May 11, 2009 - Giller Prize Winning Author to Support Aboriginal Education in Northeastern Ontario

Northern College Foundation and The Four Seasons Working Group are co-hosting An Evening with Joseph Boyden – an evening of reading and discussion in support of Aboriginal youth education featuring Mr. Boyden, his novelist-wife Amanda, as well as some local authors.
Funds raised from the event, which will include a silent auction and door prize for a trip for two to see The Tragically Hip, will go to the establishment of bursaries for Aboriginal students, as well as youth mentorship programs.
Mr. Boyden credits his time as a Northern College faculty member in James Bay communities for influencing his writing and passion for Cree culture and history.
“I’ve never been so warmly embraced as I was when I was teaching along the James Bay Coast. I was amazed that fiction had never really been written about the people,” said Mr. Boyden. The success of his fictional work centered on Aboriginal life and experiences, has enabled him to give back to First Nations communities.
“I am pleased to be part of this fundraiser as a member of The Four Seasons Working Group and committed to the advancement of cultural diversity initiatives and success strategies for Aboriginal youth. The Four Seasons Scholarship is designed to support aboriginal youth while away at school by introducing them to mentors who will encourage their holistic and academic development.”
The Four Seasons Working Group, an independent aboriginal consulting company, based in northeastern Ontario and dedicated to education through cultural programming and mentoring, and holistic health and wellness strategies that incorporate traditional aboriginal values. “As the resource industry, the major employer of our region recognizes the value of aboriginal land use practices and culture within working environments, employee success, team building and overall production increase,” said Martin Millen of the Four Seasons Working Group. “Holistic health strategies benefit employees and their families, and create balance in every area of society.”
“Foundation Manager Doug Clark commented “We’re delighted to have this chance to welcome Joseph and Amanda, and to join with the Boydens and The Four Seasons Working Group in reinforcing the strong connection between aboriginal youth education and Northern College. It promises to be a fascinating literary and cultural evening.”
Tickets for An Evening with Joseph Boyden are $30 and will be available until May 29th at the following locations: Northern College campus bookstores (Kirkland Lake, Haileybury, Porcupine Campuses), Timmins Square (Timmins), Chat Noir Books (New Liskeard), Shopper’s Drug Mart across from The Beer Store (Timmins), Timmins Public Library, South Porcupine Public Library, Iroquois Falls Public Library, Indepent Grocer (Timmins) or by calling Tuula Bernard at (705) 235-7240. After June 1, 2009, tickets will only be available at Northern College.

Media Contact: Tuula Bernard (705) 235-7240

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