The Aboriginal Institutes’ Consortium regularly assesses the current environment and develops strategic actions to address current issues affecting Aboriginal institutions. Recognition and resources are the key issues impacting the growth and development of Aboriginal institutions, with recognition the main focus. The specific goals of this period are: to support the capacity building of member institutes; continue to explore the development program accreditation for member institutes; advance the recognition of member institutes; and promote member institutes as centers of learning excellence. Given current government support for Aboriginal institutions, achieving the capacity to address the extent of the needs expressed by Aboriginal communities is the greatest challenge.
Review of Aboriginal Post-secondary Education in Canada, Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
The all party Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs conducted a review of Aboriginal post-secondary education in Canada and released its report in February 2007 titled, No Higher Priority: Aboriginal Post-Secondary in Canada. The report encourages government to build upon the success achieved by Aboriginal institutions by putting in place measures that strengthen and promote their long term viability.
Among the recommendations and proposals, the report also urges federal departments and officials to:
ensure outstanding funding and accreditation issues affecting Aboriginal controlled institutions are raised in any inter governmental meetings on Aboriginal post secondary education, or on post secondary.