About Oshki-Wenjack
Serving the 49 First Nation communities of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), as well as Indigenous learners from across Ontario, Oshki-Wenjack is proud to provide a path to lifelong learning and stronger communities.
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute
Founded in 1996 by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Oshki-Wenjack is an Indigenous post-secondary Indigenous Institute committed to increasing access to accredited post-secondary education in our 49 First Nation communities, as well as Indigenous learners from across Ontario. Our students, instructors, and support staff come from closely knit communities and we strive to create an environment that feels like home, whether in the classroom or meeting online. We focus on creating a learning environment that is designed for Indigenous learners, and feels welcoming at every step along the learning journey.
We work closely with NAN communities to develop unique educational programs that directly serve the workforce needs of those communities. Whether courses are delivered remotely online or in-person in Thunder Bay, the emphasis at Oshki-Wenjack is always on creating a learning environment where each learner has the opportunity to find their path and achieve their goals.
Our Governing Council is composed of representatives from each of the Tribal Councils in the NAN territory. Our staff are full-time members and our faculty are contract instructors. Researchers, curriculum developers, and special project support are hired as required.
Where We Are
Our campus is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and the campus includes classrooms, kitchen amenities, a computer lab and student lounge. It is centrally located in the downtown south core, close to bus transportation, and is accessible to people with disabilities. Currently most of our programs are being run online and students are staying in their home communities.
Who We Serve
Our mandate is to provide education and training opportunities to the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and surrounding area.
NAN encompasses James Bay Treaty 9 territory and Ontario’s portion of Treaty 5. NAN has a total land mass covering two-thirds of Ontario spanning an area of 210,000 square miles.
The total approximate population of NAN First Nation members (on- and off-reserve) is 45,000. The people of Nishnawbe Aski traditionally speak Ojibway, Cree, and Oji-Cree.
We also welcome students from anywhere in Ontario to take part in our uniquely delivered programs.
What We Do
Our mission is to achieve excellence as a leader in the innovative design and delivery of quality post-secondary education and training programs which meet the holistic educational needs of NAN and other learners in a safe, inclusive, supportive and culturally enriched learning environment.
We work with regional colleges and universities and other partners to:
- Ensure quality programming.
- Improve and increase opportunities for access.
- Share beneficial resources and information.
- Collaborate on the development and delivery of courses, programs and other projects.
- Promote the retention and success of Indigenous students.
- Respond to employment and training needs within the communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
- Contribute to the advancement of self-governance, sustainable economic development and self-sufficiency within the communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
- Contribute to the advancement of self-governance, sustainable economic development and self-sufficiency within the communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
