At the Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre (OSTTC), we are pioneering education and training deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge. As leaders in this field, we are committed to fostering holistic wellness and student success, ensuring that our graduates possess the in-demand skills needed for employability.

We envision a future where Indigenous education and training are seamlessly integrated with cultural practices and knowledge to build a foundation for personal and professional success. Our goals are multifaceted but can be summed up through our four ‘C’s for success:

Community Collaboration

A key element of our vision is strong collaboration with community members and employers. By aligning our programs with current market demands, we ensure that our students acquire highly sought-after skills. This approach not only enhances employability but also strengthens community ties, fostering a network of support and opportunities for our students.

Culturally Responsive Education

At OSTTC, education transcends conventional methods. We are committed to providing a culturally responsive and safe learning environment, deeply grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and living. This approach honours Indigenous traditions, integrating them into the curriculum to create a unique educational experience that resonates with our students' identities and values.

Comprehensive Student Support

We recognize the unique challenges many of our students face and work tirelessly to remove these barriers. We offer wrap-around support that spans the entire educational journey, beginning with barrier and wellness checks before programs commence and continuing with weekly check-ins throughout the program duration.

Our Student Success team plays a crucial role in this process, engaging with students regularly, building positive relationships, and organizing wellness activities. These activities, ranging from lunches and movie screenings to pumpkin carving and Easter egg hunts, create a sense of community and belonging.

Career Preparedness

To ensure our students are well-prepared for their careers, we provide tutoring and opportunities for further upgrading. We maintain strong relationships with community agencies for referrals and continue to support our students even after they have completed their programs. Regular check-ins about employment and resources to help our students gain or maintain employment are integral to our commitment to student success.

Additionally, our experienced Trades staff offer mentorship, guiding our students on their career paths and providing invaluable insights into the industry. This mentorship is designed to empower our students, giving them the confidence and knowledge needed to navigate their professional journeys.

Our dedication to integrating Indigenous knowledge with education and training sets us apart as leaders in the field. Through our four ‘C’s – community collaboration, culturally based learning, comprehensive student support, and career guidance – we are laying a foundation for a future where Indigenous students can thrive personally and professionally. As we continue to grow and evolve, we hope our impact on students and the community will only become more profound…and we hope you will come along on that journey with us!