AEI celebrate student success on Munsee-Delaware campus
Submitted by Frank Cooper
MUNSEE-DELAWARE FIRST NATION—The Anishinabek Educational Institute Munsee-Delaware Campus held their graduation ceremonies on Friday, June 23, 2017, on the Munsee-Delaware First Nation.
The Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) celebrated the accomplishments of 10 graduates from two programs: Native Community Worker-Traditional Aboriginal Healing Methods (three students); and Social Service Worker – Indigenous Knowledge (seven students).
The Native Community Worker-Traditional Aboriginal Healing Methods program is in partnership with St. Clair College and it emphasizes traditional healing methods by providing students with the unique opportunity to develop self-awareness and the mental and spiritual healing so often needed by care givers. An appreciation for Indigenous culture and the uniqueness of being an Indigenous person are combined with studies to develop specific knowledge and skills in the use of traditional healing methods when working in this field of study. The program of study has been tailored for a variety of learning styles.Graduates from the Native Community Worker-Traditional Aboriginal Healing Methods Program include: Tasheena Doxtator, Oneida Nation of the Thames; Nicole Moreland, Métis Nation; and Kahsennanoron Two-Axe, Kahnawa:ke.
The Social Service Worker – Indigenous Knowledge Program, delivered in partnership with Loyalist College, is unique where students emphasize on Indigenous worldview and develop self-awareness and holistic healing practices so often needed by caregivers and the people they serve. An appreciation for Indigenous culture and the uniqueness of being an Indigenous person are combined with studies that are tailored for a variety of learning styles.
Graduates from the Social Service Worker – Indigenous Knowledge program graduates include: Chalaina Doxtator, Oneida Nation of the Thames; Chantel Doxtator, Oneida Nation of the Thames; Sandra Doxtator, Oneida Nation of the Thames; Lisa Hill, Oneida Nation of the Thames; Alexis Peters, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation; Erin Peters, Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island) First Nation; and Stephanie Stone, Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
The AEI was honoured to have in attendance Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare; Gary Dokis, Chief Executive Officer, Anishinabek Nation; Leroy Dolson, Southwest Regional Elder; Murray Waboose, Anishinabek Nation Education Director; Oneida Chief Randall Phillips; Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island), Chief Dan Miskokomon; and Administrative Personnel from our partnering colleges of St. Clair and Loyalist College at the ceremony to participate in the celebrations.
Also in attendance was Benjamin Carniol, Professor-Writer/Author. Ben delivered a very strong, emotional and moving keynote address that left everyone in the room with a feeling of accomplishment and determination.
The day started out with an Eagle Feather presentation ceremony for the Social Service Worker-Indigenous Knowledge. Afterwards, all graduates were accompanied by family and friends for the diploma presentation portion of the day’s ceremony. The students were led by Eagle Staff carrier Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare and Lead Female Fancy Dancer Sandra Albert and Jingle Dress Dancer Kristen Hendrick, both of the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation. This convocation was well attended with a count of almost 120 guests.
Miigwech to the AEI/MD Campus team of Staff:
Susanne Ireland, Registrar Services Coordinator – Education Development Officer for the NCW-TAHM
Frank Cooper, Programs Office Support Assistant
Barb Tabobandung, Program Assistant
Heather Green, Education Development Officer for the SSWIK Program
Kassandra Sturgeon, Clerk/Receptionist
Rachel Lafferty, Education Development Officer for Childhood Education Program
Chi-miigwech to our extended AEI family at the Nipissing Campus and faculty of instructors in making special events like this possible. Everyone’s hard work and input into these programs was very evident throughout the graduation celebrations. The AEI wishes all of families and friends a blessed journey and please do stop in for a visit when you can.
“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.”