Anishinabek Educational Institute celebrates Nipissing First Nation campus graduates

July 22, 2019
The Anishinabek Educational Institute celebrated 23 Nipissing First Nation Campus graduates at the 2019 Convocation Ceremony in North Bay on June 22.

NIPISSING FIRST NATION— The Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI), Nipissing First Nation campus, had it’s 2019 convocational ceremony on June 22 at the Best Western in North Bay.

The special day started with an opening and closing ceremony with singing and drumming by Brenda Labreche. The opening prayer was by Virginia Goulais, the AEI Grandmother and Cultural Support.

AEI celebrated 23 graduates from the First Nation Child Welfare Advocate; Native Community Worker: Traditional Healing Methods (NCW: THM); Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin: Early Childhood Education (BK: ECE); and the Practical Nursing (PN) programs. Graduates of the AEI celebrated their achievements with family, friends, AEI staff and partner delegates.

AEI was honoured to have Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Glen Hare give the welcoming address. Gary Dokis, Chief Executive Officer of the Anishinabek Nation/Union of Ontario Indians was the Master of Ceremony. Graduates and attendees heard from keynote speaker Joe Endanawas, Elder Advisor for the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs Committee on Education.

Partners and delegates participated in presenting the special awards for:

  • Elaine R. Kelly Spirit Award
    • Robin Fletcher, NCW:THM
  • Jennifer Dawne Debassige, Gzhewaadzi Maaba Kwe Award
    • Shannon Foisy, PN
    • Roxanne Marcotte, NCW:THM
    • Melanie Miller, NCW:THM
    • Katherine Sarazin, NCW:THM
    • Mallory Solomon, BK:ECE
    • Amelia Trottier, PN
  • Academic Excellence Award, Highest GPA
    • Jane Lamure, FNCWA
    • Mallory Solomon, BK:ECE
    • Melanie Miller, NCW:THM
    • Amelia Trottier, PN

The Anishinabek Educational Institute staff was very proud of our 2019 Valedictorian, Mallory Solomon. Her speech was so heartfelt, making it very difficult to hold back the tears of pride and joy.

In celebrating AEI’s 25th anniversary this year, we introduced Instructor Appreciation Awards. The inaugural recipients are:

  • Louise Moir, PN
  • Amberleigh Kelly, PN
  • Helen Debassige, former instructor NCW:THM, BK:ECE, NCCD, FASD, Business, Bus Admin


“Yesterday you had a dream; today you have achieved it; tomorrow you will change the world.”