Wheels to Lambton

By Marina Plain

AAMJIWNAANG – April 1 was a great day for advancing First Nation student success while also breaking transportation barriers at Lambton College.

The Wheels to College initiative was unveiled at an official ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Lambton Inn Conference Centre with approximately eighty people in attendance. Dignitaries included Chief Christopher Plain and MP’s Bob Bailey & Marilyn Gladue.

The project features two twelve seater vans that will transport Lambton College First Nation students from Walpole Island and Aamjiwnaang First Nation to school daily while providing employment for the drivers.

Wheels to Lambton began over one year ago in coordination with Visions of Harmony. An organization made up of local petro -chemical companies, education, Sarnia Workforce Development Board and First Nations (Walpole Island and Aamjiwnaang First Nations).

Walpole Island employees Dan Deleary and Jared MacBeth are members that spearheaded the project. Deleary has been meeting with local unions while serving as the apprenticeship coordinator. Deleary has seen low representation of First Nation employees in the petrochemical industries that surround Aamjiwnaang.

During the first year of development twelve students took part in a pilot project. White Lightning Clark, president of the Aboriginal Student Council, said utilizing the service saved him over fifty dollars a day in taxi fare.

It is great news that transportation will no longer be a barrier for First Nation students. President Judy Morris was happy saying the service, “Releases the burden of getting to school.”

Deleary hopes the project is a model for other First Nations to utilize in their communities. For more information can contact WIFN Project Review Coordinator, Jared Macbeth at 519-401-0651.