Media Advisory - Aboriginal elder to open free education upgrading program at
Centennial College

TORONTO, April 29 /CNW/ - Elder Andrew Wesley is opening Centennial College's new Aboriginal Pathways program with a traditional outdoor naming ceremony on Tuesday, May 4 at the college's Ashtonbee Campus in Scarborough.

The celebration marks the establishment of Centennial's partnership with Native Child and Family Services of Toronto to provide a tuition-free education upgrading program to support Aboriginal people in their pursuit of future employment opportunities through post-secondary or apprenticeship training.

The Pathways program is launching with 15 Aboriginal youth who have begun attending academic upgrading classes that will prepare them for college access or apprenticeship training. The program is provided tuition-free with the support of the Ontario government.

The official opening will include a sacred smudging, prayer, drumming and dancing collective, as well as a traditional feast. A traditional native tipi will be erected on campus.

Centennial College President Ann Buller will welcome Charlene Avolos of Native Child and Family Services and Evadne Wilkinson of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

    
                              Photo Opportunity

    When:     Tuesday, May 4, 4 to 7 pm

    Where:    Outdoor courtyard, Ashtonbee Campus
              75 Ashtonbee Road (1 block north of Eglinton, east of
              Warden Ave.)
              Scarborough
    

For further information: Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, [phone], ext. 7142 or [phone], [email protected]