TORONTO, ON, May 19, 2026 – Yorkville University and the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in their shared commitment to reconciliation, inclusion, and expanding access to post-secondary education for Métis learners across Ontario.
This MOU formalizes a relationship that has been years in the making – one built on turning shared values into shared action: for example, the MNO regularly opens its monthly virtual events – from scholar talks and lunch and learns, to art-based workshops – to all Yorkville and Toronto Film School (TFS) students, while many MNO citizens have accessed Yorkville’s Indigenous Student Tuition Bursary since its launch in 2022.
Rooted in mutual respect, reconciliation, and shared purpose, the agreement recognizes the MNO’s foundational goal of encouraging academic and skills development for Métis citizens, and Yorkville University’s commitment to flexible, accessible, and high-quality post-secondary education.
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“What excites me most about this partnership is that it didn’t start with a signature – it started with trust, built over years of genuine collaboration. I have personally experienced considerable pride, witnessing the joy of Métis students as they cross the stage at convocation. Together with the Métis Nation of Ontario, we are determined to raise the bar on what reconciliation in higher education can look like in practice, when students have the opportunity to study on campus or on-line, while applying and honing their learning in community, for the benefit of community”
– Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President & Vice-Chancellor, Yorkville University
“This partnership reflects the kind of meaningful collaboration that creates lasting opportunities for Métis citizens across Ontario. The Métis Nation of Ontario is proud to partner with Yorkville University and Toronto Film School through this MOU to advance access, strengthen supports, and promote student success for Métis citizens.”– Mitch Case, Provincial Secretary for Education, Métis Nation of Ontario
What This Partnership Means for Métis Citizens
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Through this MOU, Yorkville University is introducing a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to remove financial and logistical barriers for MNO citizens, employees and their families:
– Waived Application Fee: The $150 application fee will be waived for all MNO citizens, ensuring cost is never a barrier to applying.
– 25% Indigenous Student Bursary: MNO citizens enrolled in any Yorkville University program or Toronto Film School (TFS) program will receive a 25% bursary applied equally across all terms.**
– 15% Indigenous Partnership Employee Bursary: MNO employees and their immediate family members (spouses and/or dependents) enrolled in Yorkville University or TFS programs are eligible for a 15% tuition bursary.**
– Indigenous Student Advisory Council (ISAC): MNO citizens enrolled at Yorkville University or TFS will have the opportunity to apply to join ISAC, giving students a meaningful voice in shaping the University’s Indigenous education initiatives.
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**Bursaries cannot be combined with any other Yorkville University or Toronto Film School bursary. Please see qualifying criteria at https://www.yorkvilleu.ca/scholarships-bursaries/
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A Shared Commitment to Student Success
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Beyond financial support, this partnership commits both institutions to collaborating on strategies that improve Indigenous student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates – not only at Yorkville University and TFS, but as part of a broader effort to transform the Canadian post-secondary landscape for Indigenous learners.
The MNO will also play an active role in supporting awareness of these opportunities – sharing Yorkville and TFS program materials, promoting upcoming information sessions, and communicating the benefits of this partnership directly to Métis citizens across Ontario.
For more information, please contact [email protected]
About Yorkville University
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Yorkville University began with a bold vision: to offer flexible, rigorous, and career-focused programs that transform lives. Since 2004, Yorkville University has expanded to campuses across Canada, offering both online and on-campus programs. Our graduates have advanced their careers through programs in the behavioural sciences, social sciences, business, design and the creative arts. Yorkville University’s student-centred, practitioner-oriented approach equips graduates with skills that employers value, making us one of Canada’s largest private universities. Learn more at https://www.yorkvilleu.ca/
About the Métis Nation of Ontario
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The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is the democratically elected – federally and provincially recognized – government of Métis citizens and communities in Ontario, including the Métis community in and around Sault Ste. Marie that was recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada in R v. Powley. The MNO represents more than 32,000 Section 35 rights-bearing Métis Citizens in Ontario. Since signing the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Implementation Agreement with Canada in 2023, the MNO has continued to strengthen its institutions, advance self-determination, and build productive partnerships across government and industry. Learn more at https://www.metisnation.org/
