Groundbreaking MOU Supports Enhanced Opportunity for Ontario Métis

above, left to right: Bob Backstrom, Vice President of Corporate Services for Confederation College; Gary Lipinski, MNO President and Brenda Small, Dean of Neegahneewin College.

(June 3, 2009) THUNDER BAY, ON - Today in Thunder Bay, Gary Lipinski, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), and Patricia Lang, President of Confederation College, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will formalize a long standing relationship and lead to the development and delivery of Métis specific educational opportunities at the College.

“By building on the existing relationship with the College, we can forge stronger partnerships and expand the range of community based education opportunities available to Métis and others living in the northwest region of Ontario,” says Gary Lipinski. “All Ontarians will benefit from greater involvement by Métis in the provinces’ college system and the relationship with Confederation College will contribute to building capacity within the MNO.”

College President Patricia Lang says, “Confederation College welcomes the opportunity to partner with the Métis Nation of Ontario in the development of an innovative program that will prepare learners to live, work and lead in Ontario and beyond.”

The College and MNO will work together to develop a Métis Building Systems Advisor Internship Program with a focus on innovative construction methods that will increase energy efficiency and promote conservation. The training will build on the Métis Conservation Workforce Pilot Project developed in partnership with the Ontario Power Authority for delivery by Housing Branch Technical staff in partnership with the College. The Memorandum signed today will allow for the ongoing development of the Pilot Project and lay the groundwork for discussions to identify other potential opportunities for collaboration.

“MNO recognizes the significant role Confederation College plays in the delivery of post secondary education in Northwestern Ontario and is pleased to partner with an institution with such an impressive track record in the delivery of programs for Aboriginal students,” said President Lipinski.

“Our partnership with MNO will reflect a consultative, collaborative approach to ensure programs that foster the socio-economic well-being of its communities and the preservation of culture and traditions,” added President Lang.

Since it was established in 1975, the College has offered a range of programming options including full-time post-secondary programs, part-time credit and non-credit courses, specialty programs for business and industry, pre-employment and skills training programs, apprenticeship programs and cooperative/workplace training programs.

For further information or interviews contact:

Jennifer St. Germain
Director of Labour Market Development
Métis Nation of Ontario
613-798-1488

OR

Jean McIsaac-Wiitala
OR
Robynn Maluga
Housing Branch
Métis Nation of Ontario
807-626-9300

OR

Carol Rusak
Training & Development
Confederation College
807- 475-6412