# Community Climate Survey This community climate survey and subsequent research report was conducted on the traditional and territorial lands of the Cree, Oji-Cree, Ojibway, and Algonquin homelands. We acknowledge these ancestral lands that we are gathered on, which continue to interconnect us all and remind us that we are a | | | |---|---| | Type | PDF | | Size | 9132 KB | [Open original PDF →](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/08/2022-Community-Climate-Survey-Report.pdf) Referenced from: [Community Climate Survey](/pages/about/community-climate-survey/) ## Document text ## Community Climate Survey ## 2022 Results ^ COLLEGE ## Territorial Acknowledgement This community climate survey and subsequent research report was conducted on the traditional and territorial lands of the Cree, Oji-Cree, Ojibway, and Algonquin homelands. We acknowledge these ancestral lands that we are gathered on, which continue to interconnect us all and remind us that we are all treaty people. First Nation communities now located on these lands include: Temagami, Timiskaming, Matachewan, Mattagami, Wahgoshig, Taykwa Tagamou, Beaverhouse, Flying Post, Moose Cree, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat Weenusk, and Métis Peoples Region #3. ## Note on Confidentiality and Presentation of Results Participants were known to surveyors and survey interviews were conducted in-person, over the phone, or via video call. Therefore, anonymity is not expected by the participants. However, efforts to preserve confidentiality include the careful selection of quotations and occasional redaction of names or identifying information. Additionally, question scores are only displayed if there are at least five responses. Although some information may be screened out of the displays in this report, all the available data was included in the results analysis. ## Overall Findings This 2022 Community Climate Survey report presents the results of 110 survey interviews with community leaders conducted by Northern College administrators. Approximately 50 hours of conversation resulted; scores were calculated for each question and all participant comments were analyzed for themes. Overall, Northern College ('Northern') is perceived favourably among the communities it serves. Access to high-quality education that is aligned to the local labour market was a major theme for most participants. The one-on-one survey interview method was appreciated by participants, who perceived this method as an example of Northern College meeting its commitment to be open, consultative, and accountable: 'Evidenced by the reach out for this climate sur vey... The personal nature of this type of reach out provides transparency and accountability. Good work Northern.' -Partner from Timmins area 'Yes, based on the fact that we are having this conversation together. Aware of the fact that we have a very diver se and responsive Board of Directors. Northern has a good reputation.' -Partner from Timmins area ## Question Scores The survey interviews included between seven and nine questions related to Northern's institutional commitments (questions were determined based on the category, and Indigenous participants were also asked about Northern ' s commitment to Indigenous people). The results were scored out of 100%; if all responses were the most positive option 'Definitely Yes', the score was 100%. The score does not include 'Not Sure/ Don't Know' responses. Overall question scores ranged from 74% to 100%. The highest score (with 11 responses, all 'Definitely Yes') was 'Do you think Northern College enhances quality and access to education through global initiatives? ' (Figure 1). 'Does Northern College contribute to the economic prosperity of the communiti es we serve?' was scored at 95% 'Definitely Yes' by 106 participants. FIGURE 1. OVERALL QUESTION SCORES ## Themes Access to high-quality programs that are aligned to the labour market was a central theme discussed by participants, who described cascading outcomes from graduate employment and retention in the north to industry growth and social and economic prosperity (Figure 2). This model was constructed from 22 themes that emerged from the analysis of all respondent comments. This model displays overall results; there were 96 individual themes identified in the data, demonstrating the wide diversity of experience and perspective of the survey participants. Northern graduates were described as well-educated and prepared for work. The need for graduates was highlighted, specifically for mining, welding, and healthcare. Areas for improvement included increased marketing and communication about the College (especially program options) to communities, more technology for online access, Indigenization (specifically, embedding Indigenous approaches to learning and teaching within programming and aligning program options to community needs), and developing more partnerships. FIGURE 2. THEMES ARISING FROM RESPONDENT COMMENTS: ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND ASSOCIATED OUTCOMES | | Areas of Strength | Areas for Improvement | | --- Source: [https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/08/2022-Community-Climate-Survey-Report.pdf](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/08/2022-Community-Climate-Survey-Report.pdf)