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| Leona with Mohawk elder Jake Swamp at First Nations Technical Institute |
Province helping aboriginal students succeed at FNTI
New partnership with First Nations Technical Institute
TYENDINAGA MT — The First Nations Technical Institute will continue to provide high-quality programs to Aboriginal students in a new partnership with the Ontario government.
"For more than twenty years, the First Nations Technical Institute has helped Aboriginal people from this community and across the province find success through postsecondary education," said Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Leona Dombrowsky. "I am pleased that we are able to strengthen the partnership with the institute."
The new partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities will help the institute develop a long-term plan to deliver a quality educational experience for Aboriginal students. A one-time, $1.5-million investment will guarantee that it will continue to welcome students.
The institute is Aboriginal owned and controlled. Founded in 1985, it is the oldest Aboriginal postsecondary institute in Ontario.
"Together with the First Nations Technical Institute, we're strengthening Ontario by helping Aboriginal students reach their full potential," said Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy.
"We are pleased to work with the Government of Ontario to ensure that our students can complete their programs of study for this year," said Karihwakeron Tim Thompson, president and CAO, First Nations Technical Institute. "We continue to strive to achieve equity and fairness in postsecondary education."
"Training means jobs," said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Michael Bryant. "The First Nations Technical Institute is the starting point for more jobs, a stronger economy, and a brighter future for the Tyendinaga community and Ontario's First Nations students."
Quick facts
- 90 per cent of First Nations Technical Institute graduates find jobs.
- More than 2,000 students have graduated from the institute in its 22-year history.
- Ontario government funding to the institute increased to $1.7 million last year.
- Between 1985 and 2007, the federal government provided operating funds to the institute. In 2008, federal funding will decrease by almost 75 per cent.
Learn more
Find out how Ontario supports Aboriginal education.
