Anishinabek Educational Institute celebrates new graduates

First Nation Child Welfare Advocate Class graduates: Stephanie Bennett and Lisa French. Absent: Desiree Logan and Lianna Tootoosis

By Frank Cooper

MUNSEE DELAWARE NATION—The Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) Munsee-Delaware Campus held their graduation ceremonies on Thursday, Nov. 7, in the town of Melbourne, Ont., at a small establishment by the name of The Harvest Table.

The AEI celebrated the accomplishments of six (6) graduates from two (2) programs: First Nation Child Welfare Advocate (four Students) & Personal Support Worker (two Students).

AEI’s post-diploma program prepares the individuals for the role of advocate or band representative on behalf of a First Nation, Child and/or family in relation to child protection matters. Provisions under the Child and Family Services Act state that it is an Indigenous child’s right to have the family’s Indigenous culture and heritage taken into account when advocating for the child’s best interests.

Front-line workers in the field of Child and Family Services will gain specific knowledge as well as additional recognition and validation within their profession through this program.

First Nation Child Welfare Advocate Program (in partnership with Canadore College) graduates:

Stephanie Bennett – Alderville First Nation

Lisa French – Chippewa of the Thames First Nation

Desiree Logan – Delaware Nation (Moraviantown) – Absent

Lianna Tootoosis – Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation) – Absent

Personal Support Worker Class graduates:
Laura Thomerson and Theresa Lewis.

The Personal Support Worker program provides current and relevant health care skills necessary to deliver safe and effective service to the people in our communities. Students will learn the appropriate skills to provide emotional, social and spiritual supportive care for clients and their families. Graduates are employment-ready in less than one year with no further qualifying exam or certification required.

Personal Support Worker (in partnership with St. Clair College) graduates:

Theresa Lewis – Caldwell First Nation

Laura Thomerson – Timiskaming First Nation

The day’s event was small and intimate and the AEI was honoured to have in attendance, the staff of the Munsee-Delaware Campus, Frank Cooper, A/Site Coordinator; Susanne Ireland, Student Wellness Coordinator; Melanie Akiwenzie-Lisk, EDO (Social Programs); Andrea Noah, EDO (Health Programs); and Douglas Cooper, Janitorial & Maintenance. Administrative Personnel from partnering Colleges of Canadore and St. Clair College sent their regrets and wished the graduates all the best in their continued journeys.

The day started out with a meet and greet. The graduates were so excited to share in their success with family and friends. All graduates entered in a Grand Entry format that was led by Brian Hill, Eagle Staff Carrier, for the diploma presentation portion of the day’s ceremony.

Many thanks to the AEI/MD Campus team of Staff:

Frank Cooper, A/Site Coordinator

Susanne Ireland, Student Wellness Coordinator

Barb Tabobandung, Program Assistant

Kassandra Sturgeon, Clerk/Receptionist

Melanie Akiwenzie-Lisk, Education Development Officer – Social Programs

Andrea Noah, Education Development Officer – Health Programs

Doug Cooper, Janitorial / Maintenance

Mindy Taylor, Organizational Resource Analyst

Jan McLeod, Registrar Services Coordinator

Chi-miigwech to our extended AEI family and of our Faculty of instructors that could not be in attendance for 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.

In addition, we also 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.”