Education

The Long Lake #58 First Nation Education Authority was originally established with Ginoogaming First Nation in 1997 as the Anishinabek Gikinoo Gaamig Ogiimaakanig.  In July 2012, it became its own entity.  Migizi Wazisin Elementary School (MWES) began in single units on Wolf Street in September 1998 and moved into its current location on 100 Marten Road in December 2000.  Gelineau Fisher and Roy Thomas, community members of Long Lake #58 First Nation, who often collaborated on works of art, were commissioned to paint a mural for the Grand Opening.  It is proudly displayed for all to see as you walk through the main entrance at MWES. Once we became our own entity, high school programming from Grade 9 to 12 commenced in September 2012 with the extension to MWES completed in 2014 to include a shared gymnasium and shops for Migizi Miigwanan Secondary School (MMSS).  MMSS opened its doors to its students and staff in November that year.

 

Our student population at MWES is approximately 125 from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 and 65 students from Grades 9 to 12 at MMSS.  Education programming is deeply rooted in the Medicine Wheel and Seven Grandfathers.  Cultural programming, Outdoor Education, Land-Based Activities, Seasonal Camps, Literacy, Numeracy, Social Development and Technology are key focus area of the curriculum. In the Fall of 2020, Long Lake #58 First Nation launches its history curriculum to be taught to its students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. The teaching lodge that sits on Migizi Schools grounds is in its final phase to hold classes and ceremonies throughout all seasons beginning the Fall of 2020. Sports has always played a major role in Long Lake #58 First Nation.  MWES hosts the Delores Ruben Annual Baseball Tournament for area elementary schools each June.  Team sports at MMSS grows stronger each year despite the number of students.  Throughout the year, Migizi Schools hold many community gatherings, feasts, ceremonies and celebrations because parents, caregivers, family members and the community as a whole share the goals, challenges and successes of our students.

 

 

Long Lake #58 FN Early Learning Centre

 

The purpose of the Long Lake #58 FN Early Learning Centre is to provide quality care and educational experiences for young children, toddler age through school age, in a family style program. Our focus is on children first, and we aim to foster learning around belonging, engagement, expression and well-being. Children must be valued as individuals that are competent, capable, curious, and rich in potential.

 

The language and culture along with the 7 Grandfather Teachings are implemented daily into our curriculum which provides our children with a sense of pride in who we are.

 

We provide two nutritious snacks and a hot lunch daily to promote children's growth and development. These are prepared by our cooks, Linda Legarde and Kevin Ferris.

 

The Long Lake #58 FN Early Learning Centre has been in operation in our current location since 1993 but has been established since the early ‘80’s.

 

We are licensed by the Ministry of Education for the following programs:

 

 

Marlene Mitchell is the Director of the Centre. 

Susan Patabon is the Program Supervisor.

Debbie Blouin is the Operational Assistant.

Julie Bouchard is our team floater which means that she works in every room with all the staff and children.

Steven Luby is our custodian.

 

 

Migizi Wazisin Elementary School

 

Migizi Wazisin Elementary School is mindful of the Vision and Mission Statements that light our path as we journey through the school system established and maintained by the Anishinaabe of Long Lake #58.

 

Migizi Wazisin Elementary School prides itself on providing learning experiences for students that are based on being Anishinaabe. We deliver and operate the education day/year based on the Medicine Wheel and the Seven Grandfathers teachings. The Granny and Baba program delivers and reinforces cultural practices and teachings. We use the provincial curriculum as a guide to help us focus student learning goals for their successes. 

 

Migizi Wazisin hosts Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 within the school. Each classroom has an Education Assistant to support the learning needs of the students. We have a well-established Social Skills and Virtues program, the physical education program is equipped for both indoor and outdoor learning, while Program Support provides concentrated programming. The Bimaadizowin Centre program focuses on Life Skills, Culture and Land-based Learning, Literacy and Math.

 

At the beginning and end of each learning week we gather in the Circle to hear announcements, say prayers, and to sing and drum. At the end of the month we recognize students who have demonstrated good attendance, learned new skills, showed courage, or an act of kindness.

