Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and Sheridan College MOU strengthens ties to support Indigenous learners

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sheridan College and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) will work to advance Indigenous education, strengthen relationships and reciprocity, and improve the lives of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners and communities.
 
Announced at Sheridan’s Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga and witnessed by Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish earlier this month, the signing marked a meaningful start to National Indigenous History Month. 

The MOU outlines a shared commitment to co-develop culturally relevant programming, enhance access for urban Indigenous learners, and embed Indigenous knowledge and research frameworks into future initiatives.

“Through this Memorandum of Understanding, Sheridan recognizes that Indigenous teaching and learning emanates from the intellectual and cultural traditions and ways of living of Indigenous peoples in Canada,” said Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor of Sheridan. “We believe – we know – that Indigenous education will strengthen Sheridan’s contribution to improving the lives of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners and communities.”
 
“This agreement is more than a memorandum, it’s a shared commitment to walk together in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and education,” said Armand Jourdain Sr., President of OFIFC.
 
Jourdain’s co-signatories included Sean Longboat, Executive Director of the OFIFC; Janet Morrison, outgoing President and Vice Chancellor of Sheridan College; and Audrey Rochette, outgoing Associate Vice President of Indigenous Engagement and Education at Sheridan.
 
“At the centre of this agreement is the belief that Indigenous knowledge is powerful and that it belongs in our classrooms, boardrooms, and beyond,” said Longboat. “Education is about community and that’s what we’re modelling here today through the signing of this MOU which brings tangible, community-driven solutions to the table.”

“Relationships are foundational to the success of Indigenous learners, communities and organizations,” said Amy Reader and Rochette. “The vision of this MOU will increase access to post-secondary education for urban Indigenous learners and will also bring activities from the OFIFC into the Oakville area.”

About OFIFC
Founded in 1971, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) works to support, advocate for, and build the capacity of 31-member Friendship Centres across Ontario. In Ontario more than 88% of Indigenous people live in urban communities. The OFIFC represents the largest urban Indigenous service network in the province supporting this vibrant, diverse, and quickly growing population through programs and initiatives that span justice, health, family support, long-term care, healing and wellness, employment and training, education, research, and more.