The Government of Ontario says it is investing $57 million in Indigenous Institutes across the province, calling it the largest single investment in Indigenous higher education in Ontario’s history.
The funding is part of a broader $6.4-billion plan aimed at supporting postsecondary education and ensuring students have access to training for in-demand careers.
“Indigenous youth are the fastest-growing group in Ontario’s workforce,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By providing record-setting investments into the Indigenous Institutes, we’re ensuring Indigenous students receive a world class education that equips them with the skills they need to launch good-paying, rewarding careers that builds stronger communities.”
The province said the investment will nearly double operating funding for the nine Indigenous Institutes, bringing total annual support to more than $50 million by 2028. The funding includes $33 million to expand up to 780 seats in labour market-focused programs, including health care, education, trades, transportation, STEM and Indigenous languages.
A call for proposals is now open to allocate the new seats, with students expected to begin enrolling as early as January 2027. A second round of proposals is planned for fall 2026 to support additional enrolment in the 2027-28 academic year.
“We remain proud to partner with and support the exciting work underway at Indigenous Institutes as they provide the education and training that students need to enter skilled workforces,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “Advancing economic reconciliation means creating lasting pathways for Indigenous students to good-paying careers in in-demand sectors throughout the province.”
The province said the investment is part of a long-term funding model announced earlier this year that will provide an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes over four years, including support for 70,000 new student spaces.
According to the province, enrolment at Indigenous Institutes has grown by 36 per cent since the 2020-21 academic year, while operating funding for the institutes will more than double over the same period.
