An annual powwow event and March Break and summer camp programs are among the beneficiaries of funding received by the Turtle Island Aboriginal Education Centre from the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan.

Beverly Jacobs, UWindsor senior advisor to the president on Indigenous relations and outreach, said a powwow organized in partnership with St. Clair College and Indigenous community groups will bring people together to share and celebrate Indigenous culture.

“Powwows are ways to come together in song and dance and are based upon fundamental values common to Indigenous peoples throughout Turtle Island,” she said. “We look forward to co-hosting and sharing our culture and powwow traditions to all. With funding support from the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan, we will ensure this remains a free community event with a traditional feast to share with all.”

Youth attending the March Break and summer camps will also benefit from the new funding, said Kat Pasquach, co-ordinator of Indigenous outreach and retention: “The support from the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan will enrich their experiences as we continue to build a culturally supportive environment during their educational journey.”

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of a new crossing between Windsor and Detroit. A key feature of the project is the Community Benefits Plan to advance economic, social, or environmental conditions for the local communities.