Institute Overview

FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute), an Aboriginal owned and controlled post-secondary institute, was created in 1985 through innovative and dynamic partnerships between the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council, FNTI Board of Directors, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Education & Training. We deliver post-secondary programs approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Currently there are over 300 post-secondary students and adult learners from across the country enrolled in capacity building programs at FNTI and over FNTI's history there have been over 2000 successful graduates from a variety of certificate, diploma and degree programs.

• In August 2010, FNTI celebrated its 25th anniversary of providing quality educational programs to Aboriginal people across Canada.
• FNTI is the longest standing Aboriginal post-secondary institution in Ontario.
• Aboriginally owned and operated, and directed to wholistic learning opportunities for Aboriginal people, FNTI embodies the concept of life-long learning.
• FNTI facilitates Aboriginal student recruitment to post-secondary education through education programs offered at the elementary and secondary level.
• FNTI's success is rooted in its unique culturally-driven delivery style and learner-focused environment.
• FNTI has contributed to First Nation community capacity building through the advancement of its community-based best practices in learning education model.
• FNTI is a model of success for post-secondary education in Ontario boasting a 90 percent graduate employment rate.
• Other post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Canada, and globally, have adapted FNTI's approach to learning while developing their programs.
• Since its inception, FNTI has forged several educational partnerships with other colleges and universities, primarily in Ontario, but also in Saskatchewan.
• International educational partnerships have been forged with Indigenous peoples of Chile, Ecuador, Nunavut and South Africa utilizing FNTI's highly recognized PLA experience and techniques.
• FNTI is the second largest employer on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
• Locally, FNTI provides over 60 jobs in the Quinte area, resulting in an estimated $6-million contribution to the local economy.
• FNTI has forged numerous governmental, corporate and industry training partnerships over its 24-year history, and is a pioneer of the concept of public-private partnerships.
• Current examples of industry partnerships include Trillium Wind Power and the Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection.
• FNTI has undoubtedly contributed significantly to an increase in post-secondary graduation rates of Aboriginal people in Ontario with over 2000 graduates, half of this number within the last six years, attesting to the Institute's growth and success.