Anishinabek Education Institute gleaming with pride as it celebrates its graduates

By Katie Twance

NIPISSING FIRST NATION—The Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) Nipissing campus held their graduation ceremonies on Saturday, June 25, 2016, on Nipissing First Nation.

AEI celebrated the accomplishments of six graduates from two programs: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Native Early Childhood Education [NECE (Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin)].

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) program graduates include: Tanya Couchie, Sonia McLeod, Laurie Peltier, and Ashley Sago. As graduates of this program, their ability to affect change has increased. The program cultivated knowledge and skills necessary to better service and understand individuals, families, and communities living with FASD.

Native Early Childhood Education (Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin) program graduates include: Joscelyn Jamieson and Elisha Sidlar-Monroe. The graduates from this program developed their knowledge and skills needed to organize and maintain a safe and stimulating learning environment which ensures the development of young children. Graduates are uniquely prepared to address the culturally specific needs of First Nations children and communities within child care centres, home care, and JR/SR Kindergarten classes.

AEI was honoured to have Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare, at the ceremony to participate in the celebrations. Dr. Common, President of Sault College, was also in attendance and provided the keynote address to the graduates.

“The Anishinabek Education Institute is mandated by the Anishinabek General Assembly (Res 94/13), to provide quality education and training programs for First Nation Anishinabek communities. The Anishinabek Educational Institute will provide community based programming which will better prepare the student success in an ever changing world.

The mission shall always be by and for Anishinabek People; at our pleasure, at our pace, and by our own standards.”