MATAWA EDUCATION AND CARE CENTRE CELEBRATES THE PHASE ONE OPENING
THUNDER BAY, ON: The Matawa Education and Care Centre (MECC) will be hosting a celebration ceremony and luncheon on December 12th at 11:00 a.m. at their location at 200 Lillie Street North.
The Matawa Education and Care Centre staff and students are welcoming their neighbors, colleagues, partners and friends to an opening celebration. “It is an opportunity for everyone to see how much has been accomplished in the past few months to convert the former Grandview Lodge into a welcoming state of the art education and care center” said Sharon Nate, Education Manager.
Grandview Lodge was gifted to The Matawa First Nations Management by the City of Thunder Bay. In this facility is housed the Matawa Education Advisory Services as well as the Matawa Education and Care Centre. Classes have been operational in the new location since September 2018 delivering Ontario Secondary School Credits as well as cultural programming and extracurricular activities.
PROGRAM UPDATE: Elder Blessing and Drum – opening comments from Nibinamik First Nations Chief Johnny Yellowhead – Welcome from Chief Peter Collins, Fort William First Nations – Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox – Nishnawbe Aski Nation – Mayor Bill Mauro will be on hand to provide remarks from the City of Thunder Bay – there will be a very a special presentation from the City of a piece of art created by Eddie Kakepetum entitled “Protectors” and Matawa Education and Care Centre Student Andy Beaver from Nibinamik will present the City with art entitled Matawa Education and Care Centre Reconstruction of a New Foundation – History of the project from Matawa First Nations Management CEO David Paul Achneepineskum – Matawa Education Manager Sharon Nate will provide closing remarks and gratitude – Closing Drum and Blessing.
Members of the media are cordially invited to attend as well as join us for lunch and tours.
Date: Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Location: Matawa Education and Care Centre, 200 Lillie Street North
Time: Ceremony 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Media Contacts for the Celebration are Matawa Education Department Manager Sharon Nate and Principal Brad Battiston.