M’CHIGEENG—On June 27, the hard work and perseverance of students from all walks of life was celebrated at Kenjgewin Teg’s annual graduation ceremonies. Thirty-six graduates crossed the stage that morning following an opening ceremony by Elder Gloria Oshkabewisens-McGregor, Kenjgewin Teg knowledge holder.
Beverly Roy, Kenjgewin Teg president, addressed the graduates. “June is grad season everywhere – from daycares to elementary and high schools, and us too, as part of the higher education system of colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes. I’ve been to a few graduations already, and the feelings of pride and accomplishment and all that good energy is so very, very contagious. I think it’s because we all feel that good energy of new and exciting opportunities ahead for our graduates—regardless of their age. And this year is no different—we are celebrating our secondary and post-secondary graduates from our partner college and university programs in the disciplines of the skilled trades, teaching and learning and health and wellness.”
“To our graduating class of 2023, we are truly humbled that you chose Kenjgewin Teg to be one small part of your lifelong learning journey,” Ms. Roy continued. “Today is all about you; it is a day to relax and breathe it all in—this is a special milestone moment. The spotlight is shining on you today because it is you who did the hard work. When I reflect on the past year of 2022-23, it has proven to be another year of what I call ‘conscious change.’ I hate to mention that experience again of the pandemic, but we must admit that it has made us all better at teaching, learning and using technology. And from what I hear, ChatGPT is the next thing we all have to think about. I really don’t know too much about artificial intelligence, but I do know a little bit about our Indigenous, or Anishinabek, intelligence. I don’t know as much as our Elders, Gloria (Oshkabewisens-McGregor) and Josh (Eshkawkogan), who are with us today. I know just a little. I am still learning.”
“But before we get to the most exciting parts of our grad ceremony today, I have one last favour to ask of everyone,” the president said. “I need you to close your eyes and use your good vibes and your good energy to put this message out to the universe with me. I need you to imagine the growth that one day, our Elder Gord (Waindubence)-ba saw for us. He said that one day, we will have 3,000 Kenjgewin Teg students! Whoa! Can you imagine that? And that they would all be learning Anishinabemowin and Anishinaabe Aadziwin. I haven’t really figured out how this will happen yet, but because I know Gord-ba is still helping us, I really believe this will happen someday. I just don’t know when. Let’s take a few moments to imagine in our minds what this might look like. Close your eyes. Nahow, miigwech. Open your eyes. Let’s see what happens next!”
Iosefo Taukei, Kenjgewin Teg’s very first practical nursing graduate, also addressed the graduates.
“I am honoured to stand before you today as the first practical nursing graduate of Kenjgewin Teg,” he began. “It is a tremendous privilege to be here, surrounded by fellow graduates, distinguished guests, family, friends, and esteemed elders. With my heart full of gratitude, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all those who have supported me in my journey.”
“My journey in healthcare began in 2013 with the completion of my personal support worker certificate from Kenjgewin Teg,” Mr. Taukei said. “It was a transformative experience that instilled in me the values of compassion, empathy and dedication towards providing quality care to those in need. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that I gained from the program, which laid the foundation for my future in healthcare.”
“Over the years, I have been privileged to work in the community nursing department where I have had the opportunity to care for our elders,” he continued. “This experience has been both humbling and rewarding, as I have had the honor of learning from our elders and applying their teachings in my work. Their wisdom, resilience, and strength have been a source of inspiration for me, and I am grateful for their trust and confidence in my abilities.”
“I would like to take this moment to acknowledge and thank the elders and instructors of Kenjgewin Teg for their commitment to the Anishnaabek way of life teachings,” Mr. Taukei shared. “Their guidance, encouragement and support have been instrumental in my journey, and I am forever grateful for their presence in my life. They have taught me the importance of holistic care and the value of cultural humility in healthcare.”
“To my fellow graduates, I want to congratulate each and every one of you for reaching this milestone today,” he added. “We have worked hard, overcome challenges, and persevered through difficult times to get here. I am proud to stand alongside you as we celebrate our achievements and look forward to what the future holds.”
“As we move forward, let us remember the teachings that we have received, the values that we hold dear and the importance of caring for ourselves and those around us,” Mr. Taukei concluded. “Let us continue to learn, grow and make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.”
