Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017
In December 2017, Ontario passed legislation to recognize the unique role Indigenous Institutes have in the province’s postsecondary education system. The Indigenous Institute Act transfers key functions and oversight of Indigenous Institutes to Indigenous people.
The legislation recognizes Indigenous Institutes as a unique and complementary pillar of Ontario’s postsecondary education system. It creates a framework for ongoing collaboration between Ontario and Indigenous Institutes and will support a strong, independent Indigenous Institutes sector, overseen by an Indigenous controlled and governed council. The council, among other functions, will ensure postsecondary diplomas, certificates and degree programs offered by Indigenous Institutes meet the same high standards as those granted by Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities.
The new legislation is part of the significant progress that has been made since the launch of the Aboriginal Postsecondary Education and Training Policy Framework in 2011 (PDF, 3.06 MB). The work accomplished since the release of the framework has built a solid foundation for the road ahead.
The Achieving Results through Partnership: 1st Progress Report on the Implementation of Ontario's Aboriginal Postsecondary Education and Training Policy Framework, 2015 (PDF, 2.13 MB) highlights the progress made in improving Indigenous learners' access to, participation in, and completion of postsecondary education and training programs in Ontario.
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The Aboriginal Postsecondary Education and Training Policy Framework Progress Report: Achieving Results through Partnerships, 2015 (PDF, 2.13 MB) highlights progress made in improving Indigenous learners' access to, participation in, and completion of postsecondary education and training programs in Ontario.
The Aboriginal Postsecondary Education and Training Policy Framework, 2011 (PDF, 3.06 MB) was designed to help improve opportunities for First Nation, Métis and Inuit learners – whether they live in remote areas or in urban areas. It is a plan for the ministry and partners across the province who work each day to support Indigenous learners and their education and training needs.