Connected North

September 23, 2019 in Giving Back
Explorer: Fall 2019

Connected North is an immersive, digital education and mental health and wellness network that provides customized services and real time experiences to schools and students in remote indigenous communities. Using technology, Connected North leverages real-time, high definition two-way video to make powerful connections for students.

On March 30, Connected North held a community celebration event in Saskatoon’s Chokecherry Art Studios featuring artist Nicole Josie from Hatchet Lake. An exhibition was held featuring 35 Learning with Animals images Josie created, and the event launched a new card deck featuring her artwork which helps students learn their language and local animals.

Connected North officially launched in Saskatchewan on April 21, 2016 at Father Porte Memorial Dene School in Black Lake. The program was expanded to include Father Megret Elementary in Hatchet Lake in March of 2017. Many partners came together to make this program a reality for 20 schools in Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Cisco Canada, TakingItGlobal, SaskTel, PAGC, Black Lake Denesuline First Nation, Father Porte Memorial Dene School, Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation, Father Megret Elementary School, Cameco, Orano, West Wind Aviation, and INAC have all been partners in this program over the years. Athabasca Basin has been a supporter of this initiative since it launched in Black Lake in 2016 and we have recently renewed our commitment for another year.