Student Supports Learning Program (SSLP)
Program Background
Due to the global pandemic, there was an urgent need for increased connectivity as schooling transitioned to online learning. Through the SSLP funding, Friendship Centres across Canada were able to purchase laptops, increase capacity and better facilitate online learning and completion of homework.
Program Overview
The Government of Canada provided an additional $10.75 million in funding to support the Student Supports Learning Program (SSLP), a program serving vulnerable Indigenous children and youth across Canada. This funding is in addition to the three million previously provided to NAFC during the 2020-21 fiscal year. NAFC is administering the $10.75 million in funding to over 93 local Friendship Centres and six Provincial/Territorial Associations (PTA) to serve youth through their programming.
The SSLP aims to support equitable access to technology and learning supports through:
- Supporting Indigenous youth to continue their studies both academically and traditionally;
- Providing access to technology and learning supports; and
- Enabling the building of relationships between Indigenous youth, community members, mentors, tutors, and Elders.
Interested in learning more about the SSLP?
Check out our newly released SSLP Final Report below that captures the value of investing in Indigenous Youth:
NEW! SSLP Final Report 2022-2023
The SSLP will conclude on March 31st, 2024. We are hopeful to continue the relationships and network we have built with our government partners to invest in urban Indigenous youth across Canada. This program has been crucial to keep youth involved and have the supports they need to continue their education. We look forward to seeking future opportunities for youth funding so Friendship Centres can continue their important work with youth.
"SSLP funds supported us in providing a safe environment for local Indigenous youth at risk. Our Youth have access to Elders’ teachings and cultural immersion delivered through recreation, education, and mental health support while also developing life skills and health goals". - Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Nanaimo, British Columbia
“At the NCCT we were able to provide our youth with the tools needed to go back to school and keep connected in various ways during lockdowns and distant learning” - Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT), Toronto, Ontario
“Our local school divisions requested that we continue with the tutoring program in the next school year with the same staff we have as they have already established great relationships with youth and families” - Selkirk Friendship Centre, Inc., Selkirk, Manitoba
“Throughout the SSLP, children and youth saw improvements in their self-confidence, self-respect, and self-awareness. They were better equipped to handle stress and social anxiety much more effectively” - Port Alberni Friendship Centre, Port Alberni, British Columbia
“SSLP provided garden maintenance workshops for youth which brought community members together to build flower beds for our Friendship Centre. This project promoted awareness of healthy living and provided the fundamentals of land-based knowledge”- Qu'Appelle Valley Friendship Centre, Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan
SSLP Interim Report 2021-2022
SSLP Final Report 2020-2021
Looking to learn more about the SSLP?
Please note that NAFC is not a direct service provider and if you are a current or future student seeking educational supports, we encourage you to contact your local Friendship Centre. If you are a Friendship Centre and have any questions, you can contact us directly.
Natalie Cahill (she/her)
Program Coordinator
E-mail: ncahill@nafc.ca