Bruce Power and the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation are continuing their commitment to developing future Indigenous leaders locally.

In 2012, when Right to Play programs were established in the two communities through a partnership between Bruce Power, Saugeen First Nation, Chippewas of Nawash First Nation and the Right to Play organization, the community mentors had the long-term goal of operating independently. Now that the program has developed strong roots and has a sustainable presence in both First Nation communities, the mentors are ready to branch out on their own.

Bruce Power has committed $25,000 annually per community for the next three years to the new ‘Leaders in Training’ program, which will foster young leaders and bring about more community engagement among local youth, said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Environment.

“Our $50,000 annual commitment will go directly to the Leaders in Training program, which benefit the youth of our communities,” Scongack said. “It has been impressive to watch the community mentors develop their programs since 2012 to the point of long-term sustainability, and the positive impact they’ve had on the youth of Saugeen and Nawash cannot be overstated,” he added.

Lester Anoquot, Chief of the Saugeen First Nation, said the Right to Play program has been instrumental to his community’s next generation of leaders.

“With the skills they’ve developed, the youth will be great advocates for our community and for themselves,” Chief Anoquot said. “I’m pleased to see the program grow into one of self-sufficiency. Thanks to the Right to Play organization for its support over the last five years in creating a solid foundation for the Saugeen First Nation Leaders in Training program, and thanks to Bruce Power for its ongoing commitment to this youth program.”

Greg Nadjiwon, Chief of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, said the Leaders in Training program wouldn’t be possible without the support of his community, Right to Play and Bruce Power.

“Through this long-standing partnership, we have seen our youth benefit and grow in ways that make our community proud,” Chief Nadjiwon said. “I look forward to continued development and growth as a result of Bruce Power’s commitment and support,” he added.