Sault College announces Biidaaban – Indigenous Foundations Program to begin Fall 2025
A New Beginning: Empowering Learners through Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives
SAULT STE. MARIE – Beginning Fall 2025, Sault College will offer its new Biidaaban – Indigenous Foundations one-year Ontario College Certificate program. Rooted in our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, Biidaaban – which can be described in Anishinaabemowin as that time when dawn arrives in the East – symbolizes new beginnings and transformation. Through this program, we aim to empower both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners by developing and expanding transferable skills and confidence that will support them along their academic journeys or career.
The Biidaaban program offers curriculum that nurtures academic growth and workplace skills while respecting the relationship and responsibilities of Anishinaabe teachings. Learners will gain confidence, understand the importance of balance, and explore various courses of interest. The program will also support students with math, writing, and learning skills, and several courses will be transferable to other Sault College programs. Graduates will be equipped to apply Indigenous values, knowledge, and worldviews, carrying forward teachings of harmony, balance, holistic wellness, and living a good life.
“This program is not only a step towards the ongoing responsibility to reconciliation, but this one-year certificate also acknowledges the unique and significant contribution Indigenous ways of knowing and cultural teachings support learners,” said Dr. Michelle Sayers, Professor and co-developer of the program. “As a college professor and lifelong learner, I understand how challenging higher education can be. This certificate program was developed to prepare students with a foundation to be successful and build the skills and knowledge for further education.”
Tammy Ross, co-developer of the program and Professor at Sault College, shares that “before teaching, I worked as a counsellor at Sault College, and there were many students who wanted to take a program that is inclusive of an Indigenous perspective. This program is for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners who want inclusive learning while strengthening their skills and exploring future career options. I see Biidaaban as a fresh start, a new beginning. This program is a new beginning for each student.”
This certificate program is a meaningful step in supporting and empowering learners as they enter post-secondary education. We invite learners to join us in this journey of new beginnings and shared knowledge.
About Sault College
The vision of Sault College is to provide a transformative life experience through empowering those who study with us to think and learn in progressive, innovative ways, including those we have not yet imagined. Sault College grants Ontario College certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates, and degrees to its graduates. The College is the largest deliverer of apprenticeship training in all of Northern Ontario. Sault College has a significant economic impact on the community. Over $2 million dollars in scholarships, bursaries and awards are distributed annually to students at the College. Located on the border to the United States and situated in the middle of three of the largest Great Lakes on the planet, in the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe, Sault College is one of 24 publicly-funded colleges in the province of Ontario.