In speaking with First Nation students who had already attended a post-secondary journalism/media program, access to some form of Indigenous community at the school was a huge factor in their happiness and sense of confidence throughout their education. In one case a student transferred to a different school to find a stronger sense of community and support. 54.3 per cent of students responded that having a mentor or mentors would be fundamental to their success in post-secondary education. Over 75 per cent of students also stated that it was important for them to experience hands on training, an internship or other related in-the-field experience throughout their academic career. Getting there: Funding and Options for Post-Secondary In Ontario, there are currently eight institutions which offer post-secondary and secondary education that form the Aboriginal Institutes Consortium: • • • • • • • •
Anishnabek Educational Iohahi:io Akwesasne Adult Education and Training Centre Kenjgewen Teg Educational Institute Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute (Oshki-Wenjack) Seven Generations Education Institute Shingwauk Kimoomaage Gamig Six Nations Polytechnic Institute
Each institution offers a variety of programming and resources available to eligible students. At the time of this report, none of these institutions offered a journalism/media or storytelling program. Programming is limited and funding from federal and provincial governments is insufficient to meet learning needs and programming capacity.10 Students who chose to go to a post-secondary program outside of the Aboriginal Institutes Consortium must find their own funding through their Band, provincial loans or other scholarship/bursary opportunities if they need support. A report in 2017, Our Nations, Our Future, Our Vision, revealed that 96 per cent First Nations students in Ontario do not receive adequate funding for their postsecondary education.11 As a result, students often defer their post-secondary education or are put on waiting lists to receive funding. In the same report a First Nation was quoted as saying, “If we cannot provide funding for our community members to attend post-secondary education they tend to get frustrated and angry. They also lose their confidence. Many times, students will not reapply for funding once their app [sic] is refused. I think they do not want to be