New research to be conducted by faculty and staff at Portage College will study foundational learning pathways leading to Indigenous workforce integration. The initiative is one of 35 research and pilot projects across Canada, announced this week in a $7.6 million funding partnership with the Future Skills Centre (FSC). The Portage College research project has been awarded $248,000 of the overall funding.

Saddle Lake Cree Nation Elder Alsena White
with "Unlocking Potential" research project principal
investigator and Portage College Humanities instructor
Kevin Solez PhD.

The Future Skills Centre (FSC) promotes forward-thinking research and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation in skills development so that everyone in Canada can be prepared for the future of work. FSC partners with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, employers, labour groups, and post-secondary institutions to solve pressing labour market challenges. FSC is founded by a consortium whose members are the Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and The Conference Board of Canada. Funding for FSC is provided by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.

The Portage College project, titled Unlocking Potential: Researching Foundational Learning Pathways for Indigenous and Northern Workforce Integration, was selected from more than 780 ideas submitted to FSC. The research will focus on systemic barriers to culturally relevant foundational learning faced by northern Alberta Indigenous communities, and effects on education and workforce participation. The project will generate evidence-based recommendations for educators, employers, policymakers, and Indigenous communities to strengthen equity, inclusion, and workforce integration. The insights will also help educational institutions design better programs, support tailored learning opportunities, and inform funding.

Since its inception in 2019, FSC has invested $286 million into 390 research and pilot projects from coast-to-coast that focus on inclusive future work. Portage College is one of 2,900 FSC partners. Almost two-thirds of all research projects initiated through the Futures Skills Centre support underserved groups including Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and Black youth.

More Links:

The full press release on the funding announcement and partnerships can be found at the Future Skills Centre website here.

Details on the 35 projects that are part of the $7.6 million funding approval – including the Portage College research – can be found here.

Contact Us:

Rob McKinley
Corporate Communications, Portage College
780-623-5581 / c. 780-404-1539 / 
rob.mckinley@portagecollege.ca