Humber is breaking new ground in its ongoing support for Indigenous students by being the first college in the country to offer free tuition to students from eight First Nations communities.

Humber is committed to integrating inclusion and belonging into all aspects of the institution and to celebrating the Humber community’s rich diversity.  

As part of Humber’s continued commitment in advancing inclusion and belonging and to actively respond to the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Humber plans to introduce an Indigenous Tuition Grant program.  

It will offer a full-tuition waiver for Indigenous students from eight First Nations communities starting this fall including Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Mississaugas of the Scugog Island First Nation, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga Mohawk) and Six Nations of the Grand River.

“The free tuition initiative is of tremendous significance as it empowers Indigenous students as they embark on their post-secondary studies and speaks to Humber’s commitment to action not just words,” said Jason Seright, vice-president, Inclusion and Belonging at Humber. “By removing financial barriers to accessing post-secondary education, Humber is building a stronger and more inclusive future where every Indigenous student can thrive."

During the Humber Inspired consultations that took place last fall, the Humber community made it clear that it wanted Humber to continue being a leader by advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) initiatives across the institution. This remains a key focus for the Humber Inspired strategic vision and support for Humber’s Indigenous community through initiatives such as the Indigenous Tuition Grant program is a central component of Indigenous Education Plan strategy and core to Humber Inspired.

“We are taking what we are hearing from our community on what’s important to them and we are actioning it,” said Seright.

“This initiative builds upon Humber’s steadfast commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation, deepens our valued relationships with local Indigenous communities and elevates Indigenous excellence within our institution,” said Humber President and CEO, Ann Marie Vaughan. “Through these efforts, we aim to create an environment where Indigenous knowledge and culture are celebrated and integrated into the Humber experience, reinforcing our dedication to inclusivity and mutual respect.”

Humber employees have participated in Truth and Reconciliation training, which was based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training continues to be offered at Humber.

Grant application information will be available this fall. Interested students are asked to contact indigenous@humber.ca with questions.

Humber Inspired: A Vision for 2030 is a process designed to create a new vision for Humber’s future. Humber Inspired builds on the innovative and groundbreaking work already taking place at Humber and the big, bold ideas shared by the institution’s community as part of the process. Ahead of the official launch of the new vision, Humber Today will be sharing stories of the inspiring work and achievements happening at Humber every day that will enable us to achieve our new vision.