Seven Generations Education Institute has officially opened its new campus near Fort Frances.
More than 150 people, including local, provincial, and federal representatives gathered for a ceremony Thursday.
Ontario’s Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Ross Romano calls it an incredible facility.
“To help young people within this community and other communities across the province, to not just get the training that they need, but also be able to get help with the language to learn more about their cultural background,” says Romano.
Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford adds it’s an extraordinary opportunity for future generations.
“It’s a stunning facility and another testament to the years of hard work and dedication this organization and that the communities in the surrounding area, particularly from Treaty 3, have invested in today and making this building a reality,” says Rickford.
Chief Executive Officer Brent Tookenay notes it’s more than just about having a great new building.
“Yes, this building can be $100,000,000. It doesn’t matter unless you’re doing the things that need to be done inside the building. That’s where our focus has to be in order to make things better,” says Tookenay.
The new campus brings all of Seven Gens programs held formerly in many sites around the Fort Frances area under one roof.
It includes a makerspace, public library, digital lab, audio recording studio, culinary and trades labs, and circle room.
