From left, Saugeen First Nation Councillors Mark Mandawoub and Gayle Mason Stark, Chief Lester Anoquot, Bluewater District School Board Chair Jan Johnstone and Director of Education Alana Murray.

Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) and Saugeen First Nation are pleased to announce the signing of a new Education Services Agreement that will ensure the continuation of learning opportunities to benefit students for years to come.

In a February 28 joint media release, elected officials and staff from both organizations convened at the Saugeen Band Office in Southampton February 28 to sign the agreement, which includes common services for all students, and additional programs and services or equipment to meet the needs of Saugeen First Nation students.

Bluewater District School Board and Saugeen First Nation share a long history of a strong collaborative partnership. Through the coordination of numerous events, learning activities and presentations, Bluewater District School Board students from all backgrounds have benefited from an increased awareness and appreciation of the importance of Indigenous history and culture. A recent highlight, the 2018 renaming of the bridge connecting Southampton and Saugeen First Nation to “Zgaa-biig-ni-gan," which means we are connected, was the culmination of G.C. Huston Public School students and staff working in consultation with Elders from Saugeen First Nation.

“Education is a vital component to the success of our young people's future," said Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot. "Bluewater District School Board recognizes the diverse community it serves and I am pleased we will have a signed agreement going forward into our children's future," he added.

"We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Saugeen First Nation through the signing of this agreement which will benefit many of the students and families we serve in our district," said BWDSB Board Chair Jan Johnston. "Our schools work diligently to foster safe and accepting learning cultures that reflect the views, perspectives and diversity of our local communities, of which our students from Saugeen First Nation are a fundamental part," she added.

“The signing of this agreement is so important on so many levels," said BWDSB Director of Education Alana Murray. "In addition to our board’s commitment to equity and inclusion, and strong focus on promoting Indigenous education, we are constantly working towards our strategic goal of promoting confidence in our education system and encouraging partnerships. I would also like to acknowledge Superintendent of Education Lori Wilder for her years of hard work in cultivating the positive relationship our board shares with Saugeen First Nation to best meet the needs of all students," she added.