Sam Odrowski
Construction of the Seven Generations Education Institute’s new facility on Agency One lands here is nearing completion.
Jarnel Contracting is wrapping up the finishing touches on the interior of the 40,000 sq. ft. building, which is set to open early in the New Year.
Once the facility opens, all of Seven Generations Education Institute’s new programs, along with those it currently offers, will be held there, SGEI CEO Brent Tookenay noted.
“The facility itself is going to be a great addition to the Fort Frances/Rainy River District area,” he lauded.
The building, which cost roughly $16 million to build, will be a place where all people in the district can go to receive varying levels of education.
“It was really important for our board [to] set that direction–to have both indigenous and non-indigenous students learning together,” Tookenay stressed.
“That will be key in the success of this building.”
Some of the programs people can take at SGEI include nursing, construction, early childhood education, office administration, social services, welding, and the arts.
“One of the unique things about Seven Generations is that we offer everything from training certificate programs, workplace literacy, and essential skills right through to university degrees,” Tookenay noted.
The organization also has been working closely with local employers like New Gold and Rainycrest to prepare students for available jobs in the community.
“There’s such a demand for a skilled workforce in this area,” said Tookenay. “I think if you talked to any company, including the school boards, you’d find that there is a real challenge to find enough people.”
The new facility features a Makerspace with 3D printers and Microsoft Academy, which will offer its programs through the campus here.
One of SGEI’s post-secondary classes toured the nearly-finished building and the group had a fantastic response to its new learning facility.
“It’s really hard to describe the looks on their faces,” Tookenay enthused. “They’re so proud that this is their building and that it was developed for them.
“It’s going to be a real hub in the area for all people to work together and learn together,” he added.
SGEI also is very proud of how closely it works with students to overcome obstacles and ensure they can achieve success.
“We find a way to support each and every student,” Tookenay noted.
“If it’s a single parent with a couple of young kids, we try to make accommodations and help them so they can focus on their studies.”
Once the building is completed, a grand opening will be held and tours of the facility will follow.
Seven Generations, meanwhile, is looking forward to working with the town to explore new opportunities for the school as it continues to grow.
“We sent a congratulatory letter to the new mayor and council, and look forward to working with them early in the New Year,” Tookenay said.
He also thanked area chiefs and SGEI’s board of directors for their support and leadership throughout the project.
“They’ve been fantastic in this,” Tookenay lauded. “It is an exciting time and we’re looking forward to getting into the new state-of-the-art facility.”
