Page 49 - Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Education

Traditionally, our style of education in the community is to learn
by doing. This practical approach uses experienced teachers and
role models to apprentice students through a program of study
in traditional forms of spirituality, medicine, or harvesting. Elders
or grandparents typically play a key role in a child’s education.

Today, we also have our own elementary school. This school
gives us the opportunity to educate our children about our
own language, culture, and traditions. For many years, the
government denied us this part of our education, leaving
generations of children untutored in their own great heritage.

The importance of education in our community is reflected
in our community’s Annual Graduation Ceremony. At this
ceremony, we celebrate students who have graduated from
each level of school.

Child Care

This is a moss bag used to carry infants.

The Chippewas of Rama First Nation has been offering child
care services since 1976. The current centre, Binoojiinsag WORDS TO KNOW
Kinoomaagewgamig, has been open since 2006. This centre Binoojiinsag
provides care for up to 140 children that range in age from Kinoomaagewgamig: babies’
place of learning
6 months to 12 years. Our caregivers are all registered Early
Childhood Educators.
Binoojiinsag Kinoomaagewgamig is located in the the Honourable James
K. Bartleman Building. Mr. Bartleman served as Lieutenant Governor of
Ontario from 2002 to 2007. He was the first First Nations Lieutenant
Governor in Ontario and is a member of the Chippewas of Rama
First Nation.

Chippewas of Rama First Nation 47

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