All of these programs worked in partnership to deliver literacy classes as part of the First Nations Adult Education Project (FNAEP) from 1993 to 1999, coordinated through the Toronto Board of Education. Na-Me-Res hosted a Native literacy program for about six years, from 1989­ to 1995, and was involved with the FNAEP project during its last two years. Aside from the four major players - Na-Me-Res, Native Women’s Resource Centre, Council Fire, and the Native Canadian Centre - all other places listed above have been temporary hosts for the First Nations Adult Education Project and the one-year, Mobile Literacy Services Project.

Program Funding

Currently both Council Fire and the Native Women’s Resource Centre receive annual funding from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and have been able to offer literacy programs on a full-time basis. Additionally, MTCU provides training support funds to assist with travel and childcare costs for learners. These funds are not directly available to the learners, but are made accessible through the provision of TTC tokens so learners can use public transportation to and from the program and to cover the cost of providing childcare on site while the learner is attending the program.

There are no funds to cover the cost of refreshments or meals to learners, even though this is recognized as a primary need for most learners. Other host agency programs at both Council Fire and the Native Women’s Resource Centre provide these necessities.

Aside from MTCU core funding, there are very few alternative avenues through which Native literacy programs/services can secure funding. Within the Greater Toronto Area, all mainstream adult literacy programs are allocated one bulk funding allotment, out of which a portion is designated for the Native stream. Any and all Native literacy programs vie for funding to provide increased service, however the bulk allotment remains a constant. As stated in the original proposal, a splintered funding base is one of the primary challenges to program enhancement deterring the creation of additional programs to serve learners outside the downtown core.

Since MTCU has implemented the development of a centralized Literacy Planning Process for all of Toronto, more pressure is felt by Native literacy programs to account for their higher cost-per-contact hour. The threat of a portion of program operating dollars can drive host agencies to scramble up stats in a bid to hold on to their share. Learners are constantly reminded of the need to sign in and out of literacy program activities. Ensuring there are enough learners to maintain ‘acceptable’ activity levels is a funding criterion that determines access to mainstream funds. That criterion played a large part in the Toronto Board of Education’s decision to shut down the First Nations Adult Education project; too low attendee levels to substantiate the cost of program delivery.