Canada congratulates Six Nations Polytechnic on innovative STEAM Academy

From: Indigenous Services Canada

News Release

February 5, 2018 - Six Nations of the Grand River, ONTARIO - Department of Indigenous Services Canada

The Government of Canada believes every First Nation child should get the best start in life, and is working in partnership with First Nations to support their goals for a quality education system.

Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, is pleased to be in Six Nations of the Grand River to congratulate Six Nations Polytechnic on their innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Academy. The STEAM Academy is the first school in Canada to offer students a high school diploma and a college diploma concurrently; encouraging a new, modern generation of learners. This program gives students access to tools ranging from advanced virtual reality, to thousands of years of Indigenous knowledge, to the shared care and experience of a dedicated team of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators. Students begin taking college courses as early as grade 10 and finish the program in 5 - 6 years with both an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a 2 year Ontario College Technician Diploma.

Indigenous Services Canada is pleased to support Six Nations Polytechnic with funding for post-secondary education, parental and community engagement, language and culture, and student tuition.

Quotes

“Six Nations Polytechnic continues to show their outstanding leadership and commitment to quality education through the STEAM Academy. This innovative program not only prepares students for successful futures in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, but also grounds their learning in Indigenous culture and language.”

The Honourable Jane Philpott, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services

“All children have gifts and are eager to learn if challenged and supported in positive ways. Six Nation Polytechnic made the decision to launch the STEAM Academy to offer students an opportunity to learn in a culturally supportive environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, innovation, excellence and mutual respect. Students are enjoying the STEAM Academy experience and that speaks volumes.”

Rebecca Jamieson
President/CEO, Six Nations Polytechnic

“Our students deserve every opportunity to succeed. Six Nations Polytechnic has been pro-active in taking the steps to initiate the STEAM Academy and to build a strong and dedicated team to make this a reality for its students. With this funding, we are looking forward to the future with a renewed sense of hope and resilience.”

Chief Ava Hill
Six Nations of the Grand River

Quick Facts

  • Six Nations Polytechnic has successfully delivered post-secondary education and training programs to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students for the past twenty-five years in a wide variety of program offerings.

  • Six Nations Polytechnic's STEAM Academy launched in Brantford, Ontario in September 2017.

  • Tuition is provided at no cost to students.

Associated Links

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Andrew MacKendrick
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott
819-956-5372

DISC Media Relations
Department of Indigenous Services Canada
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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