This document captures the results of information gathered over the last 12 months during the community needs assessment undertaken by the Literacy Program of the Native Women’s Resource Centre. Presented here is information from a wide range of community resources (e.g., learners, literacy workers/practitioners, tutors, and social service agencies serving the Native community) pertaining to the achievement of this project’s goals and objectives.

This report will begin by reiterating the project goals as envisioned by the literacy program coordinator at the Native Women’s Resource Centre, in conjunction with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. As the major project goal is to enhance access to Native literacy programs and services, a brief overview of the background history of Native literacy programs in Toronto is also presented. In the interest of building greater community awareness and in order to foster the continuation of a visioning process regarding the future of Native literacy, information regarding the challenges adult literacy programs face in meeting Ministry of Education funding and program requirements is also provided. The Background Information section concludes with a brief picture of the specific challenges faced by the Native literacy movement in Ontario.

Next follows a report of the needs assessment findings. The data was collected through various channels and is presented using a holistic process of development, in a traditional medicine wheel teaching. Beginning in the east, findings related to awareness and vision are shared first. Moving next to the south, findings related to relationship building are shared. In the west, information regarding knowledge and reasoning as it pertains to the foundation of Aboriginal learning is presented. Then, in the north, where “action” is the key aspect to be considered, data regarding program design and delivery are examined. This section will end with some conclusive statements about the project findings.

Lastly, a series of recommendations resulting from the project findings will be presented. These include suggestions as to what the next steps could be in developing a five-year strategy for Native literacy programs and services in Toronto.