Achieving the Dream Through Education... is devoted to supporting and improving the life of Indigenous Youth through education, holistic student-centred programs, spiritual values and embracing connections to community, language and land in the Matawa Communities of Aroland, Eabametoong, Ginoogaming, Marten Falls, Neskantaga, Nibinamik and Webequie First Nations.

Five of the First Nations are remote and accessible by air or seasonal winter road, while the others are accessible by road throughout the year. Although each community is autonomous, they collectively support common issues and goals, including education and the importance of advocating for First Nation youth in the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Achieving the Dream Through Education also supports the Matawa Education & Care Centre, a First Nation Private School located in Thunder Bay.  In the spring of 2022, the live-in, newly developed Matawa Student Care Centre (MSCC) opened its doors, housing Matawa youth who have transitioned to Thunder Bay from their remote First Nations to attend high school. Both the MECC and MSCC are located in the same building allowing for a seamless transition for youth to access research-supported, culturally based, holistic programs, providing them with an individualized approach to education with the support necessary to ensure success. 

Ways you can help support Matawa youth achieve their dreams:

General Fund 

Donations to the General Fund are used to cover project costs in the area of greatest need. For example, the General Fund paid for last-minute sponsorship for the student to enroll in local hockey programs. Sports teams have been known to increase youth self-esteem and overall well-being.   

The General Fund is also used to cover operating costs like liability insurance for Board Members and the corporation, communication costs and other supports to keep Achieving the Dream Through Education Charity operating.

Current Funds Include:

• General

Donor Directed Fund

A Donor can make a one-time or ongoing donation that may be directed to a fund for which charitable tax receipt(s) are given in return. Donors can direct their funds into a specific program, bursary, scholarship, or award, which is then monitored by the Achieving the Dream Through Education Charity. 

A Donor Directed Fund (DDF) offers several benefits to donors, including immediate tax deductions and provides anonymity for donors who wish to remain private in their charitable giving.

Current Funds Include:

• Alex Missewace Courage Bursary
• Bonnie Moore and Blanche Swalwell Sisters Bursary
• Colliers Project Leaders Scholarship
• Gord Wickham Scholarship
• Jamie Campbell Bursary
• Tanya Talaga Bursary
• Bursaries
• General

Programming Fund 

Programming Fund for youth refers to the financial support available for organizations, programs, and initiatives that focus on improving the educational outcomes and opportunities of Matawa youth. A Donor can make a one-time or ongoing donation that may be directed to a structured initiative or set of activities that aligns with Achieving the Dream Through Education Charity mission and goals. 

This funding can be used to support various activities, outdoor programs, cultural and language programs, and clothing assistance programs and services. These programs are designed to support young people's personal growth and well-being, providing them with engaging student-centred programs that embrace connections to cultural and spiritual values. 

Current Funds Include:

• Cultural Programs
• Outdoor Programs
• Matawa Education and Care Centre Rink
• General

The Community Fund

A Donor can make a one-time or ongoing donation that may be directed to a specific Matawa First Nation. The Community Fund provides financial support to a structured initiative or set of activities organized by the First Nation to accomplish the Achieving the Dream Through Education Charity mission and goals.

This funding can support a wide range of activities to improve the lives of youth living in or out of the Matawa First Nation. These programs are designed to give Matawa youth the means to realize their full potential and empower them to make life-changing choices that impact them and their community.

Current Funds Include:

• Aroland First Nation Education
• Eabametoong First Nation Education
• Ginoogaming First Nation Education
• Neskantaga First Nation Education
• Nibinamik First Nation Education
• Marten Falls First Nation Education
• Webequie First Nation Education
• General

Matawa Education Fund

Matawa Education Fund for youth refers to the financial support available for organizations, programs, and initiatives that focus on improving the educational outcomes and opportunities of Matawa youth. 

This funding can support various activities, including after-school programs, tutoring and mentoring services, college access and readiness initiatives, and career exploration programs. These programs are designed to support young people's academic and personal growth, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.

We are also interested in allowing graduating youth to travel outside of Thunder Bay and our region to explore different educational approaches and First Nation communities. 

Overall, education-related funding for youth is a critical source of support for organizations and initiatives that are working to ensure that all young people have access to high-quality educational opportunities that can help them succeed in school and life.

Current Funds Include:

• Matawa Education and Care Centre
• General