Former Canadian prime minister visits students enrolled in innovative Aboriginal education program

The Right Honourable Paul Martin, founder of the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative (MAEI) and former prime minister of Canada, visited Saugeen District Secondary School Wednesday, Feb. 25, to speak with students enrolled in the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program (AYEP).

 

“The future of our land doesn’t just depend on the resources that lie in the ground, it depends on the talent of those who walk upon it,” said Martin. “AYEP is about opportunity; the opportunity that we must ensure is there for every student who crosses Saugeen District Secondary School’s threshold.”
 

Bruce Power and the Bluewater District School Board share that vision, which is why they teamed up with the MAEI to offer the program for local Aboriginal youth.

Twelve students are currently enrolled in the program at SDSS, which began in September. The AYEP uses hands-on activities to improve students’ proficiency in business mathematics, financial literacy, accounting, marketing, information/communications technology and social responsibility, while supporting the acquisition of leadership skills.
 

“This program is designed to give students the tools to go out and be successful, while also being about hopes and dreams,” said Duncan Hawthorne, Bruce Power’s president and chief executive officer. “It’s our sincere hope these students dream big and then make those dreams come true.”
 

Bruce Power has provided $41,000 in keeping with its goal of working to build strong, long-term relationships with Aboriginal communities and supporting educational opportunities for young people.
 

“The Bluewater District School Board is pleased to work in partnership with Bruce Power and to have the opportunity to pilot the MAEI program at Saugeen District Secondary School for our First Nation and Métis students,” said Steve Blake, education director. “This is a unique program that teaches Aboriginal youth how to launch a business whereby they can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success in school and beyond.”
 

For more information on the MAEI Initiative visit www.maei-ieam.ca.

 

The Right Honourable Paul Martin (R) founder of the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative (MAEI) and former prime minister of Canada, visits Saugeen District Secondary School Wednesday to speak with students enrolled in the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program (AYEP). With Martin, are Harry Hall (L), vice-president of Supply Chain, Bruce Power; Hayley Carter; Saugeen First Nation chief Vernon Roote; Savannah House; and Destiny Roote; photo courtesy of Bruce Power