SIOUX LOOKOUT — Students from some of the northernmost First Nations in the region will continue to see support from the Kenora district's public school board through a renewed partnership.
The Shibogama First Nations Council and the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (KPDSB) signed a memorandum of understanding to extend their education service agreement and ongoing commitment to students.
Matthew Angees, the executive director of the Shibogama First Nations Council, and Christy Radbourne, the director of education for the KPDSB, signed the agreement in Sioux Lookout on Jan. 31.
“KPDSB is grateful to have the trust of Shibogama First Nation Council to create a reciprocal relationship to ensure children from Shibogama communities are prepared for their futures and can pursue their dreams,” said Radbourne.
This commitment will extend past the KPDSB’s currently enrolled students to students living in Shibogama communities and attending community schools, representing a pledge to collaborate and learn from each other and support local students and educators, ensuring student success.
Four of the five Shibogama First Nations — Kasabonica Lake, Kingfisher Lake, Wapekeka and Wunnumin — have community schools, while Wawakapewin does not, according to the Shibogama First Nations Council website.
All five communities send students off-reserve to complete high school, including Kasabonica Lake, which offers classes up to Grade 12 but lacks space and some academic programs.
Parent engagement, preparation for students transitioning to secondary schools, pathways options providing work opportunities for students in their home communities after graduation, academic success, mental health and well-being were listed as priority areas in the agreement.
There are also commitments to providing professional development opportunities for teachers and administration in Shibogama First Nations Council community schools in areas including literacy, numeracy, mental health and well-being.
