Matawa launches new charity

Matawa First Nations has launched a new charity to support and improve the lives of children, youth and families in the nine communities the tribal council serves.
“Only through understanding, communication and relationship building can Aboriginal youth gain respect around the world and have a voice,” said Matawa First Nations Management CEO David Paul Achneepineskum during the Nov. 17 unveiling of the charity, Gathering of Rivers for Community Care. “Our young people need to believe that they have a choice; that they can be anything they want to be.”
Plans call for the use of charitable donations to drive initiatives that further the economic, social, and cultural development in Matawa’s nine communities: Aroland, Constance Lake, Ginoogaming, Eabametoong, Long Lake #58, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik and Webequie.
The charity is looking to create bursaries, advance the education of Matawa youth and families by developing learning centres in each of its communities, build healthy communities in which to work, live and raise a family by providing health and social support services and basic amenities to youth and families in need, and foster the economic, social, cultural and political development of families throughout the communities.
The first major donation was announced during the Nov. 17 unveiling of the charity at the Matawa office in Thunder Bay – an IBM Canada Ltd. donation of 10 new Young Explorer computers for use in several of Matawa’s communities.
Donations can be made through the Gathering of Rivers website, which has six options: a general gift, an in honour or in memoriam gift, an endowment gift, a monthly gift, a planned gift or a Matawa communities circle of giving gift.
Donations can also be sent by cheque, money order or credit card to Gathering of Rivers for Community Care, Matawa First Nations, 233 S. Court Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 2X9.
Its website can be found at www.gatheringofrivers.com.