On behalf of Gaagagekiizhik School, Bimose Tribal Council is pleased to announce it has received a $120,000 grant from the Ontario Arts Council, Indigenous Culture Fund (ICF) for the benefit of school families.
These funds will support the Nindaanikobitaagan Project, which was initiated by the Gaagagekiizhik Parent Council.
The Nindaanikobitaagan Project, is aimed at the families with children attending Gaagagekiizhik School (Grades JK – 12), organized by the Parent Council and activities to be led by Elders and Knowledge Carriers from the communities. It will be done in 2 phases, over 24 months following seasonal activities. The project focus is to reconnect intergenerational relationships impacted by residential schools and the loss of language and culture and to start practicing ceremonies, and traditional activities. The goal of the project is to encourage children’s learning outside the classroom through land-based teachings and to encourage/maintain parental involvement.
“This grant will help our students access Elders. Elders are carriers of the culture and language. We need to bridge the gap between Elders and our students so those teachings are carried forward into the future. One day the Anishinaabe teachings and language could be lost. By building bridges, the Anishinaabe will continue to be.” says Ryan White, Principal of Gaagagekiizhik School.
The Ontario Arts Council awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. This fund is part of the Government of Ontario’s response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). ICF was created through a process of extensive outreach and collaboration with Indigenous communities across Ontario. ICF exists to support cultural priorities and activities as defined by Indigenous peoples and communities, including on and off-reserve, urban, rural and remote.
About the Ontario Arts Council
The OAC is an arm’s-length agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The OAC’s grants and services to professional, Ontario-based artists and arts organizations support arts education, Indigenous arts, community arts, crafts, dance, Francophone arts, literature, media arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, theatre, touring, and visual arts. The OAC is directed by 12 volunteer board (council) members who come from communities throughout the province.