Aboriginal Institutes Consortium Applaud New Funding for Indigenous Postsecondary Education

Aboriginal Institutes Consortium (CNW Group/Aboriginal Institutes Consortium)

TORONTO, May 1, 2017 /CNW/ - The Aboriginal Institutes' Consortium congratulates Ontario today for its announcement in the 2017 Ontario Budget of $56 million over three years for Aboriginal Institutes. This new funding will allow Ontario and the Aboriginal Institutes to work together to help improve access to culturally appropriate postsecondary education (PSE) and training opportunities for Indigenous learners throughout Ontario.

"We are excited to be moving forward and working with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development to provide important pathways for Indigenous learners to successfully advance their postsecondary educational and career goals," said Rosie Mosquito, Chair of the Aboriginal Institutes' Consortium. "For many years, AIs have served and graduated thousands of Indigenous learners from First Nation communities across Ontario, many of whom would not have otherwise pursued or attained postsecondary education. We are encouraged with Ontario's commitment to partner with us as we strive to better meet the higher education needs of young and adult learners in our communities."

Aboriginal Institutes are at the forefront of efforts to close the gap in PSE attainment between Indigenous learners and non-Indigenous learners by providing Indigenous learners with pathways and opportunities to community-based and culturally enriched postsecondary education and training. The PSE attainment rate for off-reserve Indigenous adults is approximately 50%, compared to 67% for the non-Indigenous population. The Aboriginal Institutes' Consortium is committed and excited to be working with Ontario to undertake collaborative and transformative action to increase postsecondary opportunities for Indigenous learners to improve the quality of their lives.

Quick Facts

• Aboriginal Institutes are Indigenous-owned and controlled institutions that deliver a wide range of accredited postsecondary education and training programs in partnership with colleges and universities.
  
  
• Aboriginal Institutes provide a culturally holistic and small-scale learning environment where Indigenous Knowledge and ways of knowing are integrated into all aspects of the student experience.
  
  
• The nine Aboriginal institutes in Ontario that receive funding support from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development include:
  
  
• Anishinabek Educational Institute
• First Nations Technical Institute
• Iohahi:io Akwesasne Adult Education and Training Centre
• Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute
• Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre
• Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute
• Seven Generations Education Institute
• Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig
• Six Nations Polytechnic
  
  
• The institutes are represented by the Aboriginal Institutes' Consortium (the "AIC") which works to secure adequate resources to support the development and to promote the recognition of its members.

SOURCE Aboriginal Institutes Consortium

Rosie S. Mosquito, Chair, Aboriginal Institutes' Consortium, [email protected], [phone]