CÉGEP HERITAGE COLLEGE
College announces the signing of the Colleges and Institutes Canada Indigenous Education Protocol

CÉGEP Heritage College is proud to announce the signing of the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Indigenous Education Protocol. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the Kitigan Zìbì Elders led the College community in the smudging and prayers ceremony in the College gardens, followed by the ceremonial signing of the Protocol. "As CÉGEP Heritage College is situated in the heart of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation's traditional, unceded territory, the Kitigan Zìbì Anishinàbeg leadership is pleased that the College is signing the CICan Indigenous Education Protocol. Indigenous education is a priority and it is honourable that the College is making this commitment to better serve Indigenous students and Indigenous communities", declared Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck. The College has become the seventy-fifth institution from across Canada to sign the Protocol. "We place great value in our commitment to recognize, value, and honour the Indigenous Peoples and their cultures", stated Ms. Lisa Peldjak, Director General of the College.

Indigenization is one of nine (9) Strategic Orientations of the College's Strategic Plan which pledges to infuse Indigenous Peoples, cultures and history to enrich and bond lives and experiences. The CICan Indigenous Education Protocol serves as a roadmap for the decolonization of the College.

The Protocol was developed by a CICan committee composed of college and institute representatives from coast to coast to coast and approved by the CICan Board of Directors on September 26, 2014.

The Protocol is founded on seven principles which aim to guide signatories:

1. Commit to making Indigenous education a priority.
2. Ensure governance structures recognize and respect Indigenous peoples.
3. Implement intellectual and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples through curriculum and learning approaches relevant to learners and communities.
4. Support students and employees to increase understanding and reciprocity among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
5. Commit to increasing the number of indigenous employees with ongoing appointments throughout the institution, including Indigenous senior administrators.
6. Establish Indigenous-centered holistic services and learning environments for learner success.
7. Building relationships and be accountable to Indigenous communities in support of self-determination through education, training and applied research.