Strong partnerships are essential to the work we do for our Nation. They allow us to expand opportunities, share knowledge, and deliver programs and events that directly benefit our members.

This week our team met with the College of the North Atlantic (CNA), a valued partner in education. Collectively, we reviewed our Memorandum of Understanding, which was established in 2018 and renewed in January 2024. This agreement between our Nation and CNA supports members pursuing post‑secondary education and empowers faculty and staff as they develop programs and services. It also establishes a clear pathway for a respectful relationship, one that honours our values and fosters a prosperous future.

Our partnership with CNA continues to demonstrate how education systems can come together to reshape learning experiences for Indigenous people. CNA collaborates closely with our team to explore opportunities across our departments, strengthening programs for both staff and students. Their commitment extends beyond the classroom, ensuring learners have every possible pathway toward success.

Together, we also work to remove barriers to education by offering direct billing for students, ensuring everyone has equitable access to advance their learning journey, contribute to a stronger Nation, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Our collaboration has grown to include areas such as research, early childhood education, and economic development. Together, we also host the annual Business Forum, a valuable space for learning, sharing, and forging connections, while highlighting local businesses and celebrating successes and shared experiences. Planning for this year’s event is already underway.

We appreciate the time and effort that has gone into building our relationship with the College of the North Atlantic. True partnerships like these are more than agreements; they are grounded in respect and grown through genuine commitments to community and shared goals. In the wise words of Justice Murray Sinclair, “Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out.” By working together, we can ensure that the educational experiences of today are meaningful steps toward a stronger, more hopeful tomorrow.