 

At the end of the school year, we honour those students who are graduating Grade 8 and the Kindergartens usually have a Moving on Celebration. In addition, we award the following plaques: Most Improved Student, High Achiever and The Seven Grandfathers, per grade.

 

Parents and Caregivers are invited to our celebrations. We make home visits, deliver report cards, invitations to Open Houses, and provide a monthly newsletter. Our Migizi Wazisin Elementary School Facebook page is active with information.

 

Migizi Wazisin Classroom Staff

 

Shelley LaBelle, JK/SK Teacher shelleylabelle@58education.com

Marty Waboose, EA martywaboose@58education.com

Amber Townsend, Grade 1 ambertownsend@58education.com

Deena Ruben, EA deenaruben@58education.com

Nicole Mortella, Grade 2/3 nicolemortella@58education.com

Roxanne Lafortune, EA roxannelafortune@58education.com

Rachel White, Grade 4 sheilawhite@58education.com

Jasmin Legarde, EA jasminlegarde@58education.com

Brianna Monaghan, Grade 5/6 briannamonaghan@58education.com

Leslie Morris, EA lesliemorris@58education.com

Sheilah Gaffney, Grade 7/8 sheilahgaffney@58education.com

Glen Wesley, EA glenwesley@58education.com

Cheryl Dunk, Program Support Coordinator/Teacher cheryldunk@58education.com

Theresa Fortier, Literacy Lead Teacher terifortier@58education.com

Vicky Forget, Program Support EA vickyforget@58education.com

Carol Marzowski, Program Support Tutor Escort carolmarzowski@58education.com

 

Migizi Miigwanan Secondary School

 

Migizi Miigwanan Secondary School is a community school that provides a positive, respectful, inclusive, and engaging learning experience by emphasising a culturally enhanced and land-based curriculum. Our school strives to accommodate the social, emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual needs of every student and help develop their unique skills and abilities.

 

From an academic perspective, Migizi Miigwanan is pleased to offer compulsory and optional courses that not only reflect the interests and educational goals of the students, but also the current and future employment opportunities in the area. These courses include construction technology, mining, computer/business studies, and environmental stewardship. Our programs are designed to empower students to be life-long learners who are responsible family and community members.

 

With the support of caregivers and community members, it is anticipated that when students graduate, they will be confident in their ability to achieve their goals.

 

Migizi Miigwanan Classroom Staff

 

Jennifer Edwards, Program Support Teacher jenniferedwards@58education.com

Leonard Sherry, Teacher leonardsherry@58education.com

Kathleen Couch, Teacher katiecouch@58education.com

Augustus Raycroft, Teacher augustusraycroft@58education.com

Tracy Wilson, Adult High School Teacher tracywilson@58education.com

Sam Pollari, Shops Teacher sampollari@58education.com

Elroy Pecarski, EA/Health & Safety Advisor elroypecarski@58education.com

Lanny Shebagabow, EA/Land Based Advisor lannyshebagabow@58education.com

Marcy Desmoulin, EA/Student Success Advisor marcydesmoulin@58education.com

Travis Pelky, EA travispelky@58education.com

Jody Grenier, EA jodygrenier@58education.com

Corrie Beaulieu, Tutor Escort corriebeaulieu@58education.com

 

Matawa - First Nation Management

 

Indegenious and Northern Affairs Canada's (INAC) post-secondary education programs are intended to improve the employability of First Nations and Inuit people by providing eligible students with access to education and skills development opportunities at the post-secondary level. 

 

Post Secondary Coordinator - Georgette O’Nabigon

Email: gonabigon@matawa.on.ca or learningcentre@matawa.on.ca

Website: http://education.matawa.on.ca/

Call: (807) 768-3300

 

Adult Education Program

 

For Adult Education, please contact Jennifer Dunbar, Migizi Miigwanan Secondary School Principal

Principal - Jennifer Dunbar

Education Officer - Johanne Ferris

Teacher - Tracy Wilson

Phone: 1-807-876-9607