SIOUX LOOKOUT, ON – Matthew Angees has 30 years of experience working with the field of education. And it’s that experience that garnered the Wunnimun Lake member his newest role. Angees is set to take the reins of the Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre (KERC) as its interim executive director beginning Jan. 7, 2013. His term will last one year.
Angees is honoured by the appointment. “I will be fully committed to the success of mobilizing the vision of KERC,” said Angees.
“I am a member of Wunnumin Lake First Nation. Currently, I live in Sioux Lookout with my three sons and daughter. I am currently employed by Shibogama First Nation Council as an Education Liaison Officer. I have been involved in all aspects of education at the local, district, regional and national levels, continued Angees. “I had the privilege to study at both the Confederation College and Lakehead University to become a teacher in 1984. A career and position that has been my passion as a First Nation educator in Sioux Lookout district. I firmly believe it is my destiny to be involved in education as envisioned by my parents”.
KERC was created in 2003 to develop and provide bilingual/bicultural education programs, and given the task of training educators, including principals, education directors and local education authorities. All in a concerted effort to close an education gap that saw First Nation high school students trailing academically by two to five years.
The First Nation-driven Centre of Excellence serves 21 communities in northwestern Ontario and is based in Sioux Lookout, Ont.