction that incorporates cultural content and traditional ways of teaching. Through this MOU, the students have access to Indigenous support services, pathways to completing their secondary school diploma, and connections to career and postsecondary learning opportunities. “This memorandum of understanding reaffirms our shared commitment to Indigenous learners,” said RDSB Director of Education Bruce Bourget.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University recently hosted a land awakening ceremony to mark the start of construction on its childcare centre project. The 61-space centre—developed in partnership with Métis Nation British Columbia—will offer early childhood education that meets the needs of Métis children and families, as well as the broader community. The awakening ceremony included a blessing of the land and comments from representatives of the Kwantlen First Nation, Katzie First Nation, and Semiahmoo First Nation, on whose traditional territory the centre will reside. “This goes deeper than a land acknowledgement. It’s an understanding that the land that we’re on, that we thank it, for letting us build on it. We’ll be learning on it as well,” said Sqwayeten Cheryl Gabriel, a Kwantlen First Nation Elder. “It’s no longer going to be a parking lot. It’s going to be a building for children — for our future.”

Seven Generations Educational Institute recently shared how its Anishinaabemowin revitalization program is helping speakers develop their language skills beyond “conversationally comfortable.” SGEI Anishinaabemowin educator Robert Animikii Horton was tasked by the late Willie Wilson, former Chief of Manitou Rapids, with finding a way to teach the language in an easier, faster manner without losing Anishinaabemowin’s soul. To accomplish this, Horton developed a program that draws on four areas of study: educational psychology, neurology, linguistics, and marketing. “Our students are having short conversations within about a month. Their vocabulary is up in the thousands in a year and a half,” said Horton, who later added that throughout the program, “they’re getting the language, they’re getting ancient teachings, but they’re also receiving skills to make them independent so they can navigate careers and opportunities.” The program received a new name at a ceremony this Fall—Anishinaabemowini-ogichitaag—and features a new logo that was designed based on dreams Horton had around the time of the program’s naming ceremony.

The University of Winnipeg has renewed its partnership with Indspire with a $1M, five-year commitment matched by the federal government. The funding will support Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries and Scholarships program, which will provide UWinnipeg students with $400K in awards and bursaries annually. “Our Indigenous alumni are making exceptional contributions across many fields, so this investment not only supports individual learners but also strengthens our province,” said UWinnipeg President Dr Todd Mondor. “We’re proud to continue working with Indspire to create more opportunities for Indigenous students.”

The Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation will be expanding and sustaining its MWG Youth and Family Wellness Camp with a $10M gift from the Krawczyk Family Foundation. The camp—which is grounded in Anishinaabe teachings—is owned, operated, and maintained by the eight First Nation members of the Kenora Chiefs Advisory. It hosts land-based, recreational, and therapeutic programming year-round. The funds will be used to support operations for three years so that more than 45,000 Indigenous youth can participate in cultural and wellness activities. It will also be used to establish a garden and outdoor classroom. “Together, we are giving Indigenous youth the leadership skills and confidence they need to build a better future for themselves and their communities,” said Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation Chair and President Kathleen Wynne.