Seven Generations Education Institute, Fort Frances, ON

Who We Are In 1985, the ten bands in the Rainy Lake Tribal area formed the Rainy Lake Ojibway Education Authority. The ten bands are; Big Grassy, Big Island, Couchiching, Lac La Croix, Naicatchewenin, Nicickousemenecaning, Ojibways of Onigaming, Rainy River, Seine River and Mitaanjigaming First Nations. The union was formed because of the desire to maintain traditional cultural and linguistic values and to improve economic status, social status and community interactions. Education was seen as a driving force in the quest for political self-determination. Each of the ten bands appointed one member to a Board of Directors, which functions with the leadership of the Executive Director. Seven Generations Education Institute is designed to provide for the education and training needs of the Aboriginal people in our Tribal area; however, we welcome all of the people that we can s erve. SGEI has created a pathway for adults to reenter education. This pathway includes high school diplomas, essential skills training, online learning, and part or full-time college and university programs. Everyone is encouraged to take the ACCUSESSOR test. This tool helps individuals identify their strengths and assists with defining a personalized pathway to successful learning. If you are unsure of which path to take, a variety of career aptitude programs are available to help you determine options that could suit you. Our New Name Since our inception in 1985, our organization has come through an evolution process; from one of an advisory capacity to an institution providing educational instruction at the secondary, post-secondary and vocational levels. When we examined our current role within the community, our local government suggested that a name change may be in order. To fulfill that desire, the Rainy Lake Ojibway Education Authority has officially changed its name to Seven Generations Education Institute effective July 1, 1999.