To The Haldimand Press
SIX NATIONS—Grand Erie Dsitrict School Board (GEDSB) has received Ministry of Education approval through the Capital and Business Support Division to proceed with a lease to operate GEDSB’s Nations and New Start programs at Six Nations Polytechnic Centre for Excellence (SNP).
Six Nations Polytechnic has an established and well-resourced campus on Fourth Line in Ohsweken. Operating the Nations and New Start programs at SNP will provide new opportunities and connections for students and staff in these programs, and access to a modern educational facility. The Nations and New Start programs started the 2021-22 school year at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.
“We’re grateful to the Ministry of Education for approving this move to SNP,” said Susan Gibson, Chair of the GEDSB. “It’s a very positive move, and we look forward to building on this relationship to support learning, wellbeing, and belonging for students in this program, and for Grand Erie.”
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the staff at GEDSB and to Rebecca Jamieson, CEO at SNP, for this opportunity to deepen our connections and partnerships with the Six Nations community,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education.
Roberto added, “The learning environment will provide these students with exposure to more learning experiences and pathways in their community, rooted in Hodinohsó:ni`/Rotinonhshonni languages, culture, and the natural environment, through the established programs and services already active at Six Nations Polytechnic.”
Six Nations Polytechnic is a unique postsecondary organization, recognized by the community, government, and institutions of higher learning as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP was conceived in the fall of 1991 as a community-based postsecondary education and training institute. SNP delivers various formal and informal educational programs and opportunities along a lifelong learning continuum to the community at Six Nations of the Grand River and the surrounding areas.
Logistical details to support the move to SNP are being finalized, and GEDSB will reach out soon to program participants to advise on timing and details of the move.
The programs run during regular school hours and receive student transportation and administrative support through GEDSB.
