Tag: Indigenous Education


  • Blueberry River First Nation vows to rebuild after devastating school fire

    Blueberry River First Nation vows to rebuild after devastating school fire

    Community response to a devastating loss The Blueberry River First Nation (BRFN), located in northeastern British Columbia, faces a period of mourning after a fire destroyed the community’s school on a Saturday morning. Leaders described the blaze as a “tremendous loss” for students, families, and several generations who learned within the building’s walls. Yet, in…

  • Ribbon Skirt Day Leader Reflects on a Turning Tide Since the Shame

    Ribbon Skirt Day Leader Reflects on a Turning Tide Since the Shame

    Introduction: A culture’s voice grows louder Isabella Kulak has become a symbol of resilience for many Indigenous communities across Canada and beyond. What began as a personal choice to wear a ribbon skirt—a garment with deep historical roots in Indigenous nations—grew into a national conversation about cultural pride, intergenerational trauma, and the power of reclaiming…

  • First Nations University President Fired Amid Nepotism and Retaliation Allegations

    First Nations University President Fired Amid Nepotism and Retaliation Allegations

    Overview: a governance crisis at First Nations University A three‑month Deloitte Legal investigation, commissioned by the First Nations University of Canada board in 2023, found substantial evidence of troubling leadership conduct by then‑president Jacqueline Ottmann. The 200‑plus‑page report concluded that she created an in‑group circle around her office, undermining accountability and fostering a culture sometimes…

  • First Nations University President Report Finds Nepotism and Empire Building

    First Nations University President Report Finds Nepotism and Empire Building

    Overview of the Deloitte investigation In 2023, the board of First Nations University of Canada commissioned Deloitte Legal to examine more than two dozen allegations against the universitys president, Jacqueline Ottmann. The final report, a lengthy document of more than 200 pages, concluded that Ottmann created a circle of favor around and inside her office.…

  • Mastercard Foundation Fund Boosts Indigenous Education Access

    Mastercard Foundation Fund Boosts Indigenous Education Access

    Introduction The Mastercard Foundation has recently announced a substantial funding initiative aimed at enhancing access to postsecondary education for Indigenous students across Canada. This pioneering funding program seeks to address the barriers that Indigenous communities face in obtaining higher education, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable academic environment. Transformative Impact on Students One of the…

  • Funding Boost for Indigenous Postsecondary Education

    Funding Boost for Indigenous Postsecondary Education

    Introduction The Mastercard Foundation has made a significant announcement aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for Indigenous students across Canada. This initiative is expected to transform the landscape of postsecondary education for Indigenous communities, enabling greater participation and success. The Impact of Education on Indigenous Students Education is a powerful tool that can change lives, and…

  • Boosting Postsecondary Education Access for Indigenous Students

    Boosting Postsecondary Education Access for Indigenous Students

    Introduction The Mastercard Foundation has announced significant funding aimed at enhancing access to postsecondary education for Indigenous students across Canada. This initiative is a vital step towards addressing the educational disparities faced by Indigenous communities and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in higher education. Fundamental Changes in Education Access With the…