THUNDER BAY — After the Ford government handed out $1.3 billion in funding to post-secondary institutions, it was notable that Indigenous educational institutes were left off the list.
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute in Thunder Bay partners with several post-secondary institutes, including Confederation College.
Lorrie Deschamps, president, expressed her disappointment in the provincial government for underfunding Indigenous educational institutes.
"It is disheartening to witness the significant underfunding of Indigenous institutes, which directly impacts access to education and the economic prosperity of First Nations communities throughout Ontario."
Oshki-Wenjack offers land-based teachings rooted in Nishnawbe-Aski knowledge so students can "thrive and make meaningful contributions to their First Nations communities," she said.
Her statement also said students participating in the programming have higher graduation rates than those from mainstream colleges and universities.
"With a graduation rate of 75-85 per cent, which is up to 10 per cent higher than Ontario colleges, and over 90 per cent of our graduates transitioning into quality employment, the impact of Indigenous-led education is undeniable."
Deschamps said Oshki-Wenjack is committed to empowering Indigenous learners and "look(s) forward to upcoming bilateral discussions" recommended by the government's Blue-Ribbon panel.
