FNTI in the news

For Immediate Release:
June 29, 2009

FNTI Congratulates 2008-09 Graduates

Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory:

On July 2, 2009, FNTI will be hosting a community graduation ceremony to celebrate the graduation of students from six of FNTI's post-secondary programs and FNTI's secondary education programs.

This celebration will honour the students of the Office Administration Program, Indigenous Community Health Approaches Program, Aviation Diploma Program, Bachelor of Social Work Program, and the First Nations Public Administration and Governance Program. The achievement of students from the Ohahase and HOPE secondary programs will also be acknowledged.

"The graduates of these programs are positive change agents in Indigenous communities" noted Karihwakeron Tim Thompson, FNTI President. "They are role models for their families, clans and communities."

The 2006 Census identified that only 4% of Indigenous people on reserve had a university degree, and only 8% when the data includes populations off-reserve, compared to 23% for the general population. The census identified that the attainment gap has grown since the previous census period. This highlights the importance of graduates from FNTI programs.

Academic Dean Jan Hill added "We understand that students often have to overcome many obstacles in the education journey. It is a credit to each of the graduates that they were able to persevere and complete their programs. FNTI is pleased to be able to provide opportunities for Indigenous peoples to succeed in post-secondary education."

FNTI is an Indigenous controlled post-secondary institution based in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory since 1985. FNTI programs are offered throughout the province of Ontario and internationally. Programs are accredited through partnerships with Ontario's publicly funded colleges and universities.

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For more information please contact:
Jan Hill (613) 396-2122 ext. 135
www.fnti.net

June 19, 2009

Social work program takes uniquely aboriginal approach

KEITH BEATY/TORONTO STAR
June 19, 2009
Louise Brown
Education Reporter

They told her she was too shy, too lazy, too slow for university, and Valerie George began to buy it herself.

So Thursday, when the aboriginal addiction counsellor put on a robe and crossed the stage at Ryerson University to pick up her new bachelor's degree in social work, she grinned over the stereotypes she has beaten.

"Teachers often don't understand that First Nations people think before we speak - we don't always rush to speak - so they call us shy or think we're not smart and after a while you believe those labels yourself," said George, one of 13 students earning social work stripes in an unusual program designed for aboriginals who plan to work with First Nations communities.

The three-year fast-track program is run jointly by Ryerson and First Nations Technical Institute near Belleville and it injects a native cultural sensitivity in both the curriculum and how it is taught, making sure more than half the instructors are aboriginal themselves.

"It's a uniquely aboriginal approach; we learn in a circle that brings us all together like a family, not listening to a lecture," said Donna Naughton, who said the course included testimonials from survivors of residential schools. "We start each class with a traditional smudge ceremony and sometimes have traditional songs."

Sharilyn Johnston works at a child and family services agency for the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation near London, where she said she often counsels people about issues related in some way to the legacy of the residential schools.

"Having heard these stories first-hand will help us use a more personal approach to our work."

The program is tailored to mature students with families and jobs, allowing them to study in one-week blocks every six weeks, on a campus near where they live - in this case, the University of Western Ontario in London.

Before the official convocation ceremony Thursday, the program held a special drum circle in the courtyard beforehand where family members, including Naughton's baby granddaughter, bounced to the beat of the traditional honour songs.

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For Immediate Release:
June 4, 2009

FNTI Announces Centre for International Studies and Holistic Indigenous Development - PLAR

Tyendinga Mohawk Territory: FNTI is pleased to announce creation of the Centre for International Studies and Holistic Indigenous Development - PLAR.

The announcement was made in the aftermath of FNTI's 20th Annual Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Conference where FNTI strengthened its international and domestic partnerships in Chile, Ecuador, South Africa, Nunavut and with other Indigenous post-secondary institutions in Ontario.

"The announcement of the Centre reflects the reality of our work over the past two decades with Indigenous communities in Canada and internationally" stated Karihwakeron Tim Thompson, FNTI President. "We are committed to strengthening and expanding the practice of PLAR as a key means to enhance educational and cultural capacity in Indigenous communities."

"Our approach to PLAR is a very empowering process which creates the opportunity for individuals to advance their aspirations, including education and workplace goals" added Paul Zakos, PLAR Manager. "The Centre will enable FNTI to enhance its domestic and international partnerships, conduct research, and assist communities in further developing their educational capacity."

In August, FNTI will be hosting the 2009 annual meeting of the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC). The organization was established to provide a forum for international cooperation in Indigenous post-secondary education. FNTI has applied to WINHEC for international accreditation and will complete the three year process this summer.

FNTI is an Indigenous controlled post-secondary institution established in 1985 and based in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario. Governed by a volunteer board of directors, FNTI is known for its work in PLAR, community based post-secondary program delivery, exceptional student retention and graduation rates, Indigenous knowledge initiatives, and a one of a kind Aviation program.

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For more information please contact:

Paul Zakos (613) 396-2122 ext. 129
3 Old York Road
Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON
K0K 1X0
Ph: 1.800.267.0637 or 613.396.2122
Fax: 613.396.2761 www.fnti.net