Tag Archives: school

Council Extends State of Emergency for Neyaashiinigmiing

Posted on

At the August 21, 2020 Council meeting, the Chippewas of Nawash Council voted to accept the recommendation of the Community Emergency Response Group and extend the State of Emergency for Neyaashiinigmiing until September 30, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, making the possibility of a viral outbreak a real and significant threat to the community. While the constant adherence to the well-known safety protocols of wearing face masks, washing hands, maintaining physical distance from other people and avoiding gatherings is challenging, Neyaashiinigmiing cannot afford to become less vigilant.

Under the current State of Emergency, the Council temporarily shuttered non-essential band programs while maintaining employee pay, offered wage support to small businesses and employees, significantly expanded the operations of the Community Food Bank, distributed food boxes to non-resident member households and grocery cards to all member households, cancelled risky public gatherings and events, restricted outside access to Neyaashiinigmiing, installed a monitoring station to help ensure compliance with restrictions, and created a community-wide face covering policy. These actions, and others have kept us all safe and dramatically reduced the economic harm of the pandemic to all our members.

The Council recently moved to relax some restrictions, allowing non-resident members, seasonal campers, and registered leaseholders into the community. We are now entering another delicate phase with the start of the school year. Classes will be held at Kikendaasogamig Elementary,  albeit in a safer, heavily modified fashion, beginning with online classes on September 8, moving to in-person classes on September 21. During this period, the Council will carefully assess the initiatives put in place to determine our next steps forward.

We are grateful for the patience and strength the entire membership has shown over the past 6 months. Together we will persevere, stay focused and stay healthy.

Kikendaasogamig Elementary Holds Virtual Graduation Ceremony

Posted on

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a massive disruption in the school year, but our Kikendaasogamig teachers soldiered bravely on, as best they could, particularly the Grade 8 class led by Kimberley Brown. The challenging school semester has finally come to a close, however, so today Kikendaasogamig held a virtual graduation ceremony for the Grade 8 class, attended by staff, students and family.  The presentation, prepared by Ms. Brown with assistance from school staff, celebrates the achievements and personalities of the graduates, who will now move on to greater achievements in high school and beyond.

Congratulations to the graduates of Grade 8! We are incredibly proud of you all!

Watch the presentation below:

School to Remain Closed for Remainder of Semester

Posted on

The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Board of Education have carefully monitored the developments of the pandemic. In the interest of protecting the health and safety of our children, families, staff and community, the Kikendaasogamig Elementary School will remain closed until the end of June.

The Board recognizes that education instruction and learning has taken an unusual turn in light of the current circumstances.  We also know, however, that our students, families and staff have risen to the challenges and shown determination and commitment to their educational achievements.

We will continue to work toward the evolution of education through 2020. Creative ways to acknowledge graduation milestones for students of grade 8 and grade 12 are currently being explored.   A Summer Learning Initiative is also being considered to not only combat summer learning loss, but to maintain connections with other students and teachers, support students with special learning needs and to further prepare students for fall 2020.

The standard school year format is currently being researched and examined to not only accommodate the potential continuation of online learning, but also to be more balanced and inclusive of land-based learning and the unique culture of our community and our nation.

For social or emotional supports, please contact one of the following health or mental health resources: