September 30, 2026

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and Boeing have celebrated the grand opening of the expanded Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre. The centre’s expansion—supported with a $17M investment from Boeing—will enable the institute to grow to nearly 50 students per year and to offer a Category E avionics program. Students will get hands-on experience working on engines, helicopters, and aeroplanes, as well as additional experience working with simulators. “This investment was so important because we couldn’t keep up with the demand,” said SIIT President Riel Bellegarde. “The Boeing investment allows us actually to double our capacity for learners.”

Many postsecondary institutions are hosting ceremonies and events today to commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The ceremonies include sunrise ceremonies, panels, and guest and dignitary speakers from the institutions and local Indigenous communities. Other events being held on campus include ceremonial fires at Laurentian University and the University of Toronto, crafting events like a quilting circle at Trent University and beading, and special film screenings at Mount Allison University. Institutions such as Portage College will also be hosting special walks and marches to commemorate the day.

The Government of Ontario has passed an amendment to the Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs to broaden the definition of permitted institutions to include Indigenous Institutes. The amendment was recommended by the Ontario College of Teachers’ Council. “Removing barriers from Indigenous Institutes to seek program accreditation supports Indigenous self-determination in postsecondary education and teacher preparation, and aligns with our responsibility to advance the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action within our mandate as Ontario’s teaching regulator,” said OCT Registrar and CEO Linda Lacroix.

Several institutions have released learning resources for their community members. Carleton University shared Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt Day presentation. Concordia University and Sheridan College offered links to courses and self-learning modules on topics such as reconciliation, residential schools, and how to decolonize and Indigenize university curriculum. Douglas College’s Library and Learning Centre brought attention to its new database, the Indigenous Studies Source, which includes resources that cover Indigenous peoples around the world. The University of Windsor shared its Indigenous Allyship Guide, with information about local Indigenous history and how to engage in allyship.

Students from Ontario Tech University, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Trent University, and the University of Québec at Rimouski have recently collaborated on a project to decolonize nursing education. Through this project, students are calling on nursing schools to embed Indigenous health throughout the curriculum, create culturally safe learning environments, and support Indigenous student recruitment, among other calls. “I realized that many nursing students across Canada don’t have access to the same Indigenous supports and learning opportunities that we have at Sask Polytech and the University of Regina,” explained Sask Polytech student Abbie Shynkaruk.

Artwork created by postsecondary community members has been chosen for Orange Shirt Day shirts at several postsecondary institutions. Dawson College, Fanshawe College, the University of Regina, Western University, and Wilfrid Laurier University are all selling shirts designed by students. At OCAD University, the Indigenous Students Centre is selling orange shirt pins and orange toques, with funds donated to the Survivors’ Secretariat. Proceeds from shirts at Dawson and URegina go towards supporting Indigenous-focused supports at the institutions, while at Red River College Polytechnic, proceeds go toward a $1K Indigenous student bursary. Proceeds from shirts sold at Western and Fanshawe will go towards local community initiatives.

Six Nations Polytechnic and St Joseph’s Health System recently unveiled an Indigenous living classroom in St Joseph’s Lifecare Centre in Brantford. The classroom will allow learners to gain hands-on experience applying curriculum based in Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe teachings. Following successful practice in simulation labs, students will begin working with residents of St Joseph’s Lifecare Centre, an opportunity which will allow students to interact with Elders, families, and frontline healthcare teams. Funding for the classroom was provided by the Government of Ontario.

Several postsecondary leaders have released statements on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Capilano University President Jason Dewling emphasized how reconciliation involves ongoing responsibility and highlighted some of the university’s future priorities, including expanded employee training. Royal Roads University President Philip Steenkamp discussed various ways the university is observing both days, including flying the Survivors’ Flag and opening a discussion group focused on identity. University of King’s College President Tim Vine and Vancouver Community College President Ajay Patel each encouraged their respective communities to engage with events and learning opportunities to learn more.

Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Centre for Public Safety Applied Research has partnered with the Ninastako Cultural Centre on a project that will address misinformation about Indigenous peoples. Ihtsitomaniista’po’tako’p (Working Together) will focus on misinformation about Indigenous people, including how it spreads and impacts communities and how it can be addressed. Community members will be able to share their experiences to inform the creation of digital tools that will address misinformation and promote understanding. “These experiences will better inform the development of these tools and help us deconstruct those misinformed ideas and stereotypes,” said Leth Polytech student Megan Gros Ventre Boy (Iinakii/Buffalo Woman).

Several Indigenous institutions and support centres are celebrating milestone anniversaries. First Nations University of Canada recently marked its 50th anniversary with a gala recognizing Dr Alexander Blair Stonechild and Elder Sid Fiddler for their longstanding contributions to the institution. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is also commemorating its 50th anniversary, with further celebrations planned this fall. SIIT President Riel Bellegarde emphasized the importance of Indigenous community leadership in the institution’s success and said that SIIT looks forward to preparing the next generation of Indigenous learners. Meanwhile, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology celebrated the 25th anniversary of Natoysopoyiis, its Indigenous student support centre.