A Historic Moment for Indigenous Education

The Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017, S.O. 2017, c. 34, Sched. 20 stands as a defining milestone in the journey toward educational sovereignty for Indigenous Peoples. This legislation solidifies Indigenous Institutes as the third pillar of higher education in Ontario, alongside colleges and universities. It is a powerful acknowledgment of Indigenous-led education, self-determination, and the rightful place of our knowledge systems within the broader framework of post-secondary learning.

I was truly blessed to be part of this historic co-creation, standing alongside remarkable leaders and visionaries who have fought for this recognition. I will never forget the moment I stood on the far right, beside and holding the arm of Suzanne Brant, President of FNTI, as we stood with Minister Deb Matthews and the Indigenous (Aboriginal) Institutes Consortium on the day this groundbreaking legislation was introduced. The emotions of that day were overwhelming—joy, pride, and the deep understanding that we were witnessing history being made.

This was more than policy. This was an assertion of our right to educate our people, in our ways, on our terms. It was about ensuring that future generations have access to culturally grounded, academically rigorous, and community-driven education that upholds our traditions while preparing our people for success in the modern world.

This moment, this Act, must be celebrated. It is a testament to resilience, to decades of advocacy, and to the unwavering belief that Indigenous education is essential, not just for our people, but for the strength and future of the entire education system in Ontario.

To those who dream, to those who fight for change, and to those who carry the vision forward—this is your moment, too. We are not just participants in education; we are leaders, architects, and sovereign knowledge keepers. This is what trailblazing looks like.

#IndigenousEducation #HistoricMoment #Trailblazing #IndigenousSovereignty #EducationForTheFuture #ThirdPillar #FNTI #CoCreation #Resilience #IndigenousLeadership #ReconciliationInAction #anishinaabekwe #IndigenousWomen

#IndigenousEducationAct #Ontario #Canada #FirstNations #students #CoCreation #HistoricMoment

Standing together in unity, resilience, and celebration—this incredible group of leaders, educators, and changemakers helped shape the Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017, recognizing Indigenous-led education as the third pillar within Ontario’s post-secondary system. This was more than legislation; it was a commitment to self-determination, cultural preservation, and the future of Indigenous learners for generations to come. We were here. We made history. We are the change. 🔥✊