It has been 20 years in the making and today the Union of Ontario Indians marked the completion of the 'hub' that connects the four existing buildings at the head office in Nipissing First Nation with a special ceremony Thursday.
It has been 20 years in the making and today the Union of Ontario Indians marked the completion of the 'hub' that connects the four existing buildings at the head office in Nipissing First Nation with a special ceremony Thursday.
Anishinabek leaders, elders, youth, as well as community partners and area dignitaries gathered at the center to mark the occasion with special artistic presentations, speeches and an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
Chief Operating Officer Walter Manitowabi told the crowd that the new hub not only brings the operations together physically by linking the four existing buildings, but at the same time signifies a strong sense of unity for staff and the communities the OUI represents.
Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee couldn't agree more noting that the completion of the hub, which finished just $107 over budget, sets the foundation to building a strong future for the Anishinabek Nation.
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Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release
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A new multi-use facility officially opening today is delivering improved services and increased capacity for post secondary education at the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) facilities in North Bay.
With funding assistance from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), a new 7,500-square foot hub is now connecting four previously detached buildings used by the UOI to deliver a wide range of programs and services to its members.
Among key services at this location, the Anishinabek Education Institute, one of seven aboriginal post secondary institutions in Ontario, delivers post secondary education to about 30 students. Expansion of classroom space will increase capacity to 90 students, resulting in as many eight new teaching jobs.
“The McGuinty government has a proud record of supporting infrastructure renewal and expansion across Ontario. Here in the North, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is an important partner to municipalities, First Nations and other public institutions in renewing infrastructure,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Chair of the NOHFC.
“I am pleased to celebrate the grand opening of this project with the Union of Ontario Indians,’ said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “This hub will serve as a meeting place for the Union of Ontario Indians to continue to provide important services and education to our Anishinabek people.
QUICK FACTS
The NOHFC is providing $459,400 toward the construction of this facility through its Infrastructure and Community Development Program.
The Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) is the political advocate for 42 First Nations in Ontario representing 42,000 members. It delivers a variety of health, social services, and education programs and services from its North Bay location, along with dealing with various intergovernmental and treaty matters. The UOI employs approximately 70 staff at this location.
The project is part of the Open Ontario plan to create jobs and opportunities in Northern Ontario.
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