How being recognized as a central pillar supports Indigenous institutions in reclaiming education: Editorial

In a new article from Maclean’s, Liza Agrba discusses the way that Indigenous institutes are reclaiming education. Erin Monture, CEO of the Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre, explained that Indigenous institutes are integral to Indigenous students reclaiming their identity. “Our founding vision was delivering education in the community while staying rooted in Indigenous culture, knowledge and ways of being,” said Monture. In 2017, the Government of Ontario passed an act that formally recognized the province’s Indigenous institutes as a “third pillar” and made it possible for them to receive core funding and independently confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) in British Columbia and the First Nations Adult and Higher Education Consortium (FNAHEC) in Alberta are pushing for similar recognition so that they can receive core funding, develop and deliver their own programming, and plan for the future and for growth. “The act supports Indigenous control over Indigenous education,” said Six Nations Polytechnic President Rebecca Jamieson. Maclean’s (Editorial)