After 30 years of delivering Indigenous education, Canadore College is launching a five year Indigenous education and services strategy to prioritize its efforts.
Developed by the College with extensive input from partners in education and Canadore’s Indigenous Circle on Education, the plan focuses on the continued growth and development of Canadore’s First Peoples’ Centre.
Vice-President of Indigenous and Student Services, Shawn Chorney,  says in partnership with industry, community and government, Canadore will provide leadership in cultural competency in the provision of programs, services and continued strategic direction.
Canadore opened the doors to its First Peoples’ Centre in 2012 after operating in the Aboriginal Learning Unit for many years. The Centre’s physical footprint is inspired by the teachings of the Medicine Wheel and reflects First Nations, Metis and Inuit culture, values, knowledge and traditional teachings.
The First Peoples’ Centre has defined seven priorities in its strategy. To make Indigenous education a priority, and to build relationships that are accountable to Indigenous communities. To increase the number of Indigenous employees with ongoing appointments.
To create and maintain Indigenous-centred, holistic services and learning for student success and increase the understanding of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. To reflect Indigenous knowledge and traditions in curriculum and learning approaches, and to strike a governance structure that is respectful of Indigenous people.
Director of the First People’s Centre, Mary Wabano, says their plan respects the foundation that Canadore has laid in the first 30 years of delivering Aboriginal education, and is planning a legacy for the generations to come.
Canadore College is home to Ontario’s only accredited Indigenous addictions and Aboriginal fixed wing flight programs and recently launched a unique Early Childhood Education – Anishinaabemowin program.
The College delivers 28 apprenticeship and post-secondary programs on reserves and First Nations communities and boasts a 80.5 per cent Indigenous student retention rate.
