Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Opens New Early Learning Centre

The Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, located west of Sudbury, Ontario, has officially opened the Waasakwa Children’s Centre, a community-driven early learning and child care facility. With the capacity to accommodate more than 40 children aged between 18 months and six years, the centre is now operational and aims to provide essential child care services for local families. Plans are underway to introduce a before- and after-school program in the upcoming academic year.

“Currently, the centre is opening its doors for community members to have the opportunity to gain access to child care for their children,” stated Amanda Rose, the centre’s manager. She emphasized the importance of supporting working and studying parents within the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation.

A Long-Standing Community Vision Realized

The establishment of the Waasakwa Children’s Centre represents the culmination of a vision that has been in the making since the 1980s. Originally proposed by a group of women in the community, the project took over three decades to bring to fruition. Gimaa Craig Nootchtai, the Chief of the First Nation, affirmed that the creation of the centre has been a persistent priority for the community. He highlighted its role in fostering cultural identity from an early age.

“It’s about ensuring that our kids are raised in an environment where they learn all about Atikameksheng and who they are as Anishinaabe people,” said Nootchtai. “That’s so important to make sure that they have a strong identity and belief in who they are.”

Innovative Technology for Language Revitalization

A notable aspect of the new centre is the integration of innovative technology aimed at promoting the acquisition of the Anishinaabemowin language. The facility features chameleon pens, interactive tools that audibly share language when touched to specific materials. “We’re grateful to have community members that have programmed those pens and share their language to then expand within our centre,” Rose explained.

The centre is equipped with maps of the area and children’s books that can be read in English and then re-listened to in Anishinaabemowin. This bilingual approach not only aids children in acquiring knowledge but also helps educators retain the language.

Looking forward, Nootchtai shared his vision for future expansion. While the First Nation has approximately 350 members, a larger population of around 1,200 resides in the Greater Sudbury area. There is hope that the centre’s offerings may eventually extend to serve off-reserve members.

In addition to the child care centre, community leadership is actively pursuing broader educational advancements, including plans for a new elementary school within the First Nation. These initiatives aim to enhance educational opportunities and strengthen the cultural identity of the community.