A Hub for Innovation, Creativity, and Learning
Since opening our doors at the Tobique Youth Center in 2018, the WEI office has served as a vibrant hub of technology, creativity, and collaboration. Over the years, as we’ve grown with the community, we have continuously redesigned our space to ensure it remains functional, inspiring, and welcoming to all.
Our office is now more vibrant and dynamic than ever, providing a modern environment where students, staff, and community members can gather, learn, and innovate. The space is not only a headquarters for the Wolastoq Education Initiative but also a community resource, equipped with cutting-edge technology that is at the fingertips of our community members.
This office isn’t just a place for work; it’s a space where community members, especially youth, come to engage in hands-on learning. With access to tools like 3D printers, Glowforge laser cutters, and xTool screen printers, students can work on creative projects that have real-world applications, such as designing custom merchandise or building prototypes for local initiatives. This combination of technology and workspace encourages students to experiment, solve problems, and develop technical skills that will benefit them in future careers.
The open layout of the office fosters teamwork and collaboration between students, staff, and community members. The variety of workstations—from computer stations to the workbench and tool wall—provides flexibility for people to contribute in their own ways. Whether working on a group project or independently, students have the opportunity to develop not just technical skills but also communication, project management, and leadership.
The office is equipped with the latest technology, enhancing both learning and productivity. From 3D design software to virtual reality (VR) equipment, students can explore new environments or concepts in science, history, and design. Whether they are coding with Sphero robotics or developing new designs on the Glowforge, students have access to tools that allow them to bring their ideas to life.
The tools and resources in our office are not only for educational purposes but are applied to community projects, making the office an incubator for real-world skill development. The projects completed here—whether designing community signage, creating products for fundraising, or crafting event materials—are used throughout Tobique. This ensures that students see the impact of their efforts, contributing to the community in tangible ways.
One of the key elements of our space is the community-run radio station, 99.9 FM SFN-TFN, known as "Station For The Nation." The station provides a platform for local voices, music, and programming, contributing to the cultural fabric of our community. It also serves as a learning tool for students interested in media, communication, and broadcasting, giving them hands-on experience in a live radio environment.
In addition to the current offerings, we are planning to construct a soundproof booth within the office. This booth will provide a quiet, dedicated space for tutoring sessions and recording projects, ensuring students have a silent area for focused work. These plans are part of our ongoing commitment to creating an environment that meets the diverse needs of our community members, both in education and in creative expression.
The office reflects the community’s values, blending modern technology with elements of traditional craftsmanship. The hand-built desks and shelving units echo a connection to traditional skills, while the cutting-edge tools bridge the gap between old and new. The space is designed with sustainability in mind, allowing students to engage in sustainable practices such as upcycling materials and minimizing waste in production.
The overall design of the space intentionally incorporates elements of local culture with modern functionality. From the hanging canoe to large communal worktables, the space feels open, inviting, and conducive to collaboration. The chalkboard-style scheduling system and organized tool wall foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among students and staff alike, keeping the workspace efficient and flexible for a variety of projects.
We are proud of how this space has contributed to the growth of the Wolastoq Education Initiative and how it continues to inspire creativity, foster learning, and empower the next generation of leaders.
268 Main Street
Tobique NB, E7H 2Y8
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1 506 273 8579
info@wolastoqed.com
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