Wiikwemkoong secures funding for Mino Bimaadziwin Project for its schools

WIIKWEMKOONG UNCEDED TERRITORY–Wiikwemkoong Board of Education (WBE) has been informed of the successful application of the Mino-Bimaadiziwin (the good way of life) Project proposal securing $3,966,833 million over a five-year period from Public Safety Canada’s National Crime Prevention Center’s Crime Prevention Action Fund.

The Mino Bimaadiziwin Project aims to support children and youth in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory schools. The program aims to provide a positive learning environment that is geared toward meeting student needs.

The Mino-Bimaadiziwin Project will provide opportunities for youth to develop communication skills, social skills, problem-solving, and resiliency skills. Parents will be supported so they can provide effective parenting skills and strategies while family relationships are strengthened. Elders will be included in project activities and will provide guidance for students, parents and staff that need to be supported.

The Wiikwemkoong Board of Education aims to support students by meeting four basic needs:

• Identity: Our youth are still learning about themselves. Our youth need to be appreciated, accepted and loved. They are learning about Anishinaabe ways. Each individual is an integral part of the community.
• Purpose: Students will build on their strengths while recognizing their successes.
• Independence: Youth will set goals for personal growth and will take steps to meet their goals.
• Spirituality: Our youth need encouragement to acknowledge the Creator and live the good life (Bimaadiziwin) in all their ways.

“Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory has always been committed to meeting the needs of our citizens,” says Wiikwemkoong Ogimaa Duke Peltier. “This funding announcement will place the resources needed in our education system to ensure mental health supports are available to students in all of our schools. Cultivating Mino Bimaadiziwin in our students will help build a better future for themselves, their families and most of all Wiikwemkoong.”

The Wikwemikong Board of Education
The Wikwemikong Board of Education (WBE) is a leader in First Nation student achievement. The WBE provides exceptional educational experiences and services to nearly 1,000 students of all ages. With a focus on striving for Education Excellence, we provide our students and staff with the tools for realizing their fullest potential, while also instilling a proud identity and a life-long commitment to community.

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For more information, please contact:
Michael Staruck
Director of Education
Wiikwemkoong Board of Education
Phone: 705-859-3834 ext 240
E-mail: mstaruck@wbe-education.ca