This section offers a list of valuable learning resources for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, including:
- Indigenous Institutes
- Education & training
- Funding & financial assistance
- Employment services & support
- Resources & support from institutions
Indigenous Institutes
Indigenous institutes partner with colleges and universities to offer students degree programs, apprenticeships, certificate programs and diploma programs.
Some Indigenous institutes also provide secondary school programming, continuing education, literacy and basic skills training. Indigenous institutes may also offer Native Language education programs.
- Anishinabek Education Institute
- FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute)
- Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute
- Iohahi:io Akwesasne Adult Education Centre
- Oshki Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute
- Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre
- Seven Generations Education Institute
- Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig
- Six Nations Polytechnic
Education & training
Government of Ontario
The government of Ontario provides funding that can help you pay for a college, university or apprenticeship program after high school.
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs
A site provided by the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada and other organizations. This includes resources on literacy and basic skills, Indigenous student services, schools & programs, and government resources.
Future Further
Furture Further provides information for Indigenous students on admission, financial aid, housing and more.
Native Education & Training College (NETC)
The NETC is an education and training institute in its 24th year of successful operation. Situated in the picturesque city of North Bay, Ontario, the NETC offers students unique distance and online educational experiences and opportunities. They are committed to meeting the education and training needs of Aboriginal Peoples and communities by providing life-long learning in a culturally sensitive aboriginal learning environment.
Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
The OFIFC represents 29 friendship centres across Ontario. They provide programs that promote education, economic development, children's and youth initiatives, and cultural awareness.
Programs & Courses for Indigenous Students
A list of the university and college programs, courses and services intended for an Aboriginal clientele.
Sioux Hudson Literacy Council Good Learning Anywhere (GLA)
GLA provides online distance learning opportunities for adults in Ontario to assist them in upgrading their reading, writing, math, computer and other essentials skills so they can reach their educational, employment and personal goals. Funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, GLA is the Aboriginal Lead for eChannel and provides access to culturally relevant online learning. Courses can be taken at home or online from the community's local Contact North | Contact Nord online learning centre. Technical support is provided along with online instruction and mentoring. There is no charge for these courses.
Funding & financial assistance
Indigenous Student Bursary
The Indigenous Student Bursary provides aid to Indigenous students with financial need who are attending either a publicly–assisted colleges and universities in Ontario or an approved Indigenous institute in Ontario
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
The INAC has funding programs that could provide financial assistance for eligible First Nations and Inuit students to help offset tuition, travel or living expenses:
- Post-Secondary Student Support Program This program provides financial assistance to eligible First Nations Inuit students who are enrolled in eligible post-secondary programs.
- University and College Entrance Preparation Program (UCEPP) If you are an eligible First Nations or Inuit student registered for university or college entrance programs to help you achieve the academic requirements necessary for entrance into a post-secondary degree or diploma program, you may qualify for financial assistance.
- Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool Use the Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool to search more than 750 bursaries, scholarships and incentives across Canada, offered by governments, universities and colleges, private and public companies, individual Canadians, organizations and others aimed at Indigenous students.
Indspire (formerly National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation)
This site contains a list of numerous awards, bursaries and scholarships administered by Indspire.
Canadian Heritage Post-Secondary Scholarship Program
The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation has established a scholarship fund to provide scholarships, based on merit and need to First Nations, Non-status Indians, Métis and Inuit.
Aboriginal Scholarship Guide
If you are a Canadian Native (First Nations, non-status, Métis, Inuit) student, there are a variety of available funding sources to help offset the financial burden of receiving an education. Check out these lists to determine which programs you may qualify for.
Contact your local band office to find out if you qualify for financial help with your full-time or part-time post-secondary studies.
Employment services & support
Aboriginal Careers.ca
This employment portal is fully dedicated to assisting Aboriginal job seekers to research and acquire opportunities to develop their careers including training resources, skill development, ‘how-to’ guides, and 1,000s of Aboriginal job postings.
The Métis Nation of Ontario
This site has a wide selection of job search, training, and resource links. There is also a Summer Career Placement Program with job opportunities for Métis youth – if interested, call 1-800-263-4889 or e-mail training@metisnation.org
The Working Centre (Kitchener/Waterloo)
This organization offers job search assistance through Employment Ontario’s Employment Service and works with anyone who walks in their door no matter what type of job they’re looking for. The organization looks at each person as an individual and works through the journey to employment with each person.
