Reflecting Trent's groundbreaking leadership in Indigenous education and commitment to offering pathway opportunities to assist students in making the transition from diploma to degree studies, Trent University has signed a new articulation agreement with Sault College, admitting graduates of the Anishinaabemowin certificate program to Trent’s new Indigenous Bachelor of Education program with advanced standing, allowing students to earn both a certificate and degree in just five years.

The agreement with Sault College, the first between the two institutions, provides a unique opportunity for students to complete a teachable in Ojibwe in the Indigenous B.Ed. program.

Trent University offers entry into the program from high school or through transfer agreements with local community colleges or First Nations Education Institutes. Sault College will be the third articulation agreement signed offering students a pathway into the program, following an agreement with Confederation College and Fleming College.

“Language is central to education and speaks directly to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. The Sault College Anishinaabemowin Certificate is an extremely important language-based program, that offers a fast pathway into the Indigenous Bachelor of Education program at Trent for self-identified First Nations, Métis and Inuit students,” explains Dr. Cathy Bruce, dean of the School of Education at Trent. “The beauty of this partnership is that the graduates are equipped with the qualifications and understandings to teach Anishinaabemowin – Ojibwe language.”

The new pathway agreement, which will be in effect for September 2017, will see eligible students who have received an overall 75% average in their college program, granted 5.0 transfer credits when arriving at Trent.

“Sault College has been actively engaged in Indigenous Studies for over 30 years. This pathway between Trent University and Sault College is another step in continuing our strong tradition in Indigenous studies. We are thrilled that students in our Anishinaabemowin certificate program can continue their post-secondary studies at a great university,” says Carolyn Hepburn, dean, Indigenous Studies and Academic Upgrading, Sault College. “We are very proud of the pathway between our two institutions as it provides another exciting learning opportunity for our students.”

Reflecting Trent's groundbreaking leadership in Indigenous Studies, the unique Indigenous Bachelor of Education provides self-identified First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous students from around the world with the opportunity to become Indigenous teachers. Welcoming their first cohort of students this past fall, the program is integrated in its nature and encompasses three years of general studies and two years of professional studies. Offered in partnership by Trent's School of Education and the department of Indigenous Studies, the program puts Indigenous knowledge and perspectives at the forefront of teacher training.