Kenjgewin Teg marks historic graduation, celebrating largest class to date
M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION (June 26, 2026) – Kenjgewin Teg proudly celebrated its 2025-2026 Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, June 25, at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, recognizing the achievements of its largest graduating class to date. A total of 96 graduates were honoured for completing secondary, post-secondary, and specialized training programs.
The day began in a good way with a Sunrise Ceremony, organized by Kenjgewin Teg’s Anishinaabe-aadiziwin team and led by Traditional Knowledge Holder Josh Eshkawkogan. This tradition helps ensure that reflection and intentions are set for the celebration day ahead. Following the ceremony, graduates were fitted for their caps and gowns before making their way into the graduation procession. The Biisineh Drum Group carried the procession in with song, led by Student Eagle Staff Carrier Bradley Sophocleous.
The graduation ceremony opened with a prayer from Josh Eshkawkogan, followed by welcoming remarks from Kenjgewin Teg President Dr. Beverley Roy and Board of Directors Chair Robert Beaudin. The ceremony was emceed by Registrar Andrew Gerhard and Dean of Pathways to Post-Secondary Sherry Moreau.
“We are truly humbled that you have given all of us at Kenjgewin Teg the opportunity to be a part of your lifelong learning journey,” shared Dr. Roy. “While today represents a celebration of your hard work, dedication, and commitment with us, today also marks the start of many more amazing milestones. As you move forward, carry with you the knowledge, teachings, and values that have guided you here. Remember that your education is not only a personal accomplishment, but a gift you bring back to your families, your communities, and future generations.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of 53 graduates who earned Anishinaabe-aadiziwin Distinction. The voluntary distinction program encourages learners to deepen their understanding of Anishinaabe language, culture, history, and ways of knowing through cultural teachings, language learning, ceremonies, land-based experiences, and traditional arts. Students complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved activities while pursuing their academic studies, graduating with special recognition for their commitment to cultural learning alongside their academic achievements.
The ceremony also featured four Graduate Salutes, delivered by graduates representing Kenjgewin Teg’s areas of learning. Raymond Kenneth Wemigwans represented Pathways to Post-Secondary and Employment, Shannon Rozsa represented Health and Wellness, John Shawana represented Skills, Trades, and Apprenticeships, and Michelle Anderson represented Teaching and Learning. Their heartfelt speeches reflected on their educational journeys, the challenges they overcame, and the support they received from family, classmates, faculty, and community.
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates were then presented to graduates from a variety of programs, including the Pathways to Post-Secondary (Ontario Secondary School Diploma), Personal Support Worker, Practical Nursing, Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees, Certificate in Journalism in Indigenous Communities, Canadian Welding Bureau Certification, Renovation Techniques: Construction Carpentry, Early Childhood Education – Anishinaabemowin, Master of Education in World Indigenous Studies in Education, and the Indigenous Teacher Education Program.
Following the graduation ceremony, graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered for refreshments to celebrate together before reconvening later in the afternoon for the 2025-2026 Student Awards Ceremony, which recognized outstanding achievement, leadership, resilience, and community contributions.
Awards presented included:
• Martin Bayer Award – Anawahs Migwans
• Brian Bisson-Baa Memorial Award – Raymond Kenneth Wemigwans
• IIC Delbert Horton Award for Students – Madeliene Macleod
• IIC Delbert Horton Award for Staff – Sheila McDermid
• Whitefish River Board Award – Caitlin Pitawanakwat
• Sheguiandah Board Award – Jessica Elliott
• Sheshegwaning Board Award – Gordon Wemigwans
• Aundeck Omni Kaning Board Award – Lindsay Owl
• M’Chigeeng Board Award – Sheila Eshquib
• Zhiibaahaasing Board Award – Kennady Nakogee-Rickard
• Constance Lake Board Award – Lesley Rowe
• Sagamok Board Award – Brendan Abitong
• Student Representative Board Award – Jordan Quesnel
• Kate Roy-Baa Memorial Award – Ngwaagan Eshkibok
• Sarah Peltier Memorial Award for Educational Excellence – Lisa-Ann Ross
• Charles Shawanda Memorial Award – Shannon Rozsa
• Lloyd Debassige Memorial Award – Ace Stella Flamand
• Glen Crawford Memorial Award – Embracing Your Educational Journey – Hunter Candice Cascanette
• Resiliency and Achievement in Indigenous Education Award – Walter Roy
• Resiliency and Achievement in Indigenous Education Award – Stephanie Sutherland
• Lewis Debassige Memorial Award – Kenjgewin Teg Leadership – Justice Manitowabi-Trudeau
• Ryan Jones Memorial Award – Hailey Wolters
• Kim Corbiere Mino Bimaadziwin Memorial Award – Courtenay Peltier
• Kino-Maage Gimaa (President’s) Award – Amy Wheale
Kenjgewin Teg’s 2025-2026 graduation reflected the institution’s continued commitment to providing accessible, culturally grounded education that empowers learners while strengthening Anishinaabe communities. As Kenjgewin Teg celebrated its largest graduating class in history, the day served as a powerful reminder of the determination, perseverance, and success of its learners.
Kenjgewin Teg extends its heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and wishes each one continued success as they move forward in their educational, professional, and personal journeys.
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About Kenjgewin Teg
Kenjgewin Teg is an Anishinabek place of learning for all with campuses on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) in Northern Ontario and in Sudbury, Ontario. Grounded in the rich history, ancestral knowledge, stories, and traditional teachings of the land, Kenjgewin Teg is dedicated to nurturing students’ identities and sharing the richness of Anishinabek language (Anishinaabemowin), culture, and tradition with the world.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Robin Anderson
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Robinanderson@kenjgewinteg.ca
705-370-4342 ext 214