by Betty Bardswich
M’CHIGEENG—Fifty-four young men and women graduated from the Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute’s (KTEI) Anishinabek Identity, Mind and Spirit (AIMS) program and received their diplomas on October 24 at the M’Chigeeng community complex. The event was held not only to honour the graduates but also to celebrate the project’s successes and the impact the courses had on the student’s personal goals and outlook for the future.
Master of Ceremonies and KTEI Elder in Residence Josh Eshkawkogan welcomed the students, staff and educators of the AIMS program followed by an opening prayer and smudge ceremony by Elder Alma Jean Migwans and an Anishinaabe preamble by the students of Mnidoo Mnising Anishinabek Kinoomaage-gamig (MMAK), M’Chigeeng’s Ojibwe-based learning curriculum for children.
KTEI Executive Director Stephanie Roy addressed the gathering saying, “I am very glad to be here today,” as she went on to explain that the AIMS program was holistically designed and included subjects such as math and science and the upgrading of skills in reading and writing, as well as important learnings about the Anishinabek history and culture.
Beverly Roy Carter, the director of operations for KTEI, who developed the AIMS program, also spoke at the graduation celebration. “It is a great day to see the culmination of all your efforts,” she told the students. “Today is exactly what I envisioned for those who applied for the AIMS program—to find your purpose and gifts to share with the world. Never stop learning.”
There were three keynote speakers at the ceremony and all were graduates of the courses. Lynn Migwans spoke of learning about First Nation language and rights and forming lasting friendships while Joe Ense said, “I learned a lot,” and Steve Antoine remarked that he hoped all those who graduated would continue their learning journey.
M’Chigeeng First Nation Chief Joe Hare also spoke to the students, saying, “You have a heads up and a head start on learning about yourselves and your history. Through programs such as this and others, we can instill pride in ourselves. You can achieve what you set your mind on to do, something tremendous.”
Christine Migwans is the project manager of the AIMS program and she explained that a team had to work from scratch to develop a curriculum as well as operational policies and services arrangements. As she noted, there are three components to be completed before one can receive a graduation certificate. Firstly, the students must complete five to seven certificate courses which include such subjects such as first aid, WHIMIS, customer service, Smart Serve, driver’s education, chainsaw operation and others. Secondly, attendance in classes must be at 90 percent and thirdly, there must be a three week placement participation with students working at such places as Theatre Cambrian, Vale and Pine Needle Productions as well as businesses on the Island.
“The program was basically for the unemployed and the underemployed,” Ms. Migwans explained. “We started the program in 2012 with six intakes and we had program reviews in between each intake with reports from counsellors, the teachers and the students. We have had a high degree of success and the program will now be shared across Canada and we will be presenting a module for other First Nations to try. We are very proud of the students’ accomplishments.”
Two paintings by renowned artist Stan Panamick were presented at the celebration with Lynn Migwans winning the women’s award for outstanding student and Steven Corbiere taking the honour for the male students. The ceremony concluded with words from Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Elder Gordon Waindubence, the KTEI traditional knowledge faculty member.
