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The latest press release from Matawa First Nations Management is appealing for support efforts to continue for the people of Nibinamik First Nation.

This press release about the community and the relief efforts is available on-line for everyone to read.

• Press Release # 9 - September 23

Efforts continue to coordinate the support systems required to assist the people of Nibinamik First Nation with teams working together from across the region. All donations and offers of assistance are appreciated. It is important that we work together to ensure the community receives the best possible care today and over the next few months.

Donations can be sent to:

Matawa First Nation Management - Nibinamik Emergency Fund
233 South Court Street
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 2X9

If you have any questions, please call 807-344-4575 or 800-463-2249 and ask for Bruce Visitor, Director of Operations or Helen Franceschi, Finance Clerk.

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute has been established under the mandate of the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation to develop, design and deliver post-secondary programs and services. The Institute is an independent institution offering courses in language and culture, social services, computer and information technology, management and administration, and teacher education.

The Annual General Meeting of Oshki-Pimache-O-Win will be held on October 1, 2003 at Chapleau Cree First Nation. All NAN First Nations or Education Authorities are invited to send one voting representative to the meeting. Representatives attending the meeting will be eligible to stand for election to the Governing Council. Following the meeting, on October 2, a workshop for board members and those who work with boards will be provided.

For further information, or to receive a registration package, please contact:

Ruth Baxter, Executive Director,
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute,
107 Johnson Avenue, 2nd Floor,
Thunder Bay, ON  P7B 2V9

Telephone: 807-346-2770
Fax:  807-345-2924
E-Mail: rbaxter@oshki.ca

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute has been established under the mandate of the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation to develop, design and deliver post-secondary programs and services. The Institute is an independent institution and currently offers courses in social services, website development, language and culture.

The Institute is seeking an Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall operations of Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute and is the principal spokesperson for the Institute in all communications with First Nations members, federal and provincial government agencies and non-government organizations regarding funding, sponsorship, partnerships, and program offerings.

Reporting to the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Governing Council, the Executive Director will:

• Oversee the effective operations and on-going development of the Institute;
• Make recommendations to the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Governing Council for the continuing development of the Institute;
• Liaise with First Nations, First Nation communities and organizations, federal and provincial governments, business, and other post secondary institutions and organizations; and
• Promote Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and its programs.

Applicants should have:

• a Post Secondary Graduate Degree in Education or a related field;  
• significant understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal language, culture, and issues in the NAN territory;  
• 10 years progressive experience as a post secondary teacher, manager or administrator;
• significant experience in budget planning implementation and evaluation;  
• experience working with a Board of Directors, multiple partners and government agencies; and
• fluency in Ojibway and/or Cree.

Salary is negotiable, depending on qualifications and experience.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and a resume to:

Executive Search Committee,
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute,
107 Johnson Avenue, 2nd Floor,
Thunder Bay, ON  P7B 2V9

Fax:  807-345-2924

For further information, please contact Steve Chase at (807) 346-2779 or by e-mail at schase@oshki.ca.

Closing date for applications is Friday, October 24, 2003.

We thank you for your interest in Oshki-Pimache-O-Win, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The official Ground Breaking ceremony was held in Deer Lake yesterday in spite of the weather.  Elders from the community were on hand to share their feelings and offer their blessings to this special occasion.  Also in attendance were members of Keewaytinook Okimakanak; Geordie Kakepetum, Jim Teskey, and Peter Campbell, Frank representing Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Incorporated, members of the Education Authority, Chief and Council of Deer Lake First Nation, Teachers and Staff of David Meekis Memorial School along with various members from other financial organizations were also on hand to take part in the ceremony.

There were many words of happiness and anticipation looking towards the school being completed as Councillor Raymond Meekis said in his opening remarks ,"Finally, finally." After the elders and representatives spoke, the ground breaking ceremony took place with the widow of the late David Meekis (which the current school is named after) Ella Jane Meekis and youth representative Skye Patayash taking part in this ceremony.  

Shortly afterwards the signing ceremony took place under the big tent away from the drizzle. This was followed by a community feast to celebrate this historic day.  

To view pictures, go to http://www.deerlake.firstnation.ca and look in the photogallery