Media Release

For immediate Release
 

Grand Erie Nations and New Start Programs to Move to Six Nations Polytechnic

THURSDAY, DEC. 8, 2022

Brantford, Ont. – Grand Erie has received Ministry of Education approval through the Capital and Business Support Division to proceed with a lease to operate Grand Erie’s Nations and New Start programs at Six Nations Polytechnic Centre for Excellence (SNP).

Above: Six Nations Polytechnic Centre for Excellence (SNP) campus.

Six Nations Polytechnic has an established and well-resourced campus on Fourth Line in Ohsweken. Operating the Nations and New Start programs at SNP will provide new opportunities and connections for students and staff in these programs, and access to a modern educational facility. Grand Erie’s Nations and New Start programs started the 2021-22 school year at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.

“We’re grateful to the Ministry of Education for approving this move to SNP,” said Susan Gibson, Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board. “It’s a very positive move, and we look forward to building on this relationship to support learning, well-being and belonging for students in this program, and for Grand Erie.”

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the staff at Grand Erie and to Rebecca Jamieson, CEO at SNP, for this opportunity to deepen our connections and partnerships with the Six Nations community,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “The learning environment will provide these students with exposure to more learning experiences and pathways in their community, rooted in Hodinohsó:ni`/Rotinonhshonni languages, culture and the natural environment, through the established programs and services already active at Six Nations Polytechnic.”  

Six Nations Polytechnic is a unique postsecondary organization, recognized by the community, government, and institutions of higher learning as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP was conceived in the fall of 1991 as a community-based postsecondary education and training institute. SNP delivers various formal and informal educational programs and opportunities along a lifelong learning continuum to the community at Six Nations of the Grand River and the surrounding areas.

Logistical details to support the move to SNP are being finalized, and Grand Erie will reach out soon to program participants to advise on timing and details of the move. The programs run during regular school hours and receive student transportation and administrative support through Grand Erie.

Grand Erie District School Board represents more than 26,000 students in 58 elementary schools and 14 secondary schools within the City of Brantford and the counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk, as well as secondary students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. With a dedicated staff of more than 2,800, Grand Erie is committed to learning, leading and inspiring.

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Contact:
Grand Erie Communications
gedsb-communications@granderie.ca
Grand Erie District School Board
349 Erie Avenue, Brantford, Ontario, N3T 5V3
www.granderie.ca