More than 200 people attended the official opening of The Village at Canadore College, the living and learning wellness facility on Friday.
What used to be a parking lot and field is now a 38,000 square foot building that is the only model of its kind across Canada.
The $20-million dollar facility integrates Indigenous, Eastern and Western healing and wellness practices and includes a collaborative education component.
The Village will encompass several Canadore programs including Indigenous Studies, Health, Human Care and Wellness.
The school’s Sport and Recreation program is also included.
The federal and provincial governments contributed to the school’s creation with $6.6 million from FedNor and $4.7 million from a combination of money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the province itself.
Friday’s opening represents Phase I of the massive project and Canadore President George Burton hopes ground can be broken on Phase II next year with Phase III to follow in the future.
The opening featured numerous guest speakers including Muriel Sawyer, the Deputy Chief of Nipissing First Nation.
Elder in Residence Lorraine Whiteduck Liberty officiated with an opening prayer followed by a drum song by Gerry McComb, Canadore’s College Cultural Advisor.
Both members of parliament, MP Anthony Rota and MPP Vic Fedeli also spoke in addition to North Bay Mayor Al McDonald.
Other speakers included the co-chairs of The Village Cabinet, Mark Deacon and Judy Sharpe.