ONLC HOMe / About Us
We Have Helped to Support Literacy Service Providers in Indigenous Communities for Over 30 Years!
Symbols of Learning
Artist Harold W. Thompson, Saugeen First Nation
For Indigenous people, the Circle represents life and growth. Human beings enter the circle to learn and to be renewed and then leave the circle to teach and to share knowledge with others.
Within the circle are the symbols of learning: the Eagle represents Vision - planning for the future; the Seven Feathers represent the Seven Grandfather Teachings - wisdom, respect, honesty, humility, love, bravery and truth; the Bear claw represents strength and humility.
Protected and embedded within the circle is the Medicine Wheel. It represents continuity and the interconnectedness of all things. It symbolizes the four directions, East, South, West, North, and the four stages of life; infancy, adolescence, adulthood, elder; and most importantly the four master ingredients to a life of peace and balance; physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.
Our Philosophy
We believe in the following principles:
A community-based and learner-centered approach to literacy skills development that allows the learner to set their own milestones and ensures a respectful and empowering experience;
A culturally-based approach to teaching that respects the learner and honours previous experience and prior learning;
Literacy training should recognize the importance of Indigenous languages and traditions as well as the cross-cultural diversity within Indigenous communities.
Our First Priorities
Advocacy for better understanding of Indigenous literacy issues and the fundamental needs of Indigenous programs such as stable funding, adequate facilities, and appropriate, culturally-sensitive resources
Providing program referrals and information on best practices in the field of skills upgrading for Indigenous adults
Ensuring timely and appropriate training for Indigenous Stream Literacy Service Providers
Pursuing field development projects that advance the aims of the ONLC and benefit Indigenous literacy and skills upgrading programs
Developing and sharing culturally-relevant resources that support Indigenous literacy initiatives
Researching potential gaps in the delivery of Indigenous literacy services and developing strategies to respond to them
Anyone interested in putting their name forward for a future Board position should contact the ONLC.
You can apply to become a member online at anytime, or email bjm@kos.net for more information.
Funding
The Ontario Native Literacy Coalition is funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development to:
Enhance communication between the Indigenous literacy stream and Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Support government initiatives and provide regular information updates to programs
Provide training for Literacy Service Providers and on-site program support
Coordinate and manage literacy development projects
Educate the public and key stakeholders on the nature and extent of the literacy needs of Indigenous adults in Ontario
Coordinate and conduct research and analysis of key issues related to Indigenous literacy and essential skills training
Promote best practices and networking opportunities for Literacy Service Providers
Board of Directors
ONLC has a voluntary Board of Directors and whenever possible attempts to have representation for all four directions.
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Charity Beland
Co-Chief Governance Officer (Co-CGO)
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Bonnie Jane Maracle
Co-Chief Governance Officer (Co-CGO)
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James Michaud
Vice Chief Governance Officer (VCGO)
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Jason (Jake) Martell
Treasurer
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Melissa Shongo
Secretary
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Byron Millett
Director
The Indigenous Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs served by ONLC throughout Ontario are also funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development to provide the following services:
Information and referral
Support government initiatives and provide regular information updates to programs
Assessment
Training plan development
Culturally appropriate methods of training and skills enhancement
Follow-up and evaluation services
The primary responsibility of the Literacy Basic Skills (LBS) Program is to provide adult learners in Ontario with the literacy skills they need to find or keep employment, go on to further education, or increase their independence.
Volunteers play an important role in service delivery. Learners and agencies benefit from the contributions of volunteers serving as tutors, board members and in other capacities
