First Nations Technical Institute

First Nations Technical Institute is an Aboriginal-owned and controlled post-secondary institution. Aboriginal institutes partner with colleges and universities to offer students degree programs, apprenticeships, certificate programs and diploma programs. Established in 1985 through innovative and dynamic partnerships among the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council, FNTI Board of Directors, Indian & Northern Affairs Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of Education & Training, it is the oldest Aboriginal-operated post-secondary institution in Ontario. It was founded to provide greater access to post-secondary education for Aboriginal peoples. FNTI delivers post-secondary programs approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The educational curriculum was adapted to meet the needs of Aboriginal learners to ensure it reflects community needs, cultural heritage and identity.FNTI is a strong advocate of lifelong learning - evident in its initiatives to raise Aboriginal student entry into post-secondary education through educational programs offered at the elementary and secondary level. It currently has about 300 post-secondary students and adult learners from across the country enrolled in capacity-building programs at FNTI. To date, over 2000 students have successfully graduated from a variety of certificate, diploma and degree programs offered at the institution.Through its innovative programs, FNTI has contributed to First Nations' community capacity building through the advancement of its community-based "best practices" model. FNTI's approach to learning and teaching has also been adapted by other post-secondary educations in Ontario and other parts of the world.