Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Opens Waasakwa Children’s Centre

A milestone was reached in the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, located west of Sudbury, Ontario, with the official opening of the Waasakwa Children’s Centre. This newly established, community-driven early learning and child care facility is now operational, providing over 40 spaces for children aged 18 months to six years. Plans are underway to introduce a before- and after-school program in the upcoming academic year, enhancing accessibility for families in the community.

“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 highlighted the importance of supporting working and studying families within Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation.

Realizing a Long-Held Vision

The development of the Waasakwa Children’s Centre has been a vision for the community since the 1980s, initially proposed by a group of women seeking to establish a nurturing environment for children. Although it took more than three decades for the centre to be realized, Gimaa Craig Nootchtai affirmed that it remained a persistent priority for the Nation. He underscored the centre’s significance in fostering cultural identity from early childhood.

“It’s about ensuring that our kids are raised in an environment where they learn about Atikameksheng and their identity as Anishinaabe people,” Nootchtai explained. “This is crucial for building a strong sense of identity and self-belief.”

Innovative Technology for Language Revitalization

A notable aspect of the new centre is its incorporation of innovative technology aimed at promoting Anishinaabemowin language acquisition. The facility features chameleon pens, interactive tools that audibly teach language when touched to specific materials.

“We’re grateful to have community members who programmed those pens, allowing them to share their language within our centre,” Rose noted. “We have maps of the area and children’s books available in English and in Anishinaabemowin, which not only help our children retain the language but also support our educators.”

Looking ahead, Nootchtai expressed aspirations for expanded services. While approximately 350 members reside within Atikameksheng, a larger population of around 1,200 lives in the nearby Greater Sudbury area. The Chief indicated that there is hope for the centre’s offerings to eventually extend to serve off-reserve members.

In conjunction with these developments, community leadership is pursuing broader educational advancements. Officials are actively working towards the long-term goal of constructing an elementary school within the community, aiming to enhance educational resources for Atikameksheng Anishnawbek families.