NAICATCHEWENIN FIRST NATION — A small Northwest First Nation’s chief says a $2-million grant to construct a culture and learning centre is a real boon to his community.
First Nation is using Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation money to build a 14,700-square-foot culture and learning centre focusing on education and training, cultural and traditional teachings, family well-being, and child and family learning. The centre will help equip all community members with the knowledge, skills and capacity to lead a healthy and active lifestyle with strong pride in their identity and culture.
Currently, younger Naicatchewenin children travel 30-45 kilometres for daycare and school, and high school students travel 60 km to attend the Fort Frances High School. This centre being funded by the NOHFC will help community members access training closer to home to improve job readiness and employment skills, while having a safe daycare and after-school programming on-site.
“The community of Naicatchewenin First Nation is very excited about the upcoming resurrection of the Culture and Learning Centre,” Chief Wayne Smith said in a news release.
“This building will hold many functional spaces such as childcare rooms that will host both day and after-school care, classrooms and learning rooms, office space and an elders traditional gathering room. There will also be outdoor areas for children to play and community members to gather for various activities,” he said.
“This building will bring many new opportunities for growth, family wellness and access to cultural spaces, which are key aspects of a prosperous community.”
The grant was announced last week by Smith and Kenora–Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford, who is Ontario’s minister of Indigenous Affairs.
