News

The Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation is pleased to announce that we have partnered with the Mastercard Foundation’s COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Program. This $500,000 partnership will support the distance education programs of the Cree School Board and the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute by providing access to hardware and increased connectivity.

The need for additional connectivity support for these programs has become crucial because of the closing of education facilities in Eeyou Istchee due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cree students are experiencing gaps in internet infrastructure, availability of technology in the home, and access to online learning resources to support learning outside of the classroom.

The support from the Mastercard Foundation will help Cree School Board continuing education students by providing computers and internet access so they can take advantage of distance education opportunities. It will also enable improved access to the virtual museum of the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute by upgrading its website so students can access the wealth of Cree culture, history, and language programs and resources that the Institute offers online.  

“During this unprecedented period, our young people must not become isolated and disconnected from access to their education. This generous support from the Mastercard Foundation will allow us to give Cree students important tools—a key to learning that will increase their knowledge, and ultimately their chances for success.”

Grand Chief Dr. Abel Bosum, Chair—Cree Nation Government

“This crisis is teaching us how interdependent we are as well as how powerful collective action can be. In particular, it is essential that the education of our young people does not lose momentum. As individuals and as families, we must strive to stay connected to learning through every means available. Collectively, we can be a counterforce to the economic effects of COVID-19, and education is a most powerful tool in this endeavour.”

Reeta Roy, President and CEO—Mastercard Foundation

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For more information, please contact:

Tina Petawabano, President
Eenou-Eeyou Community Foundation
tina.petawabano@cngov.ca
(514) 209-9117