Lakehead University is making a push to get construction of a new Indigenous learning centre on campus funded.

Plans for the Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre were unveiled in July 2016. At 73,000 square feet, the building was intended to become not only the home for Indigenous students at Lakehead University, but also the heart of an education outreach network, and a place for community gatherings.

Former Lakehead President Brian Stevenson said at the time the project was announced, that the facility would help the school recruit students from across Canada’s Indigenous communities.

"This is very important, particularly for students from northern communities that when they arrive need to have culturally-sensitive safe space, a space to be able to be with elders and other students," Stevenson said.

When plans for the $34-million building were announced, the project received $1 million in seed money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. Lakehead University now hopes that it can take advantage of the stimulus funding being distributed by the federal and provincial governments to get the project fully funded and built.

The university has also approached the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission for help lobbying the city for funds to construct the building.

A Lakehead spokesperson told TBnewswatch the project is shovel-ready, "but ultimately, we need an investment to make this a reality."

The university estimates construction of the building will add $37.5 million to the local economy, and create as much as $10 million annually each year thereafter. It is estimated the project will create 300 construction jobs and 81 full-time academic and supporting jobs after opening.