OSHKI’s programs and services are student-centred and community-based. This entails the creation and improvement of the employability skills of our students. It is hoped that OSHKI graduates will continue on in their fields for the benefit of their respective communities. For the people living in Aboriginal communities, where there so often no secondary or post-secondary institutions, access to the accredited post-secondary programs through a blended delivery approach is even more meaningful.

Through OSHKI, First Nations people are being positioned to capture current and future employment opportunities in the health sciences, social services, commerce or industry within their territory and mainstream Canada. It is for these reasons that student needs are placed at the highest priority at OSHKI, and several initiatives exist in order to advance this focus.

Student needs come first at OSHKI, and by taking a pro-active support to meet these student needs, OSHKI is providing student-centred post-secondary training. OSHKI responds to student needs in an effort to motivate students to stay on track, and to identify areas that may require additional academic support.

OSHKI students learn and study within a cohort model of program delivery. Each student enters into a program cohort of fewer than 15 mainly Aboriginal students who hold diverse backgrounds and are geographically dispersed in diverse communities throughout Northern Ontario. Every student takes exactly the same courses and students learn together in the same class. The diversity of student perspectives, needs and experience tend to enrich the learning experience for everyone.