Canadore College signs historical Canada Indigenous Protocol

NORTH BAY – Canadore College signed an historical Canada Indigenous Protocol on Feb. 7.

Initiated by Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICan), the national and international voice of Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes and polytechnics, the protocol was developed in an effort to show the commitment of its members towards  improving Indigenous education and better serving Indigenous peoples nation-wide.

“We are far from being a uniform group of people,” said Mary Wabano, Director of Canadore College’s First Peoples’ Centre. “First Nation, Métis and Inuit people each have distinct linguistic, cultural and historical perspectives. What we do all have in common is a need to educate ourselves wisely.”

Wabano and her colleagues at Canadore College believe that Indigenous education enriches the lives of learners and improve economies across Canada. The College is committed to working with and supporting Indigenous people in the development and delivery of education and training options, identified by First Nation, Métis and Inuit populations, to meet the needs of their community members.

Canadore College’s priorities for Indigenous education and training:

• Recognize and respect the cultural distinctiveness of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people;
• Work to understand, address and implement specific education and training priorities for each Indigenous education partner;
• Observe and respect the self-governance aspirations of each of its Indigenous education partners and support self-determination through education, training and applied research;
• Establish and maintain Indigenous-centred holistic services and learning environment to promote learner success;
• Maintain direct, ongoing and effective lines of communication and consultation with Indigenous communities and organizations;
• Develop accountability measures and plans to ensure appropriate disbursement of resources allocated to Indigenous education;
• Promote strategic alliances with Indigenous training facilities and institutes;
• Support students and employees to increase understanding among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples;
• Work towards the adoption of additional intellectual and cultural traditions of Indigenous people into academic programs, support services and business practices.

“It truly is inspirational to see these changes come about, given the historical legacy we leave behind us,” said Wabano. “Our Indigenous cultures have often been marginalized, especially in the area of formal education. This is a momentous occasion and with it comes amazing opportunities for our people. It truly is an exciting time for all of us to make lasting change.”

Canadore is also home to the First Peoples’ Centre (FPC), a dedicated space inspired by the teachings of the Medicine Wheel. The location’s physical structure heavily incorporates natural elements to signify the important relationship the First People have with earth, fire, water, stone, wood and plant life. The FPC has championed a comprehensive support service model and incorporated mental health initiatives that extend beyond its campuses into Indigenous communities.

Nearly 20 percent of Canadore’s total student population is of Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Cree Algonquin, Mohawk, Inuit or Métis decent from Ontario, Québec and nation-wide, one of the highest representations in Ontario’s college system.

Of the College’s 450 Indigenous learners, 150 remain in their own community to study. In fact, over 20 community-based programs are instructed across Ontario in partnership with five Aboriginal Education Institutes. Training partnerships with Aboriginal education institutions, employment agencies and tribal councils have developed capacity for Canadore to pinpoint real-time training solutions specific to any identified community, leading to economic growth and prosperity.