Baagwating Community Association makes significant contribution to UOIT

Oshawa, ON - Aboriginal student services at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) received a major boost thanks to the generous $250,000 donation from the Baagwating Community Association. The gift will be used to further enhance the Aboriginal student community by creating dedicated space for the campus’ Aboriginal Resource Centre (ARC) and developing additional support services.

“The Baagwating Community Association is a long-time supporter of UOIT, in particular supporting initiatives that improve access to university education,” said MaryLynn West-Moynes, vice-president, External Relations. “On behalf of UOIT, I’d like to thank the association for this very generous gift that will help expand the services we provide to Aboriginal students and their communities.”

With dedicated space, the centre will grow and offer more support services such as liaising with local Aboriginal agencies and Band council, and hosting visiting elders, Aboriginal alumni and guests. With the guidance of UOIT’s honorary elder Cliff Standingready (Standing Buffalo Warrior), it will also provide cultural teachings, elder advice, daily smudging, potlucks and talking circles.

“We are pleased to assist UOIT in another new venture involving Aboriginal students and the Aboriginal population within Durham Region,” said Gary Edgar, chair, Baagwating Community Association Chair. “We are delighted to once again be able to continue our relationship with UOIT and to partner with them on such an important project.”

Within the GTA, Durham Region has the highest percentage of population identifying with at least one Aboriginal group. According to the 2006 Canadian Census data, more than 6,500 individuals with Aboriginal ancestry live in Durham Region. This represents a 52.6 per cent increase over the 2001 census. Of this population, 73 per cent are Oshawa residents.

ARC is a welcoming centre for students to gather and grow together while attending UOIT. A home away from home, the centre helps First Nation, Métis and Inuit students make a positive transition to university life. Currently the centre offers a variety of services designed to help students succeed both on and off campus. To meet the individual needs of its students, counselling services are offered in either western or traditional styles.

Services include:

• Academic and guidance counselling;
• Assistance for students with disabilities;
• Budgeting, funding and sponsorship assistance;
• Campus lifestyle coaching;
• Cultural teachings and Elder support;
• Mediation and small-group counselling;
• Pathways to internships and careers;
• Personal, social and health support;
• Post-secondary Transition program;
• Scholarships, bursaries and awards; and
• Self-identification awareness.

Edgar, chair of Baagwating Community Association Board of Directors, presented the cheque to West-Moynes, who accepted the donation on behalf of UOIT during the 2011 Baagwating Family Day held on October 22 in Port Perry, Ontario. Also in attendance was Victoria Choy, registrar, UOIT; Laura Thibeault, Aboriginal counsellor and outreach co-ordinator, UOIT; Port Perry Mayor, Chuck Mercier; and Chief Tracy Gauthier, Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

The Baagwating Community Association is considered the charitable arm of the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino. The association is a proud member of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, and helps by contributing to the community’s economic well-being.

The association’s objective is to make charitable contributions to non-profit organizations that are in need of financial support.

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Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
UOIT
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
melissa.levy@uoit.ca

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