At the grand opening of the Sabtuan Learning Centre in Ouje-Bougoumou February 11, Chief Gaston Cooper said the long-awaited adult education facility represented “a beacon of opportunity”. These centres will be coming to all Cree communities over the next few years.
“It symbolizes the doors we are opening for our people – the opportunity to expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and build a future filled with possibility,” Cooper stated. “It represents an investment in our youth, our workforce, and our leaders of tomorrow. We are preparing to shape the future.”
With a strong turnout and celebratory mood, the event marked an important milestone for the community established in 1992 following a long struggle for recognition. Organizers honoured the trailblazing advocacy efforts of Wally Wapachee, former Chief Abel Bosum and his late wife Sophie Bosum, who will be commemorated at the centre with a plaque.
“It shows the strength of the community, the resilience and the drive to make sure they’re able to build their future the way they envision,” said Cree School Board chairperson Sarah Pash. “It’s important to have education opportunities in each community – it was wonderful to see how excited they were about it.”
The CSB has had several meetings with Chief Cooper and the band council to ensure the training centre’s programming supports Ouje-Bougoumou’s economic development. Offering both adult general education and vocational programs, the building has six classrooms, a lab and a workshop for carpentry, mechanics and other trades.
Pash noted that “trades are the backbone of any economy” while the centre will also help adult learners complete secondary school and pursue higher education. With an expected housing boom spurring interest in construction trades, carpentry was identified as a priority.
In 2019, the CSB’s Sabtuan Adult Education Services (SAES) launched its Adult Learning Needs Assessment, which involved surveying over 3,000 Cree community members while integrating employer interviews and employment data.
The results helped answer questions about student success and preferences, guiding expansion of SAES programming in each community. Ouje-Bougoumou data show a greater openness to study in a different community but also a high number of young parents with financial constraints.
“It’s difficult leaving your support system and taking your kids out of school to an entirely different community,” Pash explained. “We know that stability is what’s best for our children. Our identity is so tied to the land, we don’t see a lot of movement from community to community.”
While SAES has existed for over 40 years, available programs were limited before the Waswanipi regional training centre opened in 2005, offering a variety of vocational programs. Its residences accommodate about 60 students and their families along with cafeteria, gym and other facilities.
When Wemindji entered an agreement with the Éléonore gold mine, the CNG helped develop the Mayaupiu Training Centre. Learning centres followed in Waskaganish and Mistissini to serve northern, inland and coastal hubs.
“By that time, the project was taken over by the CSB who have the jurisdiction for education under the JBNQA,” said Stella Lameboy, CSB’s deputy director general of adult and higher learning. “Wemindji is the only one with space for the mining company – they had a $1 million contribution.”
The next training centre is slated for Chisasibi, where there’s already a director hired, followed by Whapmagoostui, Eastmain and Nemaska, where space was acquired at the old band office.
“There was a need clearly expressed for students to continue their studies in their own community,” shared Réjean Gascon, director of education services. “Chisasibi we’re already planning to have professional cooking and everything related to health and social services since they’re building a hospital. It’s important for us to answer that need.”
The proliferation of mining, exploration and construction camps along the Billy Diamond Highway are a source of significant employment needs, making programs like auto mechanics or heavy equipment operator popular vocational offerings. But finding the necessary equipment for these courses is a major challenge.
The CSB’s higher learning sector is rapidly introducing college- and university-level courses. Lameboy suggested these hybrid or online classes are an important step toward establishing a Cree CEGEP.
General education programs that help students complete high school courses, navigate college prerequisites or improve reading and writing skills are based on a personal learning plan. A new Recognition of Acquired Competencies program helps adults attain credit for skills they learned outside of school.
SAES is offering “start a business” training and construction management for contract builders to help students become entrepreneurs. With rising interest and diversifying course selection, Lameboy said they “can’t roll out fast enough for the people.”
“That’s what’s fun about working with adults,” Lameboy said. “You have a big spectrum of what’s possible. The big message from Elders was we don’t have to leave now for our education – we can have it here at home.”