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Youth Education in Oujé-Bougoumou
Cree School Board Highlights 2023-2024
This year has been filled with inspiring achievements and significant progress in our mission to provide quality education rooted in Eeyou values. From innovative educational programs to community-driven initiatives, we are proud to share the stories that highlight our dedication to empowering students and fostering a supportive learning environment. Join us as we celebrate the milestones and successes that have shaped this academic year, and look forward to continuing our journey of growth and excellence.
Save the Date: 5th Regional General Assembly is Coming Soon
[Updated October 4, 2024] We are excited to announce that the Cree School Board's 5th Regional General Assembly will take place in Chisasibi, iiyiyiu aschii, on November 6 and 7, 2024.
Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum Re-elected as Chairperson of the Cree School Board
On September 15, 2024, Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum was re-elected by acclamation for her third term as Chairperson of the Cree School Board (CSB). The announcement was made by the Chief Returning Officer, and official results are available here.
Upcoming Events
Elected
School Committee
(Updated June 21, 2023)
- Miranda Coonishish, Chairperson
- Albert St-Pierre, Vice-Chairperson
- Philomen Shecapio Blacksmith
- Simeon Dixon
- Angel Mianscum
- Suzanne Bush, Elder Representative
- (vacant), Band Representative
About Waapihtiiwewan
Waapihtiiwewan School is a Pre-K to Secondary V school with a student population of about 162. Cree is taught from Pre-K to Secondary V. English (Second Language) is taught from Grade 1 through Secondary V. Every school follows the GVC (Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum).
What most students look forward to is the “Cree Culture Class”, which is held one week each month.
The location of the school is right at the center core of the community. The school has its own playground and a lot of room for the students to move around when they are outside. The Youth Center is beside our school and the Sports Complex is behind the school.
Looking for Adult Education in Oujé-Bougoumou? Click here.
Vision
Our goal is to encourage, promote and foster a community dedicated to student success.
As teachers and staff, we will:
- Work to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment in which students are excited to be involved.
- Develop and improve literacy and numeracy in order to give our students the tools they need to succeed in life beyond the learning community.
Mission
We, the community of Waapihtiiwewan School, are committed to the development of excellence for each member of the school community within the Cree tradition. We will strive to create lifelong learners who are engaged, contributing members of the Oujé-Bougoumou community. We will maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students and we will strive to graduate each individual as we know they are able.
School Charter
Waapihtiwewan School will be a place which will help to establish the means by which the Oujé-Bougoumou young people will be empowered to contribute to and further the Cree goal of self-determination. The school will play a critical role in preparing students to be actively involved in the administration, development and growth of their community. In its organization structure, its curriculum and its relationship to the community, the school will be oriented toward the practical measures required to contribute to Cree self-determination.
Objective: To realize this vision, the school will need to focus on the following objectives:
To Educate
In addition to providing a solid foundation in basic curriculum items, the school will also need to provide some education in those areas which relate more directly to aboriginal self-determination. These areas include: Politics, Culture, Lands/Resources, Administration and Economics.
To Nurture
The school will need to be established in such a way to provide a non-alienating and comforting environment which permits the students to openly and freely explore the full range of their potential. Significant emphasis will need to be placed on:
- Expressions of Cree Culture and Arts, and
- Self-esteem, self-awareness and the development of self-confidence.
To Heal
To Inspire
About Oujé-Bougoumou
With a population of about 1,000 people, Ouje-Bougoumou is located on the shore of Lake Opemisca about an hour's drive from Chibougamau, QC.
The community was built in 1992 after the government granted land to the Crees in the area. Ouje-Bougoumou is known around the world for its unique and contemporary design and innovative heating system which was completed by renowned Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal.
Ouje-Bougoumous is also home to the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute which opened on November 15, 2011.
Community Links
Emergency Contacts
- Ambulance: 418-745-3111
- Clinic: 418-745-3901
- Police: 418-745-2573
- Fire: 418-745-2575
History of Education in Oujé-Bougoumou
Waapitiiwewan School, like the community, was designed by architect Douglas Cardinal. The school opened on September 21, 1993.
It was named by a youth of Oujé-Bougoumou named Irene Bosum. The name chosen - Waapihtiiwewan -which means a “vision”.