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

By the numbers

  • 240
    courses covering Indigenous languages

    More than 240 courses covering more than 30 Indigenous languages are available at Canadian universities.

    Source: Universities Canada survey of members on Indigenous education, 2022.
  • 89%
    prioritize reconciliation in strategic planning

    Close to 90% of institutions have a strategic plan for advancing reconciliation or have a plan in development.

    Source: Universities Canada survey of members on Indigenous education, 2022.
  • 94%
    offer financial aid

    Over 90% of universities offer financial aid specifically earmarked for Indigenous students.

    Source: Universities Canada survey of members on Indigenous education, 2022.
  • 89%
    working to integrate Indigenous Knowledges

    Nearly 90% of institutions are working to integrate Indigenous Knowledges and teaching methods into classrooms on campus.

    Source: Universities Canada survey of members on Indigenous education, 2022.
  • 73%
    offer Indigenous-focused programs

    73% of institutions have programs that include an Indigenous specialization or focus or are specifically designed for Indigenous students.

    Source: Universities Canada survey of members on Indigenous education, 2022.
  • 53%
    have a Calls to Action public strategy

    Over 50% of universities have a public strategy or action plan specifically to respond to the Calls to Action.

    Source: Universities Canada survey of members on Indigenous education, 2022.
  • 90%
    increasing Indigenous leadership

    90% of institutions are working to increase Indigenous representation among faculty and staff and improve retention.

    Source: Universities Canada survey of members on Indigenous education, 2022.

Reconciliation may be our greatest social challenge but also our greatest opportunity. We must approach the task with ambition, pragmatism and humility.

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