Transformative $210,000 donation launches the Indigenous Knowledge, Work and Entrepreneurship (IKWE) program to support Indigenous student success at Algonquin College

Ottawa, ON (May 20, 2026) – Algonquin College is announcing a $210,000 donation from the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation to establish the Indigenous Knowledge, Work and Entrepreneurship (IKWE) program. Developed by the College’s Department of Indigenous Initiatives, IKWE will offer culturally grounded leadership, professional development and entrepreneurship opportunities for students who identify as Indigenous women.

“IKWE stands for Indigenous Knowledge, Work and Entrepreneurship, all important things this initiative promotes,” said Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives. “The word ikwe means woman in the traditional language of the Anishinàbe Algonquin people. These two layers of meaning remind us that systemic change requires the empowerment of Indigenous women. We say mìgwech, thank you, to the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation for their support.”

“Our organization is passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs, advancing environmental stewardship and building healthier communities,” said Joan Johnston, who leads the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation. “To me, these priorities are closely linked and IKWE brings them together in a way that feels both hopeful and tangible. We’re proud to partner with Algonquin College to bring this special program to life and we can’t wait to see what the participants will achieve.”

IKWE reflects Algonquin College’s ongoing commitment to Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization by creating opportunities where Indigenous learners can strengthen their leadership, build community and pursue their goals.

The program offers three types of events:

• Events that help participants develop practical skills and leadership capacity while engaging with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers.
• Events that enable participants to interact with broader Indigenous networks and leadership opportunities, such as conferences and visits to Indigenous-led organizations.
• Events that focus on land-based learning to connect participants to hands-on community projects and local sustainability initiatives (e.g., tiny forests) that reinforce Indigenous values.

Krista Pearson, Algonquin College’s Vice President, Student Services, said, “We have seen an increased interest from our community partners supporting students who face systemic and historical barriers. It’s truly inspiring. We are very grateful to have IKWE become a part of our interconnected system of support opportunities for our Indigenous learners.”

IKWE joins a growing network of programs and funds focused on supporting Indigenous initiatives at Algonquin College. As a pilot program with a distinctive approach to culturally affirming support, IKWE hopes to become a regional trailblazer and attract more partnerships and investments in the future. This will help the program expand its scope and benefit more Indigenous people.

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For further information:

Meg Fraser
Communications Officer
Algonquin College
613-302-0138
fraserm2@algonquincollege.com

About Algonquin College

The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in close to 170 programs. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, with campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke, with fully online programming delivered through AC Online.  

About the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation 

The Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation is an Ottawa-based family organization that carries on a hundred-year tradition of philanthropy rooted in the vision of their much-loved ancestor, Senator Lawrence A. Wilson (1863–1934). One of their areas of philanthropic focus is supporting women entrepreneurs.