Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI), which was the vision of the Rainy Lake and Rainy River area chiefs in the 1980s, emerged because leadership wanted better outcomes for their young people. SGEI serves more than 20 communities across northwestern Ontario and focuses on the Treaty 3 territory. SGEI’s program delivery and student support is grounded in Anishinaabe language, culture and world view. It offers degree, diploma and certificate programs in fields including arts and humanities, skilled trades, community services, business and health. Through its training-for-employment programs, students prepare for work while receiving a training allowance. The nine-month Azhemiinigoziwin program empowers women through life and job skills and Anishinaabe teachings.

SGEI’s main campus in Fort Frances and its Kenora campus both include classrooms, dining space, a garden, a health-care lab and a pantry for students experiencing food insecurity. The Fort Frances campus has a commercially outfitted teaching kitchen and a trades lab, and the Kenora campus includes a simulation lab for its health programs. A third campus in Sioux Lookout hosts nursing, personal support worker and bachelor of arts programs. In 2022, the campus is also offering programs in emergency services fundamentals, health promotion, human resources, health office administrative support and police foundations.