THUNDER BAY, ON — October 17, 2026 — Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute brought community members, business leaders and partners together Friday for its first Memengwaa Social, raising $34,890 for student bursaries and wrap-around services.
The sold-out event was held October 16 at the Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre in Thunder Bay. It marked Oshki-Wenjack’s 25 years of supporting Indigenous post-secondary education.
Supporting learners beyond tuition
Funds raised will help provide bursaries and wrap-around services for students. These supports can assist learners with the financial and personal challenges that come with pursuing post-secondary education.
For students travelling from remote and northern First Nations communities, the cost of education can include housing, food, transportation, school supplies and family responsibilities.
Oshki-Wenjack says financial assistance and wrap-around services can help reduce those pressures and allow learners to focus on their studies.
“Miigwetch for the support we received from our partners and communities; it was very encouraging, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making our first fundraising gala a success,” said Lorrie Deschamps, president of Oshki-Wenjack.
“The funds raised will help us provide bursaries for students and wrap-around services that make a practical difference in the lives of our learners. Supporting their education also means supporting the families and communities they return to and serve.”
Celebrating 25 years
The evening included a formal dinner and live entertainment, giving guests an opportunity to connect while supporting learner success.
Oshki-Wenjack opened in 2001 and provides post-secondary education grounded in First Nations knowledge, identity and community.
The institute says the success of the inaugural event creates a foundation for continued community involvement and expanded access to education.
About Oshki-Wenjack
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute is a First Nations post-secondary institution based in Thunder Bay. It is one of Ontario’s nine Indigenous Institutes and a member of the Indigenous Institutes Consortium.
Recognized under Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017, Indigenous Institutes form a distinct part of Ontario’s post-secondary education system alongside colleges and universities.
Oshki-Wenjack provides education and training grounded in First Nations knowledge, identity and culture.
Source: User-supplied Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute media release, issued October 17, 2026.
