Kenjgewin Teg welcomes historic provincial investment in Indigenous-led post-secondary education

M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION — Kenjgewin Teg is welcoming a significant provincial investment that strengthens Indigenous-led post-secondary education, skilled trades training, and employment pathways. The province’s commitment of $57 million over three years to Ontario’s nine Indigenous Institutes marks a historic step toward long-term stability, sustainability, and growth for Indigenous-controlled education in Ontario.

This investment will enhance Kenjgewin Teg’s capacity to deliver independent, accredited, and non-accredited programming rooted in Anishinaabe language, culture, and ways of knowing, while continuing to provide the
wraparound supports learners rely on to thrive and succeed. Stable funding ensures that learners can pursue their educational goals close to home, remain connected to their communities, and graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to local economic development and community well-being. It also means that Kenjgewin Teg can engage in meaningful planning and action in support of community and labour market needs.

“Ontario’s investment is gratifying after the committed advocacy that has been put forth by so many,” said Beverley Roy, President, Kenjgewin Teg. “With this funding support from Ontario, we are now positioned to do more great things. At the same time, we will continue to ensure that federal support for Indigenous post-secondary education is upheld as a fiduciary responsibility.”

Ontario’s announcement for Indigenous Institutes in Ontario forms part of a larger $6.4 billion investment for colleges and universities through the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security (MCURES) to support the long-term success and sustainability of Ontario’s post-secondary sector.

“In order to protect our province, it is imperative that we continue to train a strong, highly skilled workforce for Ontario for decades to come,” said the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of MCURES. “Through these changes, including $6.4 billion in new funding for the post-secondary sector, our government is not only ensuring the sustainability of our colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes, but also preparing our graduates with the in-demand skills they need to meaningfully find good-paying, rewarding careers, while continuing to keep education accessible and keep costs down for students and their families.”

Equitable and sustainable access to Indigenous-led education plays a critical role in building sovereign communities. By supporting Indigenous Institutes, the province is helping to bring stability and growth to Indigenous communities and the Ontario economy.

Kenjgewin Teg is an Anishinabek place of learning for all with campuses on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) in Northern Ontario and in Sudbury, Ontario. Grounded in the rich history, ancestral knowledge, stories, and traditional teachings of the land, Kenjgewin Teg is dedicated to nurturing students’ identities and sharing the richness of Anishinabek language (Anishinaabemowin), culture, and tradition with the world.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Robin Anderson
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Robinanderson@kenjgewinteg.ca
705-370-4342 ext 214