Anishinabek Educational Institute celebrates 24th graduating class

July 4, 2018
Anishinabek Educational Institute graduates April McDowell, Alison Aguonie, April Cardinal, Bobbisue Kells-Riberdy and Ruth Anne Scott at their convocation ceremony on June 23, 2018, in Nipissing First Nation.

By Bobbie Maxwell

NIPISSING FIRST NATION – On Saturday, June 23, 2018, the Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) held its annual convocation ceremony for the Nipissing Campus graduates on Nipissing First Nation.

Surrounded by family, friends, and faculty, the class of 2018 received their diplomas and certificates from the First Nation Child Welfare Advocate Program, the Native Early Childhood Education Program, and the Personal Support Worker Program.

Anishinabek Nation leadership was also present. Lake Huron Region’s Deputy Grand Chief Scott McLeod led the procession, and offered welcoming remarks and words of encouragement. Anishinabek Nation CEO Gary Dokis once again lent his talents as emcee.

Keynote Speaker, Joe Endanawas, commended the graduates for pursuing careers that will better the lives of people in their communities. He thanked them for their hard work and commitment to their education, recognizing the dedication required to work towards a diploma or certificate while working full time.

The graduates include:

First Nation Child Welfare Advocate Certificate Program:

  • Alison Aguonie (Valedictorian and Academic Excellence Award recipient)
  • April Cardinal
  • Bobbisue Kells-Riberdy
  • April McDowell

Native Early Childhood Education:

  • Ruth Anne Scott (Certificate of Recognition recipient)

Personal Support Worker Program:

  • Trisha Jones (Elaine R. Kelly Spirit Award recipient)

The valedictorian, Alison Aguonie, spoke eloquently about her experience at the AEI and the friendships made. Stirring the hearts of her audience, she reminded her peers to celebrate their accomplishments both academically and individually, and the importance of their future endeavors “to protect the spirit of our children which is vital to the preservation of our way of life”. In closing she said, “Let’s leave here this afternoon ready to show the world that AEI has created graduates who will stop at nothing to achieve greatness and well-being for our Anishinabek people.”

Murray Waboose, Anishinabek Nation Education Director, had this to say to the class of 2018:

“You began by walking through the doors of AEI, and now as you walk out those same doors, many more will open. Education will always open doors in terms of opportunities and career paths.”

Waboose is proud that the AEI’s 24th graduating class is now AEI Alumni, and looks forward to the 25th graduating class in June 2019.

Tashina Sarazin opened and closed the graduation with her gift of song.  Doreen Bellaire and Virginia Goulais, AEI’s Grandmothers on campus, provided cultural support for the day.

After the graduates received their diplomas, the Grandmothers presented them with tobacco pouches.