Empowering the Next Generation: A Closer Look at Indigenous Learner Success
The journey toward reconciliation in Canada is paved with practical action, meaningful relationships, and a deep commitment to educational equity. We are proud to introduce the 2026 Edition of "Enhancing Educational Outcomes: A National Report on Supporting Indigenous Learners in Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions".
Co-authored by Jelly Academy and Polytechnics Canada, this comprehensive report explores the current landscape of career counseling and institutional support for Indigenous students across the country.
Why This Report Matters
Education and training are most effective when they reflect local contexts, cultural priorities, and the unique identities of the learners they serve. This report draws on findings from the National ISET Indigenous Learners Survey, providing a distinctions-based look at the experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.
The data highlights a critical truth: Indigenous learners thrive in environments that foster a strong sense of community and provide ongoing, personalized support.
Key Insights from the Field
The report delves into what is working—and where we can do better—to support Indigenous career development:
The Power of Polytechnics: Survey respondents rated polytechnic institutions most favorably (6.5/10) for their effectiveness in Indigenous career counseling, citing their intersection of education, skills, and applied innovation.
The Necessity of Cultural Competency: 100% of survey respondents rated cultural competency training for career counselors as "extremely important". This includes understanding distinctions-based identities and the ongoing impacts of colonization.
Wraparound Support is Essential: Success isn't just about academics. It requires a holistic approach that includes mental health services, housing assistance, childcare, and financial planning.
Overcoming Barriers: The report identifies significant hurdles, such as geographic isolation, lack of culturally safe spaces, and impersonal service delivery models that lack human connection.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Beyond the data, the report features powerful success stories from students. From a Media Production student finding camaraderie at the Indigenous Students’ Centre at Saskatchewan Polytechnic to a Bachelor of Arts graduate achieving the Dean’s Honour List with support from the Manitoba Metis Federation , these narratives underscore the transformative power of culturally embedded support.
Moving Forward
The findings of this report serve as a call to action for sustained investment in Indigenous-led career services. By strengthening institutional accountability and expanding wraparound supports, we can improve the pathways from education to meaningful employment for Indigenous learners nationwide.
Ready to dive into the full findings? You can explore the detailed survey results, institutional best practices, and policy implications in the full report that you can download below.