MNIDOO MNISING—A new chapter in Indigenous education began last week as the Waawaaskonenh Foundation was formally launched during Kenjgewin Teg’s Mshkogaabiwin: Affirming Sovereignty in Education celebration in Sudbury. The announcement brought excitement and a shared sense of possibility among Elders, leaders, students and community members alike who had gathered to celebrate the institution’s strides towards greater services, excellence and independence for First Nations’ educational programming and delivery.
The Foundation’s board shared highlights from its newly completed Strategic Plan and introduced Dawn Madahbee Leach as the first E’gaanjidaget, a role meaning “one who leads or guides the way forward.”
Anna Marie Abitong, chairperson of the Foundation, spoke to the vision guiding this work. “I am honoured and excited for the opportunities ahead as we inspire hope and change in Anishinaabek education,” she said. “With the strength of our Board and our students, we can become the changemakers of the future.”
The Waawaaskonenh Foundation (waawaaskonenh means “flower” in Anishinaabemowin) was created by Kenjgewin Teg to help learners blossom. Incorporated in 2018 and newly recognized as a registered charity this year, the Foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and programs that reach beyond the current funding models. Its function is to nurture lifelong learning, well-being and healing through Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe teachings. In partnership with Kenjgewin Teg, the Foundation aims to realize holistic learning environments which connect learners to culture, language, and community support, ensuring their growth and thrive close to home.
The introduction of Ms. Madahbee Leach as E’gaanjidaget was met with great applause. An Anishinaabe-kwe from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Ms. Madahbee Leach has long been a key figure in championing Indigenous economic and social development. Ms. Madahbee Leach’s many honours include the 2023 Business Lifetime Achievement Award (CCIB), the 2020 Indspire Award for Business and Commerce, and recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women (2018). She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Law from Laurentian University. For 37 years, she has served as general manager of the Waubetek Business Corporation and is the Founder and CEO of Indigenous Business International. She has chaired the National Indigenous Economic Development Board and played a crucial role in shaping Canada’s first National Indigenous Economic Strategy. Her accomplishments span finance, mining, business, and energy sectors, and she has been honoured with numerous national distinctions, including Indspire’s 2020 Award for Business and Commerce and the CCIB’s 2023 Business Lifetime Achievement Award.
Reflecting on her new role, Ms. Madahbee Leach said, “I feel that I have come full circle in supporting the Waawaaskonenh Foundation to assist in the good work of Kenjgewin Teg. It is gratifying to know that many students have achieved higher education because of this Anishinabek-led place of learning. And now the Waawaaskonenh Charitable Foundation will help them soar even further.” Ms. Madahbee Leach was involved in the very early days of Kenjgewin Teg.
In a significant milestone, the Foundation recently received its first donation in the form of a transformational $10 million gift from the Mastercard Foundation. Jennifer Brennan, Senior Director of Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation, emphasized the importance of Kenjgewin Teg. In the official press release, Ms. Brennan is quoted as saying, “Built on Anishinaabe principles and worldviews, Kenjgewin Teg equips young people to learn, work, and lead in ways that strengthen the self-determination of their Nations. We are committed to walking alongside young Indigenous people as they transform post-secondary education. This organization is contributing to that change and to a stronger country for us all.”
The timing of the launch aligns with the spirit of Giving Tuesday, the annual global movement that encourages generosity, community support, and connection. As year-end giving begins, the Waawaaskonenh Foundation now becomes another avenue for people to help local learners flourish.
For Kenjgewin Teg, the launch symbolizes transformative opportunities which they hope to use to continue their impressive social momentum. “This is an incredible time for Kenjgewin Teg to begin thinking of new possibilities,” said President Dr. Beverley Roy. “With the support of the Waawaaskonenh Foundation, many ideas we’ve been waiting to bring forward will become closer to reality. It’s time for us to dream even bigger.”
To learn more about the Waawaaskonenh Foundation, or to support its work in helping learners grow and flourish, readers are encouraged to visit www.waawaaskonenh.ca.