
Post Secondary Education
and Training
Post-Secondary Engagement Process 2019-2023: Historic Timeline & Key Development
First Nations view post-secondary education and training as an integral component of lifelong learning.
In 2017, the federal government announced a review of post-secondary programs supporting Indigenous students.
In 2019, the federal government committed $7.5M nationally over three years for First Nations to conduct a post-secondary engagement process.
In April 2020, the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) supported PTO’s, Independent First Nations and unaffiliated First Nation to conduct a post-secondary engagement process, evaluating existing post-secondary support in Ontario from a First Nations perspective. A Post-Secondary Engagement Committee was established, including representatives from:
- Chiefs of Ontario (COO)
- Provincial Territorial Organizations (PTOs)
- Indigenous Institutes (IICs)
- Sagamok First Nation
- Six Nations of the Grand River
- Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Key Findings & Recommendations
In September 2023, the Post-Secondary Engagement Report was finalized, outlining 41 regional recommendations based on engagement activities and input from the PSE Committee. Recommendations focus on:
- Strengthening relationships with federal/provincial governments and mainstream post-secondary institutions.
- Ensuring consistent and sustainable funding for:
- Early intervention programs.
- First Nation-controlled data systems.
- Administrative and capital funding for Indigenous Institutes.
- Curriculum development, program design, and student support.
Click on the link to read the 2023 Chiefs of Ontario Post-Secondary Engagement Report
Post-Secondary Education Costing Model
A key challenge identified in the PSE engagement report is the lack of adequate funding to support both First Nation students and the organizations that assist them. To address this, the COO Education Sector contracted MNP LLP (MNP) to develop a comprehensive post-secondary costing model. The model is intended to provide estimated baseline costs to adequately support First Nation students attending Ontario post-secondary institutes. In addition, it provides estimated costs for First Nations and organizations to adequately support post-secondary students with appropriate administration costs, including wrap-around supports for students. The model will help First Nation post-secondary education administrators assess funding needs and will help inform the development of proposals for new regional models for post-secondary financial aid programs, policies and services for First Nation students in Ontario and to help ON advocate for more funding for the PSSSP program.
ISC Funding Programs for First Nation Post-Secondary Education
Post-Secondary Partnerships Program (PSPP)
The PSPP supports First Nations-led post-secondary education by funding First Nation-established institutions and community-based programs designed and led by First Nations. This proposal-based program is regionally delivered and aims to increase access, success, and culturally relevant learning for First Nation students, helping close the education gap.
For more information on the PSPP program click on the link below:
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033691/1531934968283
Click on the link below for the PSPP National Guidelines:
Post-Secondary Partnerships Program: National Guidelines 2024 to 2025.
Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP)
The PSSSP offers financial support to status First Nations students pursuing post-secondary education. This funding can help cover tuition, books, travel, and living expenses, reducing financial barriers and increasing student success rates. Funding for this program is provided to First Nations or First Nations-designated organizations as part of core funding agreements with Indigenous governments and organizations.
For more information on the PSSSP program click on the link below:
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033682/1531933580211
Click on the link below for the National program guidelines year:
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