LITTLE CURRENT—At the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, a familial atmosphere was evident on Tuesday evening, December 10, as students and staff of Kenjgewin Teg gathered to celebrate their achievements.
Debbie Debassige, dean of post secondary education and training, led the proceedings, welcoming and acknowledging all departments of the school, all students present, the board of directors in attendance and visitors as well. Following the prayer, given by Board Member Ann Cada Hamelin, a buffet style dinner was served. “So, now everyone has to look under their chairs for a number to see which table will go first.” Some stared blankly, a few stood to lift their chairs, about to look underneath. “Just kidding,” Ms. Debassige said, and the room erupted in laughter.
The meal was replete with salmon, ham, turkey, vegetables, salads, buns and a variety of sweets to finish it off. The tables buzzed with conversation and laughter and, as dinner wound down, Dr. Beverley Roy, president of Kenjgewin Teg, took the opportunity to thank the planning committee for all their hard work in organizing the event.
photos by Margery Frisch
photos by Margery Frisch
The program resumed with the Kenjgewin Drum Group performing an opening song, a unity song, the American Indian Movement Song, originating in 1959. The Drum Group consisted of Peggy Simon, Sherry Moreau, Kirsten Nelson, Melanie Francis, Christine Sarbu and Ann Cumming.
The awards part of the program saw 21 student recipients. First was the Sara Peltier Memorial Award for Educational Excellence. Marlene Essex received this award for excelling in ITEP (Indigenous Teacher Education Program), demonstrating exceptional commitment and dedication to her personal educational goals and serving as an exemplary role model in the Kenjgewin Teg learning environment. Allanna Macaluso, director of student wellness and services presented this award to Ms. Essex, who is currently enrolled in the WISE Masters in Worlds Indigenous of Education Studies at Queens University.
Deborah Bird, practical nursing graduate, received the Charles Shawanda Memorial Award for excelling in a Health and Wellness program. The presenter of this award was Sarah Earley, curriculum writer and AQ outdoor experimental education instructor. “My life has changed for the better, and I will continue to grow because of Kenjgewin Teg!” was a remark made by Ms. Bird.
The Lloyd Debassige Memorial Award was next, presented to Jessica Sky CWB (Certified Welding Bureau program) by Dave Barnes, trades instructor. This award honours a student who has shown commitment, dedication and leadership in a Trades program combining culture, language and academics as their primary focus at Kenjgewin Teg. “I absolutely loved taking the welding course at Kenjgewin Teg. I met classmates that turned into friends and my instructor Dave was the best.” Ms. Sky said.
Leah King was unable to attend, but she received the Glen Crawford Memorial Award – Embracing your Educational Journey. Rylie Desroches, pre-apprenticeship carpentry graduate, also unable to attend, received the Lewis Debassige Memorial Award for demonstrating dedication to school attendance, exceptional leadership qualities and serving as an exemplary role model in the Kenjgewin Teg learning environment.
The Ryan Jones Memorial Award was presented to Arianna-Shigwadja Trudeau, Pathway OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) Graduate, by Samantha Cooper, Pathways learning coach for investing the time to learn about Anishinaabe culture and/or language through teachings, ceremonies, land-based activities and learning opportunities.
Samantha Cooper also presented the Brian Bisson-Baa Memorial Award, this went to Sapper Wemigwans, Pathways OSSD graduate, for demonstrating commitment to learning and always conveying support and care for others. “I just really appreciated and loved how well-equipped Kenjgewin Teg was and how much they set us up for success and kept us safe,” were Ms. Wemigwans remarks.
Again, Samantha Cooper was presenter of the Martin Bayer Award , given to Arianna Recollet, Pathways OSSD graduate, for demonstrating dedication to school attendance and serving as an exemplary role model in the Kenjgewin Teg learning environment.
Dr. Roy was presenter for the Kino-Maage Gimaa Award (President’s Award). This Award is given for highest academic achievement overall, with involvement in culture, language and community service. Though unable to attend, recipient Jenny Cleaveley, ECEA (Early Childhood Education Anishinaabemowin) graduate, said in writing, “I wouldn’t have been so successful if it wasn’t for my amazing educators and elders who supported me, welcomed me and made me feel like I belonged there. Chi-Miigwech!!”
The Kate Roy Baa Memorial Award recipient, Pauline Keeshig-Tobias, ECEA (Early Childhood Education Anishinaabemowin) graduate and the Kim Corbiere Mino Bmaadziwin Memorial Award recipient, Madison Nonganosh, ECEA (Early Childhood Education Anishinaabemowin) graduate, were unable to attend due to weather conditions.
