Sault MP Tony Martin marked two milestones for Algoma Anishinabek today participating in the ground-breaking ceremony for the Batchewana First Nations Health Centre and then the graduation ceremony for the Urban Aboriginal Alternative High School.

``I am deeply honoured to attend two important milestones today in the life of the Anishinabek in the Algoma area, `` Martin said. ``Chief Dean Sayers and community health advocates are to be congratulated for the health centre that will be the foundation for health and wellness initiatives for Batchewana.

``We can also all be proud of these graduates at the Urban Aboriginal high school and Niin Sakaan literacy program who with these diplomas break their own ground for their future. Their hard work teaches them what is possible and we are grateful to the Indian Friendship Centre Education Unit and Niin Sakaan for making this education possible.``
Batchewana First Nations has announced the new 15,000 square foot regional health centre is being constructed adjacent to the Elder's Complex on Gran Street in Rankin. It will house community health nursing, mental health workers, substance abuse counseling, a community health representative, home and community care, Healthy Babies/ Healthy Children, and the NIHB program. Visiting professionals will include a doctor, nurse practitioners, a registered die titian, psychologist, youth mental health counselor, chiropodist and a medicine man from Minnesota.


The Urban Aboriginal Alternative High School, hosted by Algoma District School Board and a satellite of Bawating collegiate and Vocational School, is housed in a native cultural setting where teachers and students work together in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and students take individualized independent learning courses. Native cultural components are incorporated into the program.


`Congratulations are also offered to the school board, to Bawating Principal Michael McCabe and Superintendent of Education Joe Maurice as well as the IFC Executive Director Elizabeth Edgar Webkamigad and IFC Board Chair Mark McLeod,`` Martin said.


At Right:Graduates are Jessie Neyland, Renee Hachey and Amber Langille.