St. Clair College - Thames Campus announced today that it was expanding its program offerings and partnership with the ANISHINABEK EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE. Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage was on hand along with Dr. John Strasser, President of St. Clair College, to make this exciting announcement. In light of the government's apology to First Nation's people in recognition of the destructive effects of residential schools upon the lives of First Nations people, coming only last year, this is one more important step for First Nation's taking their education to a new level.

Starting in September 2009 AEI will be approved to offer in partnership with St. Clair; Registered Practical Nurse, Law & Security - Fast Track, and a Police Foundations program. Mark Benoit, Chair of the School of Academic Studies Chatham Kent, commented, “This is a great day for all First Nations people. The individuals from AEI are pioneers in the development of new career pathways and opportunities for First Nations' to choose.”

The programs will be delivered at AEI campus in Munsee- Delaware. Students who are interested should contact AEI at 519-289-0777 to find out more details and to determine if they would qualify.

AEI is approved to offered the following programs: Native Community Worker, Native Early Childhood Educator, Native Paramedic, Aboriginal Business Management, Social-Service Worker - Fast-Track, and a Pre-Health Certificate. AEI programs are also offered at the Nipissing Campus in North Bay and the Fort William campus/ in Thunder Bay.