Mainstream and Aboriginal colleges and institutes across Canada must continue to reach out to form partnerships with Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal institutes with a view to providing the education, training and skills development that enable Aboriginal people to contribute to the economic and social development of Aboriginal communities and Canada as a whole. Colleges and institutes must also enhance Aboriginal student retention through culturally appropriate counselling and support services, seeking and making use of student input and having more Aboriginal faculty so students feel understood and supported in the challenges they are facing while attending colleges and institutes.

ACCC must also continue to form partnerships at the pan-Canadian and regional levels with a view to supporting colleges’ and institutes’ efforts at providing more effective programs and services for Aboriginal learners. This includes supporting exchanges of innovative practices, providing opportunities for colleges and institutes to dialogue with federal government departments, national and regional Aboriginal organizations and amongst themselves. This report is only an initial step in this process.