A student success program to help Walpole Island First Nation students is coming to an end, for now.
The PACE (Partnership, Achievement, Cultural Awareness & Engagement) Program is designed to support Walpole Island First Nation students who are experiencing various difficulties that affect their success throughout the school year.
"It is with deep concern and regret that we announce the closure of the P.A.C.E. Program, effective March 31, 2025. Our last day at Wallaceburg District High School (W.D.S.S) and Bkejwanong Kinomaagewgamig (school on Walpole Island) will be Friday, March 28, 2025," said P.A.C.E. Owner/Operator and Program Coordinator Ken O'Neil.
O'Neil said the "unfortunate and difficult decision" to shutdown the program arises from a lack of federal funding because of a backlog in funding applications through Jordan’s Principle, which makes sure that First Nations children do not face gaps, delays, or denials in accessing government services because of their identity as First Nations children.
O'Neil noted the federal initiative is currently prioritizing the processing of Group Request Funding applications for the 2024-25 fiscal year and that has led to a "significant backlog" of the 2025-2026 applications as they focus on supporting additional initiatives throughout Ontario. He said there's no estimate for when the review of the 2025-26 applications will start.
"While there remains a possibility for future approval of our funding application, the program's future remains uncertain. Should funding be secured, the resumption of programming will depend on the employment status of the P.A.C.E. Program staff," he said. "The Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) and WIFN Board of Education made commendable efforts to secure funding to sustain the P.A.C.E. Program through the end of the school year; unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful. We sincerely appreciate their dedication."
Click here for more information on the P.A.C.E. program.