The Kenora Catholic District School board is working on a cultural achievement success and engagement program, in partnership with Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, and with funding from Jordan’s Principal.
Kenora Catholic’s new Jordan’s Principle Navigator and Lead, Alecia Cox spoke about the partnership.
“It’s an honour to be partnered with Wauzhuhsk Onigum Nation on this. The CASE program will be greatly beneficial for our students and our community. We’re here to support every child and ensure that every student gets the best education they can.”
Cox says the new partnership will help develop and fund programs to help remove barriers to education and to provide culturally-appropriate supports, to help increase engagement, achievement, and personal well-being in band members who attend KCDSB schools.
Cox notes that additional funding through the program has allowed the board to hire two additional mental health workers, who she says have been instrumental with the additional demands on youth from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we continue on, we will gather information from students, caregivers, educators and community members to further develop the CASE program. Building relationships will be key in all of this; not only with students and families, but with our surrounding communities and partners. At the end of the day we're here to support every child and ensure that every student gets the best education they can. We are very grateful and excited to have the opportunity from Jordan's Principle,” she added.
Jordan’s Principle was adopted in 2007 across Canada and applies to all First Nation children across all jurisdictions. It aims to make sure First Nation youth receive all public services in a way that is reflective of their culture, and to not experience denials because they are First Nations.