Expanding the Circle: Pathways for Indigenous Learners across Ontario

Abstract

In 2013, The Centre for Policy and Research in Indigenous Learning (CPRIL) (Confederation College), Trent University (Trent) and the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) undertook a project, entitled, Pathways for Indigenous Learners: Collaborating across Aboriginal Institutes, Colleges and Universities. Funded by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), this work aims to address a gap in supporting and advancing learning opportunities for Indigenous learners, and learners pursuing Indigenous Studies, through the creation and formal recognition of Indigenous specific learning pathways. Results of the first phase of this project included the creation of three pathways for Indigenous learners across partnering institutions, and a model for partnership and collaboration that could be shared. In 2016 the project expanded to include a 2nd Circle of partnerships with 8 additional postsecondary institutions. Building off of the success of this work, the project expanded again in 2017 inviting 5 additional postsecondary institutions to join, resulting in collaboration that now represents 16 postsecondary institutions across Ontario.