Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute (Oshki-Wenjack) delivers a culturally relevant education and a sense of belonging. Oshki-Pimache-O-Win means “a new beginning” in the Oji-Cree language. The school’s name honours Chanie Wenjack, an Anishinaabe boy who died escaping from a residential school in the ’60s. Located in Thunder Bay, Oshki-Wenjack offers degree, diploma, certificate and academic upgrading programs through partnerships with other colleges, including Canadore, Confederation and Sault, and with Lakehead University. The school plans to add microcredentials to their catalogue. Programs incorporate Indigenous knowledge, skills and traditions. The school offers Indigenous wellness and addictions prevention programming, along with an Indigenous social service worker specialization.

The majority of programs allow students to stay in their home communities; they attend two-week intensive blocks twice per
semester and typically complete the rest of their learning online in the evenings. The school has audio-visual equipment in all its classrooms for virtual participation, including tracking cameras, speakers, microphones and display screens. A two- to three-day orientation is mandatory for new students to meet instructors and peers and learn about campus. The Migizi Cultural Room hosts healing circles and cultural teachings. Through the Elder-on-Campus program, students connect with Elders for counselling, traditional teaching and circle ceremonies, and the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge.

Quick facts

School size:
Small

Tuition:
Degree $6,700
Diploma $3,400-$3,700
Certificate $3,600 (2024 figures)

Residence offerings:
No

Popular programs

Aboriginal Bachelor of Education
Social Service Worker—Indigenous Specialization
Bachelor of Social Work Degree
Practical Nursing Diploma
Business Diploma

Cool options

Indigenous Birthworker—Labour: This microcredential emphasizes Indigenous Birth philosophies and teaches the signs, stages and complications of labour.

Security Guard: Students prepare for the security guard licensing exam for the province of Ontario.

College Access: This online-only program is for students who did not receive a high school diploma, mature students, or anyone who wants to ease into college life. Learners upgrade or refresh math and communication skills and take courses that transfer into other diploma programs.