Confederation College in Thunder Bay marked a significant milestone on March 26, 2026, as its 30th annual Community Partners’ Evening became the largest in the event’s history. More than 200 attendees gathered at the campus to support local students, helping raise approximately $60,000 to fund future bursaries.
Over the past three decades, the event has raised nearly $1 million, providing financial assistance to more than 2,000 students. Confederation College, which has served the Northwestern Ontario region since 1967, uses these funds to help reduce the financial burden on learners, allowing them to focus more on their academic success and student life.
Kai Fucile Ladouceur, president of the Student Union of Confederation College, is a former bursary recipient who spoke at the event. Ladouceur noted that financial support allows students to dedicate themselves to their studies without the constant pressure of financial concerns.
During the evening, Peter Collins, the CEO of Chi Mino Ozhitoowin, was honoured as the Community Partner of the Year. Collins, a former Chief of Fort William First Nation, was recognized for his leadership and work with the college. His organization represents seven First Nations communities collaborating on the Waasigan Transmission Line Project, which focuses on training, employment, and environmental stewardship.
College President Michelle Salo highlighted the event as a reflection of how the community unites to create opportunities for learners. The college, which serves a vast area of approximately 550,000 square kilometres, continues to emphasize equity and partnership as central to its mission in the region.
