THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO August 22, 2017 – (LSN) City Council will be considering authorizing a Letter of Intent with Matawa First Nations Management at Committee of the Whole on August 28.
The report recommends that the City grant the former Grandview Lodge building and property to Matawa for the purpose of redeveloping it as a Student Education and Care Centre for high school students from Matawa First Nations.
Matawa First Nations Management is a tribal council with nine member Ojibway and Cree First Nations, including Aroland First Nation, Constance Lake First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation and Webequie First Nation.
Matawa’s vision for the Centre is a safe and caring environment, where the emotional, physical and academic needs of Matawa First Nations Students are met. Upon graduation, the students will have a quality education, strong life skills and a path to greater education.
Matawa, already in the planning stages of such a project at the time of Grandview becoming available, expressed interest in acquiring the property in December, 2016.
The grant of the property is being recommended due to the current rare circumstances where the City owns a unique surplus building, which is ideal for this project; the Seven Youth Inquest recommends that safer accommodation is needed for First Nations youth; and that Matawa is in a position to pursue this project.
“Recent tragedies over the last number of years in our community have brought to the forefront that First Nation students from remote communities living in Thunder Bay need safe and supportive accommodation,” added Angus.
Subject to Council’s approval, the City and Matawa will sign a Letter of Intent and negotiate an agreement, then transfer the property to Matawa.