Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Confederation College’s Ongoing Partnership Agreement

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute and Confederation College/Negahneewin College of Academic and Community Development have been working together under a 2004 Partnership Agreement to provide enhanced educational opportunities to First Nations people. The Agreement for Partnership and Collaboration in Post-Secondary Education was signed by Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Executive Director Rosie Mosquito and Confederation College Vice-president Gail Higginson for an ongoing time period.

“For the people in the 49 communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, located over 300,000 square kilometres of traditional territory across northern Ontario, this ongoing partnership agreement will foster educational opportunities and encourage excellence in the development and delivery of post-secondary education and training programs,” says Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Executive Director Rosie Mosquito. “This agreement allows us to offer accredited courses. Up until now (2004), students had difficulty securing funding to attend the Institute because its courses were not recognized by the province.”

Mosquito emphasizes that the objectives of the agreement include improving accessibility, retention, and the success of Nishnawbe Aski Nation and region students in post-secondary programs. The agreement also provides a vehicle for collaboration between the partners, including the Negahneewin College and the Aboriginal community-based Negahneewin Council, in program development, students services and faculty professional development.

“Oshki-Pimache-O-Win is one of our key community partners,” says Confederation College President Pat Lang. “It’s important to us to find ways to reach all of our client base in northwestern Ontario, and this partnership is essential to helping us to do that.”

“Our partnership with Oshki-Pimache-O-Win is a unique opportunity for us to reach students, especially on-reserve,” says Jerry Perrault, Chair of Negahneewin Council. “We like the idea of students having lots of options to choose from.”

The partnership signifies the vital role of post-secondary education to assist First Nations communities in their capacity building, infrastructure, and economic development. It enable Oshki-Pimache-O-Win, Negahneewin College and Confederation College to ensure First Nations students have access to programs uniquely suited to their aspirations.