Munsee Delaware Anishinabek Educational Institute celebrates its 2019 graduates

July 25, 2019
The Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) Munsee Delaware Campus celebrated its 20 gradates on June 19, 2019, in London, Ontario.

By Frank Cooper

MUNSEE-DELAWARE FIRST NATION—The Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) Munsee Delaware Campus held their graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, in the city of London, Ont., at the Four Points by Sheraton.

The AEI celebrated the accomplishments of 20 graduates from three (3) programs: Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin – Native Early Childhood Education (four students); Practical Nursing (10 students) and Social Service Worker – Indigenous Knowledge (six students)

Social Service Worker – Indigenous Knowledge Program in partnership with Loyalist College graduates include: Martha Pedoniquotte – Chippewas of Nawash

  1. Ann Marie Proulx – Chippewas of Nawash
  2. Sarah Rohrer – Mohawks Bay of Quinte
  3. Kristen Summers – Six Nations of the Grand River
  4. Stephanie Trudeau – London, Ontario
  5. Stanford White – Bkejwanong (Walpole Island)

As a graduate of this program, the student emphasized on Indigenous worldview and developed 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.

Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin – Native Early Childhood Education in partnership with St. Clair College graduates include:

  1. Nancy Andrus – Alderville First Nation
  2. Roberta Boivin – Alderville First Nation
  3. Paula McCue – Beausoleil First Nation
  4. Hallie Snache – Chippewas of Rama First Nation

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.

Practical Nursing in Partnership with St. Clair College graduates include:

  1. Brittany Cousineau – Six Nations of the Grand River
  2. Erin Doxtator – Oneida Nation of the Thames
  3. Jessica Doxtator – Oneida Nation of the Thames
  4. Penny Elijah – Oneida Nation of the Thames
  5. Karla Kingma – Mt. Brydges, Ontario
  6. Teda Mirasty – Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
  7. Chasity Smith – Oneida Nation of the Thames
  8. Chanel Timson – West Lorne, Ontario
  9. Meghan Waddilove – Chippewas of Nawash
  10. Ana Weir – Grand Bend, Ontario

The curriculum is comprised of theoretical and clinical experiences utilizing the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) conceptual framework and nursing process. This strong foundation prepares students to practice safely, competently and ethically in situations of health and illness with individuals, families, groups and communities across the lifespan. The overall program goals and objectives are aligned with the current College of Nurses Entry to Practice competencies for the Registered Practical Nurse.

The AEI was honoured to have in attendance, Anishinabek Nation Southwest Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Joe Miskokomon; Gary Dokis, Chief Executive Officer of the Anishinabek Nation; Southwest Regional Elder Leroy Dolson; Murray Waboose, Anishinabek Nation Education Director; and Administrative Personnel from partnering colleges of Loyalist and St. Clair College at the ceremony to participate in the celebrations.

Also in attendance was Mary Spencer, Keynote Speaker from the Chippewas of Nawash. Mary delivered a very strong, motivational and moving keynote address that left everyone in the room with a feeling of determination and accomplishment.

The diploma presentation ceremony began with a Grand Entry of the graduates which was led by Brian Hill, Eagle Staff Carrier, Head Male Grass Dancer Mason Sands and Head Female Fancy Dancer Sandra Albert.

The graduates were so excited to share in their success with family and friends. The graduates were entered in a Grand Entry format which was led by Brian Hill, Eagle Staff Carrier, Head Male Grass Dancer Mason Sands and Head Female Fancy Dancer Sandra Albert for the diploma presentation portion of the day’s ceremony. This convocation was well attended with a count of almost 150 guests.

Many thanks to the AEI team:

John Jones, Site Coordinator

Susanne Ireland, Student Wellness Coordinator

Frank Cooper, Programs Office Support Assistant

Barb Tabobandung, Program Assistant

Kassandra Sturgeon, Clerk/Receptionist

Melanie Akiwenzie-Lisk, Education Development Officer – Social Programs

Andrea Noah, Education Development Officer – Health Programs

Zandra Bear-Lowen, Education Development Officer – Childhood Development Programs

Doug Cooper, Janitorial / Maintenance

Mindy Taylor, Organizational Resource Analyst / Interim NECE Program EDO

Jan McLeod, Registrar Services Coordinator

Kelly McLeod, Promotions and Recruitment Coordinator

Also a big thank you to our extended AEI family and of our Faculty of instructors that could not be in attendance today for making special events like this possible. Everyone’s hard work and input into these programs was very evident on this day. The AEI wishes all of our families and friends a blessed journey and please do stop in for a visit when you can.

The AEI recently celebrated the Anishinabek Educational Institutes’ 25th Anniversary. The AEI has come a long way and we look forward to many more years of growth and success.

“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.”