Kiuna at 15: Advancing self-determination in education

ODANAK, QC, Oct. 9, 2026 /CNW/ — Yesterday, October 8, 2026, First Nations chiefs, Kiuna students and graduates, and representatives from CEGEPs and other educational institutions gathered on W8banaki territory to celebrate Kiuna’s 15th anniversary. This celebration was an opportunity to recognize how far the institution has come, the relationships built with communities and partners, and the contributions of the people who keep it going.

For 15 years, Kiuna has been preparing the next generation by offering quality college education rooted in First Nations cultures, languages, knowledge and realities. The event celebrated this journey while opening a new chapter for future generations.

A unique college in Quebec

Kiuna remains the only college-level institution by and for First Nations in Quebec. Since opening in Odanak in 2011, it has become a place of learning, knowledge sharing, gathering and belonging for students from Quebec’s 11 First Nations.

Over the past 15 years, more than 200 people have graduated from Kiuna and nearly 150 students attend the institution each year. These figures show the role Kiuna plays in developing a new generation of engaged leaders who carry forward their communities’ aspirations.

Education rooted in First Nations realities

At Kiuna, education is about more than imparting knowledge. It also serves as a space where cultures, languages, knowledge and traditions play a central role. This approach helps create a welcoming and engaging learning environment deeply rooted in First Nations identities, values and traditions.

“Kiuna’s 15th anniversary celebrations demonstrate the strength of an education model designed by and for First Nations. Today, our responsibility is to build on this success and enable our young people to go even further. Kiuna paved the way for college-level education. With the House of Knowledge project, we are extending our vision to university studies and taking another step towards greater autonomy in education,” says Denis Gros-Louis, Director General of the First Nations Education Council.

A strengthened post-secondary continuum by and for First Nations

Since the Kiuna project began, the chiefs and the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador have supported the institution’s development and its mission to empower the next generation.

After 15 years of growth and achievement, Kiuna has demonstrated what is possible when First Nations take ownership of their education. Building on this experience, the institution now wishes to take the next step. It is asking the Government of Quebec to grant it constituent college status, giving it the institutional and educational autonomy needed to fulfil its mission and support its development.

“To provide our youth with a true educational continuum, from elementary school to post-secondary education, First Nations must be able to make the decisions that affect their education. Kiuna cannot fully play its role in this continuum without the institutional and pedagogical autonomy it needs to fulfil its mission. We invite the Quebec government to work with us to make this autonomy a reality,” says Médérik Sioui, Director of Kiuna.

About the First Nations Education Council

The First Nations Education Council (FNEC) is an association of 22 First Nations in Quebec that has worked for more than 40 years to support First Nations in exercising full jurisdiction over their education by establishing a comprehensive, adequately resourced education system designed and managed according to their values and cultures. For more information, visit www.cepn-fnec.com.

About Kiuna

Kiuna is a welcoming, close-knit college located in Odanak that offers culturally tailored educational pathways for First Nations students. Its programs and educational approach respect and celebrate First Nations’ identity, history and traditions in a safe environment where sharing, community and intergenerational connections are central. Kiuna supports its students’ academic and personal success and the vitality of First Nations, making knowledge a collective legacy. https://kiuna-college.com/fra/ 

SOURCE Kiuna College