News- Youth Benefit & Campaign Launch

MEDIA RELEASE

"Dennis Franklin Cromarty Student Living Centre Plans and Partnership Details Unveiled.   Student Residence to be built on Confederation College Lands."

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 27, 2013-Wasaya Group Inc. is pleased to announce on behalf of Partners - Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, and Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in collaboration with Confederation College, and City of Thunder Bay, details and building plans for the new Dennis Franklin Cromarty Student Living Centre to be built on the grounds of Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Aboriginal students have to relocate their residence to the City of Thunder Bay annually. These DFC students require a nurturing environment that will be supportive of cultural specific needs, academic success initiatives and community engagement and transition strategies.

To support these students, the concept of a student living centre exclusively for First Nations students coming to Thunder Bay has appeared in the form of the Dennis Franklin Cromarty Student Living Centre. Through the efforts of DFC and the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council (NNEC), in partnership with the Wasaya Group Inc. (WGI) and under the consultation of a successful First Nations operation model in Manitoba, the concept has grown into a vision, complete with a location and business plan.

Subsequent discussions with the City of Thunder Bay and Confederation College has resulted in the formation of a strong partnership including the provision of property on the lands of Confederation College.

Chair of Wasaya Group Inc, Cecilia Begg stated that, "WGI is working with the NNEC, Confederation College and City of Thunder Bay on an innovative, public/private sector partnership - and solution - to increase First Nation youth education and to create strong employment opportunities. The Ring of Fire, is one of the most promising mining opportunities in northern Ontario in almost a century. It presents a great opportunity to work together to address these challenges. Therefore, a great opportunity also exists for young Aboriginal people because they are an extremely important part of our future workforce.This partnership recognizes these developments and also addresses the paramount need for a safe environment for our students. Wasaya Group is extremely thankful to be a part of this exciting opportunity for our youth and for Thunder Bay."

Confederation College is providing essential property in the ideal location "just down the street" from the present high school. "We know that First Nations and Aboriginal students would benefit from accommodation that is safe, secure and is possessed of surroundings that are comfortable to students coming from many locations, particularly the North. With the proximity of College lands to the current high school through trail and transportation systems, the location is ideal, " says Confederation College Board Chair, Dennis Wallace.

Northern Nishnawbe Education Council Chair Chris Kakegamic on behalf of NNEC and DFC stated, "This is an amazing step in the right direction for First Nation youth. We have been told that making education accessible to all citizens of Canada is a government target. This is an important step in our region to do just that.By giving our children a safe environment to better their education and become contributing members of society, just like the reason all Canadians go to school, this will help their generation and the future generations of these remote communities on and off the reserve. We must take action to try to prevent any more loss of lives, and by providing a safe living environment for children away from their natural homes is paramount to all stakeholders." Kakegamic added, "By including other support services, like counseling, the student living center will be a happy place for those away from their family and give support for students who need it and otherwise may be unable to get it if they were living in their remote communities."

Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs and City Manager Tim Commisso have been providing invaluable support to the initiative coming on board in the early stages as the City explored ways in which they could help the students.   "We are thrilled to be involved in this historic partnership that will provide First Nation youth a safe and healthy place to live while they continue their education in our City," said Mayor Keith Hobbs.

A proclamation supporting the initiative was signed by all parties.

Wasaya Group, NNEC, DFC are indeed grateful for the support they have received from the City of Thunder Bay and Confederation College and this indeed marks a historic day in the history of DFC/NNEC.

Full Media Release pdf here                         (more photos will be added..check back later)