ONCAT Helps Four Institutions Create Pathways for Indigenous Education

The following press release has been produced by a joint partnership between Wilfrid Laurier University, Mohawk College, McMaster University, and Lambton College.

An innovative new agreement between four Ontario post-secondary institutions, partially funded by ONCAT, will allow students to complete an Indigenous-focused diploma and university honours degree in four years.

Lambton College and Mohawk College have collaborated with McMaster University and Wilfrid Laurier University to establish a college-to-university pathway program. The 2+2 pathway creates new opportunities for Indigenous Studies students to advance their post-secondary education and it raises the awareness and understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and issues among the broader student body.

Students at Mohawk and Lambton who take Indigenous-focused courses now have the opportunity to continue their studies at Wilfrid Laurier (Honours B.A. in Indigenous Studies or Combined Honours B.A. Indigenous Studies and another subject) and McMaster (Honours B.A. in Indigenous Studies) to complete a university degree.

Among the first of its kind in Ontario, this program will benefit Indigenous and non-Indigenous students by creating a deeper understanding of Indigenous histories and interconnectivity among Indigenous communities as they are introduced to an Indigenous Studies discipline. Students will have opportunities to explore Indigenous identity through teachings and relationships and will develop further understandings of the connection to land and place.

This initiative has been partially funded by the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT).

“At Laurier, we are pleased to offer students focused on Indigenous Studies an innovative college-to-university pathway to earn their degree. This is just one of the ways Laurier is furthering our commitment to pursue enhanced and accelerated ways of integrating Indigenous initiatives across the university. I am thrilled that our university will be part of this ambitious partnership and especially so as co-chair of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer Board of Directors.”

– Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Wilfrid Laurier University

“We are very pleased to be able to offer an educational pathway of this calibre to our students. These new university agreements align with our College’s commitment to embed Indigenous culture and history in all of our post-secondary program curriculum, and reflects the dedication of all four partner institutions in building on our relationships to better serve the needs of Indigenous learners and communities.”

– Rob Kardas, Vice President, Academic & Student Success, Lambton College

“Mohawk College is deeply committed to providing a wide range of opportunities for our Indigenous Studies students to help them reach their full academic potential. This creative partnership complements our college’s ongoing leadership in Indigenous Education and Student Services. I am proud to be working with such strong partners to deliver accessible, alternative pathways to post-secondary success for students throughout this region.”

– Ron McKerlie, President, Mohawk College

“Students entering this new program will be welcomed into the McMaster community where they’ll find support and an institution-wide commitment to Indigenous studies and Indigenous research.  It creates a new pathway to a university education that builds on McMaster’s student-focused approach to teaching excellence.” 

– David Farrar, President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University