Many Indigenous groups across Canada mandate, govern, and control their own post-secondary institutions. These Indigenous Institutes support lifelong learning as defined by Indigenous Peoples. They also offer education grounded in Indigenous languages, pedagogies, cultures, and worldviews.
Key Findings
- Over the past 15 years, the number of Indigenous Institutes has increased by about 15 per cent. In 2020 there were about 80 Indigenous institutes across Canada serving around 10,000 students a year.
- The first Indigenous institutes were founded in the late 1960s and early 1970s by Indigenous communities determined to take control of their educational institutions. More than 25 institutes already have a two-decade track record, and at least 16 of those have been serving their communities for 30 years or more.
- Some Institutes serve only one community. Others have networks of satellite campuses across wide regions. In some provinces Institutes have formed associations.
- Keeping track of the national picture is a challenge. There is no active national association. And definitions of what constitutes an Institute vary.
Defining Indigenous Institutes
There are many definitions for an Indigenous Institute.
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Building a picture
Are we missing information about your Institute?
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Click on the map below for more information about the Indigenous Institutes in your part of Canada.
Stay in the loop.
Learn more about how Indigenous Institutes and mainstream post-secondary institutions are collaborating here.
FSC partners
The responsibility for the findings and conclusions of this research rests entirely with The Conference Board of Canada.