About Us
 | The Matawa Education Department provides quality, accessible, community based educational support services for seven Matawa First Nation schools; Aroland, Eabametoong, Nibinamik, Long Lake #58, Ginoogaming, Neskantaga, and Webequie First Nations. Our role is to support any educational initiatives that result in school improvements and that positively impact the quality of education provided for students. Supporting the local education authorities, and networking with Aboriginal organizations, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Provincial Ministry of Education, School Boards, and Post Secondary and Secondary/ Elementary institutions is an important responsibility of the Matawa Education Department. Adult education and training are also a strong focus of this department.
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Vision
 | The vision of the Matawa Education Department is to:
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Mission Statement
 | We are an advisory, support and service group for all Matawa First Nation communities. In collaboration with our communities, we asses needs and priorities; provide programs; help build capacity and self sufficiency; identify resources and help access them; solve problems; strategize; provide direction, and share information and ideas. Through individual effort and networking, we help our communities deliver quality education. |
Department Staff
Our knowledgeable Department Staff includes:
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 | Murray L. Waboose | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Member: | Eabametoong First Nation |
| Education: | BA Pysch. Recreation Diploma |
| Experience: | 17 yrs First Nation Education Administrator |
| 5 yrs First Nation Senior Administrator | |
| 9 yrs Program Manager | |
| 2 yrs Front Line Education Counsellor | |
| Committees: | NAN Education Committee, Native Teachers Aboriginal Education Advisory Council, Aboriginal Advisory Lakehead Public Schools, Sub Committee Member of Northern Ontario Education Leaders |
| Current Program Development: | Operation of Matawa Schools, Negotiation of Tuition Agreements, Development of Education Programs in Matawa Post Secondary Schools |
| E-mail: | |
Georgette O'Nabigon
Post Secondary Program Coordinator
| Member: | Ginoogaming First Nation |
| Education: | (HBSW) Counselling & Career Technician |
| Experience: | 8 yrs Education Counsellor - Geraldton High School |
| 11 yrs Matawa Post Secondary Counsellor | |
| Currently Post Secondary Administrator for 5 First Nations providing academic & social counselling | |
| Committees: | Negahneewin Council, Matawa Cheer Committee, Niigantige Career Fair & Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards, Ontario Aboriginal Summer Games Committee |
| E-mail: | |
Joanne Cheechoo
Sacred Fire Resource Coordinator
| Member: | Eabametoong First Nation |
| Education: | Aboriginal Business Management Diploma, Native Counsellors Training Program Certificate |
| Experience: | 7 years Post-Secondary Program assistant and counsellor, 3 years in the Education Administration Sector, 6 years financial background |
| Committees: | Vice President of Aboriginal Head Start |
| E-mail: |
