Universities Canada’s 2025 survey on Indigenous education and reconciliation

Moving forward with reconciliation at Canadian universities

Universities Canada and its member institutions recognize their responsibility in advancing truth and reconciliation. Universities across the country are committed to removing the barriers that First Nations, Inuit and Métis students face in accessing and succeeding in university studies.

This report, based on Universities Canada’s 2025 Indigenous education and reconciliation survey, highlights the significant work carried out on campuses across Canada, a decade following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

What the 2025 survey results tell us

Ten years after the Calls to Action, the survey shows measurable and structural progress across Canadian universities:

1. Targeted student supports are widely established. Most universities report dedicated financial aid and culturally relevant services for Indigenous learners.
2. Teaching and learning are evolving. Most universities offer Indigenous language instruction, Indigenous-focused programs and updated curricula aligned with the Calls to Action.
3. Research and community engagement are shifting. Institutions report integrating Indigenous Knowledges and strengthening community-engaged research practices.
4. Representation and retention of leadership is improving. Institutions are making great strides to improve the representation and retention of Indigenous faculty, staff and senior leaders.
5. Institutional accountability is becoming formalized. Most universities have developed or are developing strategic and action plans tied to reconciliation.

The path forward

Although campuses have advanced Indigenous education and reconciliation in recent years — particularly over the last 10 years — important work remains. Universities across Canada acknowledge the need for ongoing efforts and remain engaged to answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Closing the education gap for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students is vital to the reconciliation process and universities are committed to helping Indigenous learners reach their full potential through higher education.