“Now, I may be a little biased, but I truly believe that the Pathways program is one of the best offerings here at Kenj,” said Charlie Halverson, a Pathways to Success high school graduate. “Before I arrived, I never imagined myself as a high school graduate, especially at the age of 20. When other programs failed to meet my needs, whether due to insufficient support or broken promises, I am incredibly grateful that the Pathways program provided me with a high school education. It opens doors for individuals who, for various reasons, couldn’t achieve success through traditional means.”
“The atmosphere at Kenj is one of acceptance and versatility, making it one of the most welcoming environments I’ve ever experienced,” Mr. Halverson continued. “From the exceptional staff and students to the breathtaking scenery of M’Chigeeng that surrounds us, I’ve never felt more at ease in an educational setting. Kenjgewin Teg has truly boosted my self-confidence, enabling me to pursue higher education in Windsor and become an independent individual.”
The crowd also heard from Aaron Seltzer, who received his Renovation Techniques – Construction Carpentry certificate from Canadore College.
Mr. Seltzer shared that the relatively small class size made learning a lot of fun and allowed the students to form excellent working relationships and made for one-on-one instructor time.
“My favourite class by far had to be our framing class because it was the class where we finally started to work together like a construction crew, except we built sheds, not houses,” Mr. Seltzer shared. “Instead of architects and engineers, we had our instructor, Mike Skippen, telling us to ‘just go with it.’ That quickly became our class motto, and every time we heard someone say it, it always made us laugh and smile.”
The 2023 Kenjgewin Teg graduates are:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Kenjgewin Teg Secondary School: Charlie Halverson, Lacey Panamick, Charlene Sagon and Elizabeth Peltier.
Personal Support Worker Certificate, Canadore College: Trinity Grenier and Krista Payette.
Practical Nursing, diploma, Fleming College: Iosefo Taukei.
Shki-Maajiinakiing – Pathway to Trades credits, Canadore College: Tyler Lewis and Cameron Osawabine-Corbiere.
Renovation Techniques – Construction Carpentry certificate, Canadore College: Darryl Enosse, Lynnette Ominika, Steven Fox-Radulovich and Aaron Seltzer.
Canadian Welding Bureau Certification: Gerard Armstrong, Jesse Cachene, Dakota Hare, Nathaniel Kimewon, Vince Migwans-Panamick, Austin Pangowish, Michael Tricco, Declan Allison, Melissa Jacko, Christopher Spong and Brittnee Waindubence.
Teaching and Learning graduates. photo by Veronica Roy
Indigenous Teacher Education Program, Bachelor of Education, Queen’s University: Jody Boissoneau, Danette McGregor and Candace Zack-Coneybeare.
following the 2023 Kenjgewin Teg graduation ceremony. photo by Veronica Roy
Early Childhood Education – Anishinaabemowin, diploma, Canadore College: Valerie Corbiere, Shelly Deforge, Doris Fowler, Ashlyn Hare, Serena Hill, Jordan Tabobondung, Lorena Wabanosse and Bethany Williams.
Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma Program, Nipissing University: Logan Payette.
Kenjgewin Teg uses an ‘Anishinaabe Aadziwin Passport-to-Learning Program’ for all staff and students. These Anishinaabe Aadziwin activities range from formal and informal Anishinabemowin learning, traditional cultural and harvesting practices, song, and many other activities. Throughout the academic year, students in all programs track and document their voluntary participation individually or as a class in their chosen activities, with a goal of reaching a minimum of 24 hours by the end of the academic year. With the minimum hours achieved, graduating students are recognized on this day as an Anishinaabe Aadziwin Distinction Graduate. This year’s Anishinaabe Aadziwin Distinction Graduates are: Jordan Tabobondung, Ashlyn Hare, Doris Fowler, Shelly Deforge, Aaron Seltzer, Lorena Wabanoose, Lynnette Ominika, Darryl Enosse, Cameron Osawabine-Corbiere, Iosefo Taukei, Krista Payette and Elizabeth Peltier.
The graduates were honoured with a song from the Kenjgewin Teg Hand Drum Circle.
The graduation ended with a closing benediction from Elder Oshkabewisens-McGregor followed, by a picnic lunch.
