Anishinabek Educational Institute celebrates 30 years of Anishinabek education

By Laura Barrios

NIPISSING FIRST NATION TERRITORY – This year, the Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) is celebrating its 30th year of contributing to Anishinabek education, commemorating that milestone with a lakeside AEI Day event held on June 27.

“Celebrating our 30th anniversary is such a monumental milestone for the institution. This achievement is made possible by the dedication of the staff over the years, the instructors that deliver our programs, and the students that walk through our doors and emerge into the workforce exactly who they want to be,” expresses Director of AEI Mindy Taylor. “AEI is looking at expanding programs in the next few years, as well as going through the accreditation process so that we can continue offering the high-calibre education we have been over the last three decades to more students.”

The celebrations held near Shabogesic Beach on Lake Nipissing in North Bay, Ont., started with opening remarks by Abigail Yzereef, member of Dokis First Nation and Office Assistant with AEI at the Nipissing Campus.

“At the Anishinabek Educational Institute, we believe that all students have the potential to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. We offer student support services for our students through student wellness activities, cultural programming, counselling, and one-on-one support. Today, we would like to showcase the programs and services we offer at the Anishinabek Educational Institute.”

The AEI is a First Nation post-secondary institution situated on Nipissing First Nation territory with additional offices in Munsee Delaware Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. The AEI provides quality education and training programs for Anishinabek First Nations, which are delivered on a full-time basis and designed to reduce the high stress levels that develop when students are away from their family and community, and workplace responsibilities, as well as retain employment while being trained.

“This is a great program,” expresses, Mack Treanor Greer-Delarosabel, instructor and counsellor at AEI for the counselling in the Native Community Worker, during their opening remarks. “They have Elders on-hand, cultural support, and offer many activities such as the Spring Medicine Camp.”

Having opened its doors in June 1994, AEI has seen over 900 graduates go on to become Community Workers, Early Childhood Educators, Practical Nurses, Social Service Workers, Child Welfare Advocates, and accomplish so much in many fields. It welcomes back former students as instructors and staff members.

Melanie Miller, an AEI graduate, now serves as the Program Development Coordinator at the AEI and appreciates how her journey has come full circle.

“Working as the Program Development Coordinator at AEI is such an honour. I can play a role in continuing the AEI legacy of incorporating our culture into the programs that we’re offering the students,” Miller expresses. “I had such a great experience during my time as a student – I enjoyed how they delivered such a unique approach to teaching and learning. I appreciated that they incorporated the cultural and language aspects into the program and offered smaller class sizes which was only a benefit because it allowed you to connect with your instructor and the content. As a staff member, to contribute to that same experience for a student is so fulfilling.”

In attendance, recently retired from AEI as the Promotion and Recruitment Coordinator, Kelly McLeod reflects on her time spent helping grow the educational institute.

“It has been such a privilege to travel across the beautiful Anishinabek Nation territory to meet prospective students and promote the unique community of AEI. Reflecting on my time with the organization, I will miss the staff – the staff and program facilitators are wonderful. It’s amazing to see how everyone comes together to prioritize our students in an Indigenous-led way. And I’ll miss the students – seeing their readiness to learn and happiness to be in an environment that nurtures them in a way conducive to learning was such a joy.”

The celebrations welcomed drummers and singers Gerry McComb, from Moose Factory, Thaila Sarazin, from Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, and her nephew her nephew Niibin Nakogee. Yzereef and her aunt Helena Potter, also from Dokis First Nation, treated guests to their singing country songs accompanied by guitar.

The celebrations also featured information booths from partners including K’Tigaaning Midwives, North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, Kinoomaadziwin Education Body, and the Anishinabek Nation Social Development Department. The Anishinabek Police Service members also attended, serving guests freshly barbequed hotdogs. Local artisans also set up booths, showcasing their wares for guests to shop.

AEI staff members Sharon O’Connor, Katie Koostachin, Melanie Miller, Julie McLeod, and Yzereef, joined by AEI Grandmother Linda Pope closed the celebrations with a Travelling Song in Anishinaabemowin.

To learn more about the AEI, please visit: aeipostsecondary.ca.