Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Lakehead University Renew Partnership Agreement

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute and Lakehead Unversity recently renewed a five-year partnership agreement to provide additional educational opportunities to students served by each organization while helping them leverage their personal potential to contribute to society.

“For the people in the 49 communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, located over 300,000 square kilometres of traditional territory across northern Ontario, the renewal of this partnership agreement means increasing access to post-secondary education,” says Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Executive Director Rosie Mosquito. “This is made possible by our blended delivery model, which includes on-campus sessions and distance education methods such as teleconference, video conference, and independent study. Learners also enjoy the sense of community that these student-centred and culturally appropriate programs offer in contributing to their academic success.”

Mosquito emphasizes that higher education and access programs play a vital role in the economic well being of Aboriginal communities, and that the goal of the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win - Lakehead University partnership is to increase access to higher education opportunities and the post-secondary education success of Nishnawbe people – wherever they may reside.

“This agreement allows both institutions to continue to work together as partners in the development and delivery of post-secondary education and training programs for Aboriginal students,” says Lakehead University President Dr. Fred Gilbert. “It also enables both parties to enhance the educational experience and educational opportunities of the Aboriginal student populations served by each institution.”

The April 16 agreement, which was originally established in 2002, reflects the commitment of both Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Lakehead University to provide enhanced educational opportunities to Aboriginal people. Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and Lakehead University are reinforcing their commitment to fostering leadership and development within their student populations, and to advancing the understanding of Aboriginal culture, heritage, and language within their education facilities and the broader community.