Next came the Board Awards, the first being the Whitefish River Board Award presented to Athena Jacko-Migwanabe, CWB (Certified Welding Bureau) program graduate by Brian McGregor, Kenjgewin Teg Board of Directors. This was the Mukwa (Bear) Award for being a solid student, with a focused and thorough approach. The Wiingush (Sweetgrass) Award (the Sagamok Board Award), for persistence and belief in oneself, was presented to Hayley Southwind, computer applications graduate, by Anna Abitong, Kenjgewin Teg Board of Directors. Gwyneth McLeod, Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry Graduate, though not present, received the Board Award Sheshegwaning, the Mgizi (Eagle) Award for a student continuing in post-secondary studies. Dana Mandamin, practical nursing graduate, though not present, received the Board Award Student Representative, the Odjig (Fisher) for tenacity and seizing educational opportunities. Robin Nahwegahbow, pre-apprenticeship carpentry, though not present, was the recipient of the Naanooshke (Hummingbird) Award for committed participation and support in school events, the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation Board Award. Isaiah Eshquib, Pathways OSSD graduate, received the Waawaashkesh (Deer) Award for quiet support and creative contribution to the school. This was the Board Award for M’Chigeeng First Nation, presented by Robert Beaudin – Kenjgewin Teg Board of Directors. The Jiijaak (Crane) Award for enthusiasm and energy, the Board Award for Zhiibaahaasing First Nation was presented to Amanda Brake, Pathways OSSD graduate, by Chris Bigras – Kenjgewin Teg Board of Directors. Caitlyn Sloss, PSW graduate, was not in attendance, but was the recipient of the Mshiikenh (Turtle) Award for continuous hard work, the Board Award for Constance Lake. Joshua Assinewai, Shki-Maajiinakiing: Pathway to Trades graduate was the recipient of the Board Award for Sheguiandah First Nation. He was not in attendance, but recorded his thoughts to be read aloud, he offered this to fellow students, or anyone else: “I’ll give you a piece of advice I received from a wise old man, ‘Get comfortable being uncomfortable.’” The Delbert Horton Student Award from the Indigenous Institutes’ Consortium was given to Chris Haner, CWB Graduate, for successfully completing full-time studies.
Rhonda Hopkins, teaching and learning professor of Anishinaabemowin was also recognized for having recently received her Honorary Doctor of Laws from Queen’s University. She was presented with a floral arrangement and gift from the Kenjgewin Teg staff and board.
The awards presentations continued with staff and board members receiving recognition. Distinguished Service Award, presented by Samantha Cooper, Pathways learning coach to recipient Susan Griffin, Pathways learning coach. Two recipients of the Outstanding Service in Education Award, Peggy Simon presented to Caroline Debassige, and Dr. Roy presented to Brenda Francis. The Contribution to Education Award presented by Sarah Earley, curriculum writer and AQ outdoor experimental education instructor went to Debbie Debassige, dean of post-secondary education.
On to the Years of Service awards, presented to staff and board. Four staff members received awards for five years of service: Dave Barnes, Susan Griffin, Adam Kastoff and Andrew Gerhard. Debbie Debassige and Rhonda Hopkins were awarded for 10 years of service and Derek Pichoski (staff) and Anna Abitong (Board of Director) received awards for 25 years of service to Kenjgewin Teg. “When the board meetings got to be too long, they made me chair, so I wouldn’t have to talk too much; wouldn’t have to say too much,” said Ms. Abitong with a ready laugh.
“Celebrating and recognizing everyone who makes our place of learning at Kenjgewin Teg a great one is a highlight for us at this time of year,” said Dr. Roy. “Sharing our student successes and transformations in their learning journey is always a great reminder of why our teams do this work. I’m so appreciative and grateful for not only a great board of directors, but especially for our amazing employees who bring our Kenjgewin Teg values to life every day.”
“Kenjgewin Teg has been very good to me,” Dr. Rhonda Hopkins said, when she stood at the podium. “The first day I walked in, all the people were smiling and friendly and I said, ‘I wonder how long this will last.’ But now, after all these years, everyone is still saying aanii, and everyone is still smiling.”
The overall impression, walking into a room of Kenjgewin Teg staff members, board members and students, celebrating each other’s journeys and accomplishments is one of family—warm, welcoming, smiling and willing to help each other in any way they can—quite a testament to this special place of learning.
by Margery Frisch
