SARNIA, May 4, 2021 – Lambton College’s institutional commitment to the importance of Indigenous education has been recognized on a national level.
On Tuesday, April 26, the College was announced as the recipient of a national award on behalf of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the organization that represents publicly supported colleges, institutes, cegeps and polytechnics in Canada and internationally.
Lambton College was the Bronze recipient of the Indigenous Leadership Excellence Award, recognizing the College’s commitment to Indigenous education through innovative approaches and dedicated structures that contribute to student success, as well as socio-economic development and reconciliation within communities.
“I am extremely proud to have our College recognized for excellence in Indigenous Education. Lambton has made consistent efforts to serve Indigenous learners and support socioeconomic development in Indigenous communities. This award acknowledges the sustained and exceptional work of our Indigenous Education team, our Council on Indigenous Education, and our College community as a whole,” said Judith Morris, President & CEO, Lambton College.
“This award serves as an affirmation of the commitment by the Lambton College Indigenous Council on Education, the leadership of the Indigenous Student Council as well as Lambton College’s uncompromising dedication in addressing the learning needs of Indigenous people as well as to support self-determination and socioeconomic development in Indigenous communities,” said Jane Manning, Manager, Indigenous Education, Lambton College. “I look forward to advancing Indigenous education to further grow a supportive learning environment that prioritizes, understands, and celebrates learners with Indigenous backgrounds.”
Lambton College’s leadership in Indigenous Education cascades throughout strategic and operational planning.
When Lambton signed the CICan Indigenous Education Protocols in June 2015, the College embraced the protocol’s seven guiding principles for serving the needs of Indigenous learners and surrounding Indigenous communities.
Commitments to advancing Truth and Reconciliation in collaboration with Indigenous communities was also written directly in the College’s Strategic Plan (2019 -2024). These commitments include enhancing Indigenous student engagement as reflected in improved access, retention, graduation and employment rates; embedding Indigenous culture and history in all postsecondary program curriculum; and reflecting culturally Indigenous perspectives, art and traditions on campus.
The College has also formed a number of strategic, formalized partnerships to support Indigenous learners as well as help close education and training gaps to support economic and workforce development in Indigenous communities, including: College Study Hubs in two First Nations, a 2 + 2 Indigenous Studies Degree Pathway, Visions of Harmony Committee: Careers in Technology and Transportation Initiative; the construction of an Indigenous Outdoor Gathering Space; Aamjiwnaang First Nation PSW program;and Enactus Lambton’s One Circle project.
Lambton’s increased understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is evidenced with the Indigenous Research Guiding Principles, acting as a host site for long standing cultural events, professional development using the Blanket Exercise, and assembling a Reconciliation Task Force.
To learn more about Lambton College’s Indigenous Student Centre and other initiatives and services, go to lambtoncollege.ca/ISC.
For media inquiries or more information:
Jami Kloet
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Lambton College
Telephone: 519-542-7751 ext. 3337
Mobile: 519-328-2081
Email: jami.kloet@lambtoncollege.ca