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

Gatineau, September 19, 2025 – 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.

For more information, please contact: Lisa Peldjak, Director General, 819-778-2270, extension 1070 or dgo@cegep-heritage.qc.ca.

About the College:

One of 48 CÉGEPs (“Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel”) in the province, CÉGEP Heritage College is the only English-language CÉGEP in Western Quebec, bordering the scenic Gatineau Park.  The College is proud of the holistic approach to student and staff well-being, inclusive College culture, outstanding teaching, engaging co-curricular activities, strong Varsity Athletics programming, and state-of-the-art facilities.  The College engages and empowers students and staff in transforming their lives and communities through a world-class educational experience.   The College offers seven (7)

Technical programs and four (4) Pre-University programs that prepare students either for immediate entry into the labor force or for future study at university.  In addition, the College offers personal, professional, and Continuing Education courses for adults.

About Kitigan Zìbì Anishinàbeg

Kitigan Zìbì Anishinàbeg is an Anishinàbe Algonquin community that is located 140 km north of Gatineau, Quebec. Kitigan Zìbì has a long history of having some of our post-secondary students attend CÉGEP Heritage College each year. As the Kitigan Zìbì Anishinàbeg supports over 150 post-secondary students each year, our community firmly believes that education is the key to our community's well-being and future.

About Colleges and Institutes Canada

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the national voice of Canada’s dynamic network of public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics. By convening, connecting and championing the sector, CICan amplifies the value and impact of its members to advance priorities that matter most to Canadians. With more than 95% of Canadians living within 50 km of a member institution, and thanks to its extensive reach around the globe, CICan works to position colleges and institutes as key partners in meeting Canada’s – and the world’s – biggest challenges.