Sault College and Batchewana First Nation of Ojibways News Release

For immediate release

It’s Official: Sault College in Partnership with Batchewana First Nation

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON November 19, 2009) A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the terms of affiliation between Batchewana First Nation and Sault College was officially signed today in Enji Maawnjiding (Native Centre) at Sault College. 

“Today is yet another historic occasion at Sault College. It is my pleasure to welcome Batchewana First Nation as Sault College’s newest partner and to officially formalize this relationship,” gleamed Dr. Ron Common, President, Sault College. “We are an education destination for Native students from around the province.  Sault College has identified Anishinaabek education as a key priority for the institution with a strong focus and mandate for Anishinaabek student success and inclusion.  Together, we will move forward to identify and strengthen opportunities for First Nation input as it pertains to post secondary education and develop core cultural competency based skills for all College staff and students,” says Common.

The terms of the agreement outline specific education, research and/or integration projects that both parties will collaborate on in the future.  Both Sault College and Batchewana First Nation will establish a common agenda to work together to create an environment that supports Anishinaabek cross-cultural awareness for all students and staff attending the institution.

“Batchewana First Nation has inherent rights and responsibilities in relation to their worldview, the land and its people,” says Chief Dean Sayers, Batchewana First Nation. “As First Nation people, we share a strong cultural identity based on a deep understanding of who we are with a clear sense of continuity with cultural roots.  We are very excited to be sharing our knowledge with Sault College,” says Sayers.

Working collaboratively will provide an opportunity for Sault College and Batchewana First Nation to come together as partners to actively engage in the transformative change of Anishinaabek post secondary education.  Sault College has taken its place as a leader in providing a learning environment that seeks, promotes and cultivates inter- cultural sharing and inclusion.