Indigenous student education
Our position
Indigenous peoples face significant barriers to postsecondary education. As a result, far fewer First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Canada have a university degree than non-Indigenous Canadians. Education is vital to the reconciliation process and universities are committed to helping Indigenous students achieve their potential through higher education. Universities help advance reconciliation by revitalizing Indigenous languages, ensuring Indigenous representation in governance and leadership structures, and bringing Indigenous knowledge and culture to campus. Still much more remains to be done. Universities Canada is working with partners in government to encourage more support for Indigenous students to access and succeed at higher education.
Universities Canada’s Advisory group on Indigenous higher education
News
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89%prioritize reconciliation in strategic planning
Close to 90% of institutions have a strategic plan for advancing reconciliation or have a plan in development.
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94%offer financial aid
Over 90% of universities offer financial aid specifically earmarked for Indigenous students.
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89%working to integrate Indigenous Knowledges
Nearly 90% of institutions are working to integrate Indigenous Knowledges and teaching methods into classrooms on campus.
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73%offer Indigenous-focused programs
73% of institutions have programs that include an Indigenous specialization or focus or are specifically designed for Indigenous students.
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90%increasing Indigenous leadership
90% of institutions are working to increase Indigenous representation among faculty and staff and improve retention.
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240courses covering Indigenous languages
More than 240 courses covering more than 30 Indigenous languages are available at Canadian universities.
Reconciliation may be our greatest social challenge but also our greatest opportunity. We must approach the task with ambition, pragmatism and humility.
