How a First Nations school in Thunder Bay, Ont., combines traditional and land-based learning
CBC
It's been years in the making, but construction has finally finished at the Matawa Education and Care Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont.
The centre invited community members and dignitaries to a grand opening ceremony on Friday to mark the completion of renovations at the building, including its new gymnasium, kitchen, classrooms and Student Care Centre.
The day was intentionally chosen to lead into Canada's third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday.
The centre has provided high school education to students from Matawa's nine First Nations since 2010, on the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation. This spring, it celebrated its largest graduating class to date.
After years of providing classes in different locations across town, the city transferred surplus municipal property to Matawa First Nations Management Inc. in 2017. The following year, construction and renovations began at the former Grandview Lodge Home for the Aged to convert the space and make it suitable for students ages 13 to 21.
Classes moved to the centre in 2019. Last fall, a 100-bed facility was opened to provide on-site accommodations for students.
The school has a capacity for 200 high school students, said Sharon Nate, Matawa Education's executive director.
"It's important for their success, as previous statistics and history have shown that there hasn't been much success for students that have come from the north," Nate said.
She hopes the centre can address these challenges so First Nations youth can flourish.
"They deserve a good education just like every other student in this country, and to come here to have that opportunity and to live in a home that they call their own, that's worth it," she said.
The centre provides more than just a place for learning.
Nate said staff also recognize the importance of caring for students' mental and physical health. There is a safe sobering site on location and different health supports to foster students' overall well-being. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including bowling, golf and volleyball.
Construction was done in a few phases, but there were pandemic-related delays. Total capital costs since 2018 amount to $23 million, with the federal government taking on the bulk of the investment.
Nate said she is particularly excited about the new gym.
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