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food soverignty

Northern First Nations strengthening food sovereignty with workshop & lecture series

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The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority is building on the success of Mamaw Kimiciminan (Our Foods), a three-day food sovereignty gathering focused on sharing traditional food knowledge and strengthening Indigenous control over local food systems.

Held September 1 to 3 at the Best Western Nor’Wester in Thunder Bay, the event featured morning presentations and afternoon hands-on workshops designed to foster food activism, develop traditional skills and pass on cultural knowledge.

Lectures, hands-on workshops and traditional teachings were all part of the three-day hybrid event (via SLFNHA / Facebook)

“These gatherings are proof that there is hope for the future,” said Lloyd Douglas, public health physician with the SLFNHA. “Colonization disrupted First Nations control over their food systems, but the knowledge remains. Communities continue to hunt, fish, trap, gather and grow their own food, and we’re coming together to share those teachings with the next generation.”

Participants learned a variety of traditional practices, including processing wild rice, making fish pemmican, tanning hides, working with bear grease and weaving gill nets.

Douglas said reliance on grocery stores and other market-based food systems can weaken cultural connections and contribute to food insecurity in northern communities.

“First Nations people, especially youth, have an opportunity to reconnect with their culture and traditional foods in a meaningful way,” he said. “Our hope is that gatherings like this will inspire and strengthen that connection across the North.”

The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority serves 33 Anishinabe communities throughout northern Ontario, providing community-led health services and advocacy.

“[Mamaw Kimiciminan] was a beautiful experience,” Douglas said. “It brought people together to enjoy what nature provides and reconnect with our roots, our foods and our way of life.”

sixties scoop

Thunder Bay honouring Sixties Scoop survivors with marina gallery exhibit

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From the 1950s through the 1980s, thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their homes and placed in mostly non-Indigenous foster or adoptive families, in what is now known as the “Sixties Scoop.”

In recognition of National Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Survivors Day (July 30), the City of Thunder Bay is launching an exhibit honouring the lived experiences of Sixties Scoop survivors.

Bi-Giwen: Coming Home — Truth Telling From the Sixties Scoop will be shown at the Baggage Building Arts Centre Galleria in Marina Park at the following dates:

  • June 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • June 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • July 1 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The exhibit was created by the Legacy of Hope Foundation and the Department of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa. It features stories from 12 Indigenous Sixties Scoop survivors.

Bi-Giwen was brought to Thunder Bay with support from the city’s Indigenous Relations team.

“This is first-person testimony,” said Annika Gregg, Engagement and Partnerships Lead at the Thunder Bay Indigenous Relations office. “It’s reclamation for survivors for their stories to be told themselves and how the Sixties Scoop and other colonial policies have directly impacted not only themselves but their families and communities.”

The testimonials are drawn from survivors across Canada.

“It’s so important to reflect on these stories, sit with them and know how impactful this has been due to loss of language, culture and identity,” said Kieran McMonagle, Thunder Bay Manager of Indigenous Relations. “As our elders said, it’s something that can never happen again. The truth always has to be at the forefront.”

Selections from Bi-Giwen: Coming Home — Truth Telling from the Sixties Scoop (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / June 24 2026)

On Indigenous Survivors Day, June 30, the galleria will host the exhibit indoors, with Indigenous artists, musicians, and vendors set up outside.

KiHS 2026 graduaion

Online high school targets Indigenous growth, adult learners

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Keewaytinook Internet High School (KiHS) is celebrating a record number of graduates, including a surge in adult learners.

According to staff at the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education (KOBE), the next step is to reach more northern Ontario communities and attract more adult learners.

“10 years down the road, maybe we’re looking at 35 or 40 communities rather than the 18-20 that we serve right now,” said Patrick Stoddart, KOBE Director of Education. “We would also like to expand to offer dual credits, so students would get post-secondary credits to get advanced standings into some programs, whether its university or college.”

Stoddart says the increased flexibility of online programming has helped draw in more adult learners.

“It’s daunting for adults to return to high school, even at the best of times,” Stoddart said. “What we’ve done is we’ve extended the flexibility of our programs to include the evenings and the weekends so that those with full-time jobs or childcare requirements could pick away at their credits and get their diploma.”

A total of 63 students graduated from KiHS this year, 18 of whom were adults.

“The age range for our graduates this year was 17 to 57,” said Laura Blair, KOBE Enrollment Supervisor. “We had band counsellors in communities who came to finish high school. We had parents who were able to graduate with their kids. It’s a really emotional day for our students. We got to see them walk across the stage in their own communities in our online celebration.”

On May 21, 2026 KiHS graduates were honoured with a virtual ceremony that featured live streams from each community, allowing guests to watch students cross the stage, receive their diplomas, and take part in the cap toss. The celebration concluded with community feasts held in each participating First Nation.

KOBE Graduation

Indigenous school board marks record year for online high school graduates

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The Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education (KOBE) is celebrating a record number of graduates from Keewaytinook Internet High School (KiHS) community classrooms.

KOBE reported 63 graduating students from KiHS, more than double last year’s total. Among the graduates are 18 students from KOBE Adult Education programs.

“The growth in adult learners returning to complete their education reflects the importance of flexible, community-based pathways that support students at different stages in life,” KOBE wrote in a press release.

For 25 years, KOBE has delivered educational programs and services to schools and communities across Keewaytinook Okimakanak territory, which represents six First Nations communities:

  • Deer Lake First Nation
  • Fort Severn First Nation
  • Keewaywin First Nation
  • McDowell Lake First Nation
  • North Spirit Lake First Nation
  • Poplar Hill First Nation

“KOBE is proud of every student who has continued their educational journey and reached this important milestone,” said Patrick Stoddart, KOBE Director of Education. “These graduates represent perseverance, commitment, and the strength of community support. Every student’s pathway is unique, and we are honoured to celebrate their success.”

