New community hub in North Bay to focus on needs of Indigenous families

Indigenous families in the North Bay areawill soon have programs and a day care that cater to their specific needs.

The Indigenous Early Years Hub will be the first of its kind in northern Ontario says Joseph Bradbury,chief administrative officer withthe District of Nipissing Social Services Board.

He says they're hoping to put the hub in the vacant Dr. McDougall Public School in North Bay.

There is a huge need for this type of community support for First Nations, says Bradbury.

"The opportunity for smudging, the opportunity for different culturallearning stories, in terms of being able to share those stories with the children at an early age."

Bradbury says that will helpreinforce the cultural heritage of the aboriginal ancestry in the community. He adds that elders and Indigenous partners will be very involved.

The hub is expected to open next year. Itis being funded by the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure.