Confederation College and Matawa First Nations Sign MOU
Photo from Confederation College.
(November, 15 2010) – Confederation College and the Matawa First Nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. This MOU outlines the terms of affiliation between Matawa and Confederation and is meant to forge a formal relationship between both parties.
Matawa First Nation CEO, David Paul Achneepineskum, commented “Matawa First Nations look forward to moving ahead with Confederation College in what we know will be a long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnership. Building educational strength has been identified by our Chiefs as a number one priority, and by combining our knowledge and resources, Confederation College will play a critical role in assisting our communities to achieve this vision. Matawa First Nations knows what skills and training needs our people require to secure employment in the future. This partnership will assist in developing new opportunities for Matawa First Nations people”.
Through this agreement it is intended that a number of direct benefits will be seen by Matawa First Nation members. These include improved labour market participation, the identification of mutually beneficial opportunities and partnerships, increase in participation and access to current and future college programs and services.
At the same time Confederation College has pledged to increased consultation and policy development in the area of Aboriginal education, improved programming from a Matawa First Nations perspective and an increased capacity in program development and delivery.
“Confederation College, through Negahneewin College, has a keen interest and mandate to address the needs of Aboriginal communities. Matawa First Nations brings vast knowledge, experience and expertise to move our programming forward, addressing needs for today and for the future,” says Patricia Lang, President of Confederation College.
First on the agenda is the establishment of a working group, made up of both Matawa First Nations and Confederation College members. This group will initially develop the protocol in which the MOU will be enacted and monitored.