KiHS graduates were honoured with a virtual ceremony that featured live streams from each community, allowing guests to watch students cross the stage, receive their diplomas, and take part in the cap toss. The celebration concluded with community feasts held in each participating First Nation.

Lakehead-Grassy Narrows MOU

Lakehead signs MOU to train staff for upcoming Grassy Narrows care home

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Lakehead University and Grassy Narrows First Nation are partnering to prepare students for roles at a new care home in the community.

The Grassy Narrows Mercury Care Home is scheduled to open November 2027.

“Finally they’re training our people how to care for our people and our community,” said Grassy Narrows Chief Sherry Ackabee. “Nobody deserves to be away from home. All of our people are shipped into Kenora for Mercury, for care. And there’s been mistreatment in hospitals. Everybody knows about it. But at least at home in Grassy, they’ll be well looked after.”

Executive Director of Grassy Narrows Mercury Care Home Lauri Ann Marshall signs the MOU at Wednesday’s ceremony (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / May 6 2026)

Lakehead President Dr. Gillian Siddall estimates a need for around 100 full-time staff at the home.

“We are providing access to nursing programs, social work programs, and possibly kinesiology programs as well,” Giddall said. “We’re also looking at offering some of that programming on site in Grassy Narrows so that community members don’t always have to come to Thunder Bay to get that education.”

Members of Grassy Narrows First Nation made the six-hour drive to Lakehead for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the Memorandum of Agreement.

“The Memorandum of Understanding, signed between me and the Chief, is to acknowledge our mutual commitment to working together in various capacities,” Giddall said. “The Memorandum of Agreement is a manifestation of that, where we’ve actually got some concrete actions identified where we can work together and learn from each other.”

Grassy Narrows First Nation representatives and students travelled over six hours to Lakehead’s Agora for the ceremony (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / May 6 2026)

Lakehead’s Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences will lead the training of students for the care home.

“Some of our people need constant care,” Ackabee said. “Because of all the years we’ve waited, we’ve lost so many. Our younger generations are getting more sick too. I would just like to try and keep our people as healthy as could be, but we take it one day at a time.”

“November of next year will be an exciting time. Our people get to come home and into our own Mercury Care home.”

Indigenous Education Apr 2026

Rainy River District School District spotlights Indigenous education

The Rainy River District School Board says significant progress has been made this year to advance Indigenous Education in its classrooms.

Students have experienced field trips, in-class visits and expanded online programming related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

Seapking to trustees at a recent board meeting, Indigenous Education Coordinator Karen Supinski says schools have taken advantage of Connected North, with more than 330 sessions already taking place.

“The data shows that Connected North continues to be well used,” says Supinski.

“It’s culturally rich, and it’s accessible to everyone. All of our teachers, K through 12, can use it. The largest participation is in kindergarten, grades three, four and five. We’re really working to get higher participation in our high school grades.”

She says 56% off those sessions have included Indigenous content.

One of the highlights so far this year has been school visits by Greg Wiseman, a member of the Fort Frances Lakers junior A hockey club who hails from Rankin Inlet.

Wiseman spoke of his upbringing and Inuit traditions and language.

Supinski says it created engaging and meaningful learning opportunities for the students.

“These visits support the Ontario Social Studies curriculum by enhancing students’ understanding of Inuit perspectives and promoting respect, inclusion, and cultural awareness. His connection as an athlete helps make learning relatable,” says Supinski.

Wiseman was recognized by the SIJHL, winning its Community Ambassador Award this season.

The board are revealed a new voluntary self-identification promotion that captures information about students and families who identify as First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or non-Indigenous.

Participation rate increased from 40% in January 2025 to 45% in September, reaching 48% by March 2026.

“When families choose to self-identify, they help the board create more inclusive learning environments, strengthen culturally grounded supports and ensure that indigenous students’ voices are reflected in planning and programming,” says Supinski.

Seven Generations Education Institute Sept 2024

Indigenous post-secondary institute receive funding increase

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Ontario is increasing operating funding to Indigenous postsecondary institutions.

The $57 million will help double what they now receive.

Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn says it is a recognition of the growth experienced by the institutions.

“Recognizing the 36% growth in Indigenous enrollment into the Indigenous Institutes,” notes Quinn.

“The numbers do show that the growth is in our Indigenous Institutes, as well as it’s our largest growing part of the workforce. So recognizing that we see the growth that’s behind us, but the growth that’s ahead of us, we want to ensure that they’re set up to serve their communities well.”

“We remain proud to partner with and support the exciting work underway at Indigenous Institutes as they provide the education and training that students need to enter skilled workforces,” says Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships.

Chair of the Indigenous Institutes Consortium, Laurie Deschamps, welcomes the funding.

“I would like to express our appreciation for this government’s continued support of Indigenous institutes,” says Deschamps.

“Indigenous institutes have been seeking long-term, stable, equitable operating and capital funding for many, many years. I would also like to thank Minister Quinn for his ongoing leadership, for listening, for engaging with us, for visiting our institutes and for supporting our work and the learners we serve.

Brent Tookenay, Chief Executive Officer of Seven Generations Education Institute, is also pleased to see additional funding for this learning institute.

“This funding will enable SGEI to respond and support learner access to postsecondary education programs, make new programs and deliver on priorities in the Treaty #3 territory,” says Tookenay.

A large portion of the funding, $33 million, is to be dedicated to expanding spaces in programs considered high in demand.

Specific focus will be made in the areas of healthcare, education, trades, transportation, STEM and Indigenous languages.

“The first group of students in these newly funded spots will start their programs in winter 2027, with another round of students beginning later on next year,” says Quinn.

The government is now accepting proposals, with a second call to be issued in the fall.