Anishinabek Educational Institute Munsee-Delaware Nation campus celebrates graduates

By Frank Cooper

MUNSEE-DELAWARE FIRST NATION—The Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) Munsee-Delaware Campus held their graduation ceremony on Friday, June 22, 2018, in Munsee-Delaware Nation. The AEI celebrated the accomplishments of 10 graduates from three programs: Native Community Worker-Traditional Aboriginal Healing Methods (2 students); Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin – Native Early Childhood Education (3 Students) and Social Service Worker – Indigenous Knowledge (5 students).

The Native Community Worker – Traditional Aboriginal Healing Methods Program is in partnership with St. Clair College. This program 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 caregivers. 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. The graduates include: Kelly Henry, Chippewa of the Thames First Nation and Thuraya Shipman, Bkejwanong (Walpole Island).

The Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin – Native Early Childhood Education is also in partnership with St. Clair College. This program provides the student with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to educate young children. The holistic development of the young child is achieved through the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices. The NECE program, which meets all the standards in the provincial Early Childhood Competency Guidelines, incorporates additional Aboriginal- specific components throughout the curriculum including Aboriginal culture and language. Graduates are therefore uniquely prepared to address the culturally based and culturally specific needs of First Nations Communities. Graduates will work directly with young children and their families, and may also act as members of multi-disciplinary teams. Job Security and opportunities for career advancement are also attractive characteristics of the field of Early Childhood Education. The graduates of this program are: Bruno Michael Crognale, Sherri Macdonald, and Nicki Taylor.

The Social Service Worker – Indigenous Knowledge Program is in partnership with Loyalist College. As a graduate of this program, the student emphasized on Indigenous worldview and developed self- awareness and wholistic 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. Wendy French, Chippewa of the Thames; Brian Hill, Oneida Nation of the Thames; Hugh Hill, Oneida Nation of the Thames; Teagen Smith, Bkejwanong (Walpole Island); and Sandra Stonefish, Delaware Nation (Moraviantown of the Thames).

The AEI was honoured to have in attendance Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Glen Harep; Gary Dokis-Chief Executive Officer, Anishinabek Nation; Southwest Regional Elder Leroy Dolson; Murray Waboose, Anishinabek Nation Education Director; Chief Dan Miskokomon, Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island); 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 William (Bill) Hill, AEI Alumnus/Instructor. Bill delivered a very strong, emotional and moving keynote address that left everyone in the room with a feeling of determination and accomplishment.

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 Grand Council Chief Glen Hare and Lead Female Fancy Dancer Sandra Albert and Jingle Dress Dancer Kiauna Hendrick, both of the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation. This convocation was well attended with a count of almost 120 guests.

Many thanks to the AEI/MD Campus team of Staff: John Jones, Site Coordinator

Susanne Ireland, Registrar Services Coordinator – Education Development Officer for the NCW-TAHM Frank Cooper, Programs Office Support Assistant

Barb Tabobandung, Program Assistant Kassandra Sturgeon, Clerk/Receptionist and

Rachel Lafferty – Education Development Officer – Childhood Development Programs Heather Green, Education Development Officer for the SSWIK Program

Doug Cooper – Janitorial / Maintenance

Also a big thank you to our extended AEI family at the Nipissing Campus & Curve Lake Office and of course all of our Faculty of instructors in making special events like this possible. Everyone’s hard work and input into these programs was very evident today. The AEI wishes all of our 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.”