Aboriginal Circle on Education

A number of Aboriginal organizations and First Nations are represented on the Aboriginal Circle on Education.  However, this oversight committee will be expanded to include a number of active partners that would better serve the interests of the students, communities and region.   An Advisory or Management Committee comprised of these stakeholders would inform strategic direction and community needs.  Regular updates to the VP Student Services will be provided at the commencement of each meeting.

A review of the communications loop between the Aboriginal Circle on Education (ACE) and the Board of Governors is required to ensure effective communications between the ACE and overall direction of the College.  The ACE, originally mandated by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities in mid-1990 has proven to be invaluable to the College.  

The ACE provides expertise and acts as a resource to Canadore College to ensure access to culturally supportive education and training. 

ACE provides quality student support services and programs with stringent guidelines accountable to the grassroots within Canadore's Framework for Education and Training Relationships.

  • Relationship to the Board of Governors of Canadore College

    • To work with Canadore College within a mutually respectful framework to recommend strategies that support the recruitment, development and retention of Aboriginal faculty, support staff and administration.
    • To maintain an Aboriginal Representative on the Board of Governors who will communicate and liaise on behalf of the governing body of Canadore College on education and training issues affecting the Aboriginal student population.

  • Relationship to the Aboriginal Learning Unit of Canadore College

    • To review and make recommendations regarding the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training strategy funds allocated by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for the implementation of Aboriginal programs and services by Canadore College.
    • To identify and recommend new programs and services for Aboriginal students with a view to their successful recruitment, admission, retention, and graduation.
    • To recommend information and resources to ensure continuing Aboriginal student participation and to improve completion rates.
    • To maintain communication and liaison between the institution and the Aboriginal community at large for the purpose of promoting and supporting Aboriginal education and training.

  • Relationship To Director - College Resource

    Reporting to the Vice-President, Student Services, the Director will act as a College Resource to the Aboriginal Circle on Education by providing the following functions:

    • Liaise between Canadore College and the Circle.
    • Advise and make representation on issues before the Circle.
    • Present work plans, and provide progress up-dates and reports.
    • Undertake the preparation of the College’s Three -Year Aboriginal Postsecondary Education and Training (APSET) plan submissions and reports.

  • Relationship to Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

    The Aboriginal Circle on Education supports the Canadore Three -Year Aboriginal Post-secondary Education and Training Strategy (APSET) and the following goals:

    • To increase Aboriginal participation and completion rates in college, apprenticeship and training programs.
    • To increase Canadore’s sensitivity and awareness of Aboriginal cultures and issues.
    • To increase the extent and participation of Aboriginal people in decisions affecting Aboriginal post-secondary education and training.

  • Policy

    Canadore College recognizes that within the context of the development of aboriginal self-government arrangements and the devolution of responsibility and accountability, Aboriginal Nations, individually and collectively, are taking an increasingly direct and active role in education and training.  The college is committed to making every effort to work with Aboriginal Nations in support of their education and training objectives. 

    This document outlines the framework that will be used by the college to work on building mutually beneficial relations with Aboriginal Nations. 

    The framework is based on the fact that, in all of its work, the college is legally responsible to its Board of Governors in terms of:  financial accountability for its management of funds; programme accountability for the development, delivery and outcomes of education and training courses; and management accountability for its general operation as a government crown agency.

     Accepted by consensus of ACE members - May 12, 2004
    Endorsed by Canadore's Board of Governors - June 15, 2004
    Resolution:  #65-04

  • Aboriginal Circle on Education

    Chair – Esther Gilbank, Union of Ontario Indians

    Kirby Mianscum, North Bay Indian Friendship Centre

    Donna Forget, True Self for Women

    Wendy Lariviere, Nipissing First Nation

    Sharon Dokis, Dokis First Nation

    Cindy Hare, Temagami First Nation

    Tina Tabobandung, Wasauksing First Nation

    Steve General, Shawanaga First Nation

    Greg Miller, Long Point First Nation

    Minnie Matoush, Cree School Board

    Gail Lafleur, Metis Nation of Ontario

    Cynthia Robbins, Parry Sound Friendship Centre

    Lorraine Liberty, Elder