Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Cambrian College Renew Partnership Agreement

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute Executive Director Rosie Mosquito and Cambrian College President Sylvia Barnard recently renewed an Agreement for Partnership and Collaboration in Higher Education through Community-Based Delivery.

“For the people in the communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, located in 314,000 square kilometers of traditional territory across northern Ontario, this partnership agreement means increased access to post-secondary education,” says Mosquito. “This is made possible through our blended delivery approach that includes minimal on-campus sessions, distance education by teleconference or video conference and independent study. Other learners also enjoy the sense of community and the student-centred approach at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win that increase student successes.”
Mosquito emphasizes that higher education and access programs play a vital role in the economic well being of Aboriginal communities, and that the objectives of the partnership are to improve accessibility, retention, and success of Aboriginal students in post secondary programs; to ensure quality programming; to respond to the employment and training needs within First Nations communities; and to contribute to the advancement of self-governance, sustainable economic development and self-sufficiency within First Nations communities.

“Cambrian College is pleased to renew an agreement that has had such significant benefits for both partners,” says Barnard. “Our partnership with the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute ensures that Aboriginal students have access to programs and delivery methods that will enable them, as graduates, to have a very positive impact in their home communities. Cambrian is proud to be part of such an important initiative.”

The March 31 agreement, which was originally established in 2004, reflects the commitment of both Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Cambrian College to provide enhanced educational opportunities to Aboriginal people. Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Cambrian College are reinforcing their commitment to fostering educational opportunities and encouraging excellence in the development and delivery of post-secondary education and training programs through the renewal of this Agreement.