First Nation in northwestern Ontario celebrates new school and Oji-Cree immersion program – CBC

Sep 12, 2023

Land-based learning, language classes a focal point at John George Martin Memorial

It’s not just a new school year for students in Wunnumin Lake First Nation — it’s also their first semester in their new school.

Students and teachers were joined by community members and dignitaries at the grand opening Friday of John George Martin Memorial School, and there was plenty to celebrate, with a tour, speeches, gifts and a grand feast.

Wunnumin Lake is about 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay in northwestern Ontario. It’s only accessible by plane or winter road, and is home to about 600 people.

The former school, Lydia Lois Beardy Memorial School, opened more than 30 years ago when the community took local control of its education system from the federal government. For the past several years, work has been underway to build a bigger school that could accommodate more students and programs.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/wunnumin-lake-first-nation-school-oji-cree-1.6963195