The ONLC was incorporated in 1988. Its membership comprises the twenty-eight community-based Aboriginal literacy programs funded through the Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) Unit of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Twelve are on First Nations, fifteen are in urban centres, and one is in a Metis community. The ONLC defines literacy thusly:
"Native literacy is a tool which empowers the spirit of Native Peoples. Native literacy services recognize and affirm the unique cultures of Native Peoples and the interconnectedness of all aspects of creation. As part of a life-long path of learning, Native literacy contributes to the development of self-knowledge and critical thinking. It is a continuum of skills that encompasses reading, writing, numeracy, speaking, good study habits, and communicating in other forms of language as needed. Based on the experience, abilities and goals of learners, Native literacy fosters and promotes achievement and a sense of purpose, which are both central to self-determination."
In 1997, the Ontario government introduced Program Reform, which defined who was eligible to attend literacy programs, what activities did or did not meet that definition, and measurable performance indicators to gauge learners' progress, and the success of programs. A significant component of Program Reform is Working with Learning Outcomes, Validation Draft, hereinafter referred to as the Matrix. The Matrix combines Human Resources Development Canada's Essential Skills, and the Ontario government's Common Curriculum. It also took into consideration the Canadian Language Benchmarks. The Matrix has three "domains" - Communications, Numeracy and Self-Management and Self-Direction.
Program Reform recognised the "...variety of instructional methods and learning styles..."
, and
that it would, "...respond to the needs of the community in determine the range of services
provided"
, and said that literacy:
"...is the ability to read, write, calculate, speak, and understand, as well as to sign (for the Deaf) and communicate in other forms of language, according to need."
and that basic skills encompass:
"problem-solving, decision-making, planning and organising, finding information, continuous learning, working with others, and basic computer skills".
That is, literacy is more than reading and writing. It constitutes a range of skills for improving one's quality of life. In Aboriginal communities, this is known as the holistic approach. Practitioners felt that certain realities within Aboriginal communities impact the design, development, delivery and evaluation of literacy programming. These were not allowed for in Program Reform or the Matrix.