On Friday, January 31, 2025, Shibogama First Nations Council and the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board (KPDSB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as an extension of their education service agreement and as an ongoing commitment to students. The agreement was signed by Matthew Angees, Executive Director of Shibogama First Nations Council, and Christy Radbourne, Director of Education for the KPDSB, in Sioux Lookout, Ontario.
The commitment in the MOU extends beyond the students currently enrolled at KPDSB to students living in Shibogama communities and attending community schools. It represents a historic commitment to collaborate and learn from each other and provide support for students and educators in community to ensure student success.
Priority areas of the newly signed MOU include parent engagement, preparation for student transitions to secondary schools, pathways options that help provide opportunities for students to work back in their home communities after graduation, academic success, and mental health and well-being. Commitments also include providing professional development opportunities for teachers and administration in Shibogama First Nations Council community schools in areas such as literacy, numeracy, mental health and well-being.
Christy Radbourne, Director of Education, stated, "KPDSB is grateful to have the trust of Shibogama First Nation Council to create a reciprocal relationship to ensure children from Shibogama communities are prepared for their futures and can pursue their dreams."
