SHEGUIANDAH—Smiles lit up the room as Sheguiandah First Nation employment resource worker Kris Shawanda prepared to cut the ribbon to officially open the band’s new resource centre.
Ms. Shawanda explained that the new centre will provide resources for community members seeking employment or educational opportunities. The room was inspired by the late Sheguiandah Chief Richard Shawanda whose dream was to have a resource centre that would assist his community members in seeking employment and educational opportunities.
Employing a bank of computer terminals and desks, the resource centre also features a small conference table that will enable classes and workshops to be offered in an intimate small group setting.
Ms. Shawanda has been trained in the ContactNorth distance education platform, enabling students to access courses in that venue.
Although the program actually began in February 2016, the resource centre itself has been a work in progress for some time. “It has taken a while to get it started,” said Ms. Shawanda, but she indicated that response to the resource centre and her employment programs by the community has been good.
The project has been a collaborative effort between UCCMM’s Mnidoo Mnising Employment and Training, ContactNorth and three band departments: Ontario Works, Economic Development and Education.
Ontario Works administrator Marida McGregor, economic development officer Valerie Assinewai and Education Councillor Cynthia Trudeau were each on hand for the grand opening ceremonies as well.
