Transitions students meet presidents

By Kelly Crawford

NORTH BAY – Kenjgewin Teg Transitions students met the first Aboriginal president of a Canadian university.

“Welcome to Nipissing University. It is a pleasure to meet all of you,” Dr. Michael DeGagne told his visitors Nov. 29 as he welcomed them into his Nipissing University office to discuss their future plans. The citizen of Northwest Angle #37 First Nation was installed as Nipissing’s president in March, 2013, telling a North Bay audience that education is the key to a better world, an investment in one’s personal future and the future of Ontario, and Nipissing University has a significant role to play in building that future.

Cyndil Corbiere, M’Chigeeng First Nation, was one of the Transitions Program students who met Dr. DeGagne.

“When we arrived at Nipissing University I remembered when I was younger I would attend the annual pow-wows at the university/college. I remember telling myself how beautiful the environment and atmosphere was and knowing that this is where I wanted to be when It was my time to attend university.

“Well a few years later, here I am checking out Nipissing’s beautiful campus once again. It was an honour to meet with the first Aboriginal president of a Canadian university. Having the opportunity to sit and talk with him opened up more possibilities for my future! He’s a great inspiration and I look forward to seeing more of Nipissing in my future.”

Transitions  students visited partner universities, including Nipissing, and the University of Sudbury on the Laurentian University campus. They visited libraries and Aboriginal Offices, had  programs and services tours, participated in class observation, and met university presidents DeGagne and Dr. Pierre Zundel of University of Sudbury.

“This visit was very inspiring,” said Percy Roy, M’Chigeeng. “Both universities have a lot to offer. I look forward to taking this all in when making my decision.”

Erica Hare from M’Chigeeng alsop found the trip beneficial.

“I enjoyed seeing what both schools have to offer. I have many options to think about.”

Azhiitaawin (Transitions) is a community-based post-secondary education opportunity offered through Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute (KTEI) in partnership with the University of Sudbury, Nipissing University and Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie. The pre-university program offers modules in financial literacy, leadership, and life skills, while providing participants the opportunity to earn 24 university credits in a block community-based delivery.

Students will complete the program with the development of a personal financial plan, video journal and personal academic journey plan. In addition, students participate in the KTEI Passport to Anishinaabe Odziiwin, a self-learning tool that creates and promotes an environment that reflects Anishinaabe language, traditions and culture.

Currently KTEI is recruiting for this program on a full and part-time basis. Students are able to take part-time university studies by registering in one of the courses,  ideal for someone who requires additional elective university courses for their degree requirements.

Upcoming courses include:

VISA 1026 Visual Fundamentals –  Mar.03-Apr. 01, 2014

CESD 1006 Introduction to Community Economic and Social Development – Apr. 02-28, 2014

Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of eight First Nation community representatives in the Manitoulin-North shore area and is centrally located in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island – Mnidoo Mnising.  In the Ojibwe language, “Kenjgewin Teg” means “a place of knowledge”.

For more information on the Azhiitaawin (Transitions) Program contact Kelly Crawford, Transitions Coordinator, KellyCrawford@ktei.net .