Aamjiwnaang celebrates student accomplishment

September 23, 2013
The Union Gas Representative Ian Ross, District Manager London Sarnia Area with Aamjiwnaang students. Back Row: Ian Ross, Kaylie Nahmabin Shaw, Holly Petten, Timmothy Pickett, Troy, Nahmabin, James Joseph and Dean Reid. Front row: Kayla Joseph, Hallie Snake, Celsie Williams-Bressette.
The Union Gas Representative Ian Ross, District Manager London Sarnia Area with Aamjiwnaang students. Back Row: Ian Ross, Kaylie Nahmabin Shaw, Holly Petten, Timmothy Pickett, Troy, Nahmabin, James Joseph and Dean Reid. Front row: Kayla Joseph, Hallie Snake, Celsie Williams-Bressette.

By Greg Plain 

AAMJIWNAANG FN – In August, Aamjiwnaang families and citizens celebrated the education achievements of 18 secondary students who graduated and 24 post-secondary graduates from colleges and universities across Turtle Island.

Vicki Ware, Education Coordinator with the Aamjiwnaang Education Department, said that Aamjiwnaang is committed to meeting the needs, interests, and strengths of all its students to help them build a promising future.

“We recognize that each student learns in their own way, so keeping them engaged and motivated is so important – to help them graduate and move on to higher learning or to be competitive in the labour market,” said Ware.   “We do a lot of parental and community engagement so that everyone is working together right from early years to high school graduation and beyond.

“Chief and Council have made education a high priority by allocating funds to ensure that students receive the extra help they need to reach success. Tutoring programs and incentives such as a back to school BBQ with backpacks and school supplies have been implemented, and annual awards banquets where students are recognized for their achievements by their peers, family, and community.”

The post-secondary students celebrated their graduations from many different disciplines including: mathematics, accounting, speech, language and hearing sciences, nursing, engineering, business administration, sports and recreation administration, pharmacy technician, culinary management and Bachelors of Education.

Union Gas presented students with bursaries for their hard work and education excellence.

Aamjiwnaang youth are not only finishing high school, but are excelling in programs at universities and colleges across the country.  Education will improve the quality of life and create economic opportunities for Anishinabek Nation youth.

Canada’s Labour Outlook shows a labour shortage in Canada.  Some employers are expecting the availability of qualified Aboriginal employees to be a part of the solution.