Old Sun Community College
Old Sun Community College is a First Nations-operated nonprofit post-secondary institution located on the Siksika 146 reserve in Alberta, Canada. Established in 1971 as a satellite campus of Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University), it became an independent institution in 1978 under the governance of the Siksika Nation[1][3][5]. Named in honor of Chief Old Sun (1819–1897), a Blackfoot Confederacy leader, its Blackfoot name NA TO SA PI ("to see" or "gain insight") reflects its educational mission[1][3].

History

Originally a residential school for Blackfoot children (1929–1971), the site transitioned into an educational facility through a partnership between the Siksika Nation, Mount Royal College, and government agencies[3][5]. Its formal establishment as Old Sun Community College in 1971 marked a shift toward Indigenous-controlled education, with its independence solidified in 1978[1][3]. The college symbolizes cultural reclamation, transforming a former assimilationist institution into a center for Indigenous knowledge and academic programming[3][5].

Governance and Structure

As a nonprofit organization (registration number 780555926RR0001), the college operates under a First Nations board of governors, emphasizing self-determination in education[5]. It is a member of the First Nation & Adult Higher Education Consortium, promoting Indigenous-led adult education across Western Canada[1][2].

Programs and Partnerships

The college offers certificates, diplomas, and foundational courses, often through partnerships with institutions like the University of Calgary and Bow Valley College[1][3]. Programs integrate Siksika knowledge studies, land-based learning, and technology, with recent collaborations including an Indigenous Business and Economic Development Program with Mount Royal University[5][3]. Curriculum development often involves elders as co-instructors and prioritizes cultural preservation[5].

Cultural and Community Role

Old Sun Community College emphasizes learner-centered education tailored to Siksika needs, blending academic training with Indigenous language and history[2][4]. It serves as a hub for cultural revitalization, countering the legacy of its former use as a residential school[3][5].