NIIBIN DGWAAGI GIIGDOWIN
Summer and Fall 2021
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Welcome Back to School
We welcomed back students on Tuesday September 7, 2021 to the Kenjgewin Teg Campus in M’Chigeeng for certain programs. Staff are back to regular schedules in the office. We understand this year will look very different due to the Covid-19. We are committed to supporting our students both online/distance learning and through in-person classes.
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Post-Secondary Education (PSE) and Training
Check out the Kenjgewin Teg website (www.kenjgewinteg.ca) or call for more information on upcoming Post-Secondary Education Program and Training offerings. Kenjgewin Teg provides direct service through access and delivery of both college and university accredited programs and courses for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike. Our programs are offered as community-based programs both onsite and online. Our Post-Secondary Education and Training Programs mode of delivery and instruction varies; however, each model is meant to ensure student success. Our goal is always student centered here at Kenjgewin Teg and our students can balance their work, life, and field of study.
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Teaching and Learning Programs
- Indigenous Teacher Education
- Early Childhood Education – Anishinaabemowin
- Indigenous Classroom Assistant
- (AQ) Courses for Educators: Teaching Ojibwe/Anishinaabemowin, Outdoor Experiential Education and Teaching FNMI Children
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Trades Apprenticeships & Skills Development Programs
- Shki-Maajiinakiing: Pathway to Trades
- CWB Welding Certification
- Renovation Techniques: Construction Carpentry
- Skills Development: WHMIS, Working at Heights, and Basic Rigging Fundamentals
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Health & Wellness Programs
- Personal Support Worker
- Practical Nursing
- Master of Social Work
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Canadian Welding Bureau Program
Starting this Fall 2021, Kenjgewin Teg launched a Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certification readiness program on-site in our state-of-the-art Trades and Skills building. Students are learning about welding safety and theory while using our welding shop for SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) and GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) operations. Upon completion of this readiness program, students will have the opportunity to test for their CWB certification and, if successful, can begin work within the high-demand welding industry.
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CELEBRATING 2021 GRADUATES!
The 2020-21 academic school year ended with a celebration of achievements through a virtual event on June 30, 2021; the following post-secondary program graduates are listed by program, below. Congratulations to all our students’ successes and achievements!
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| Post-Secondary Program |
Credential |
Partner |
# of Graduates |
| Ontario Secondary School |
Secondary School Diploma |
Kenjgewin Teg |
4 |
| Mshiigaade Miikan |
Certificate of Completion |
Kenjgewin Teg |
26 |
| Personal Support Worker |
Certificate |
Canadore College |
14 |
| Mechanical Techniques: Welder Fitter |
Certificate |
Canadore College |
2 |
| Computer Applications |
Certificate |
Canadore College |
7 |
| Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder |
Graduate Diploma |
Sault College |
8 |
| Aboriginal Teacher Education |
Diploma/Degree |
Queens University |
6 |
| Pathway to Trades |
Certificate of Completion |
Canadore College |
6 |
| CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) |
Certificate |
Canadian Welding Bureau |
5 |
| Timber Framing |
Certificate of Completion |
Kenjgewin Teg |
4 |
| Teaching FNMI |
AQ |
Ontario College of Teachers |
8 |
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Board Governance – Regular Meeting – July 29, 2021
The seasonal summer meeting was held with the Board of Directors on July 29, 2021. In attendance were six out of the eight communities. Items on the agenda included: Presidents Seasonal Report (quarter 1), Board Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2021, Board Executive Committee Minutes of May 25, July 13 & July 22, 2021, Quarterly Variance Report, MNP Audit Presentation, Strategic Plan 2021-2026: Update, University of Sudbury Update: Memorandum of Agreement and office space rental, Quality Assurance Update - IAESC Final Panel visit on August 18 & 19, and, Board Orientation Session: scheduled for November 2021.
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Board Governance – Annual General Meeting – July 29, 2021
The Kenjgewin Teg Annual General Meeting was held on July 29, 2021. In attendance were six out of the eight communities and 13 guests from the public joined for the virtual meeting. Agenda items included: Introduction of New Board Members, Annual General Meeting Minutes of August 19, 2020, Financial Statements of 2020-2021 for Approval – Annual Audit, Annual Report 2020-2021 Presentation & Highlights, Bylaw Amendments, and Appointment of Auditors for 2021-2022.
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From left to right: Dr. John Meehan, Former President of University of Sudbury
Stephanie Roy, Ph.D (c), President, Kenjgewin Teg
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UNIVERSITY OF SUDBURY LEARNING BUNDLE GIFT
Kenjgewin Teg has embarked on a new and exciting opportunity with the University of Sudbury. The gifting of an Indigenous Studies learning bundle has been discussed with the University of Sudbury and Kenjgewin Teg since the spring of 2021. This includes gifting some learning courses and learning resources from the Indigenous Studies department to Kenjgewin Teg. This learning bundle will also serve to inspire Kenjgewin's move to seeking credential granting status in the future with certificates/diplomas and/or degrees through the quality assurance process in Ontario. The primary focus over the past few months and upcoming months has been/will be, but not limited to, the development and signing of the agreement of the Indigenous Studies learning bundle to Kenjgewin Teg, Kenjgewin Teg's campus expansion in Sudbury with both office space and classroom space, Institutions of higher learning partnership(s) including Queen's University, and continuing with ensuring communications, public awareness and expanded joint partnerships.
As a northern Indigenous Institute, Kenjgewin Teg has proven to be an ideal partner to continue and expand the delivery of Indigenous Studies to students throughout Ontario. Kenjgewin is committed to continuing to provide increased and expanded learning opportunities for all students. Stay tuned for continued updates on this exciting initiative!
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Times are Changing! Kenjgewin Teg Welcomes our Newest Team Members.
The organization continues to plan and implement its organizational human resource structure that is reflective of the growth as a recognized Indigenous Institute in the Province of Ontario.
We are pleased to announce the following new team members:
- Rhonda Paulsen joined the KT team on April 19, 2021, as the Anishinaabek Curriculum Developer.
- Emily Deegan joined the KT team on June 22, 2021, as the Academic Technologist.
- Kelly Gratton is our newest Dean of Post-secondary Education and Training. Kelly began employment with KT on July 12, 2021.
- Cassandra Bisson joined the KT team as the Teaching and Learning Programs Coordinator. Cassandra began her work at KT on August 9, 2021.
- Jade Peltier joined the KT team on August 23, 2021, as the Trades, Skills, and Apprenticeship Program Coordinator.
- Samantha Cooper is our newest member who joined the Pathways team on September 7, 2021 as a Learning Coach.
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From left to right: Samantha Cooper, Emily Deegan, Jade Peltier, Cassandra Bisson
Missing from photo: Rhonda Paulsen and Kelly Gratton
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Kenjgewin Teg Employees Assume New Roles – Sharing their Gifts!
Kenjgewin Teg is fortunate to have current employees take on new roles that will see their gifts be used to support organizational growth and contribute to student success.
The following employees have assumed new roles:
- Rhonda Hopkins has assumed a new position titled Teaching and Learning Professor – Anishinaabemowin. She is KT’s first full-time faculty member. Rhonda began this exciting new role on March 22, 2021.
- Michelle Taukei’s role has changed, as she transitioned to the Dean of Student Enrolment and Wellness. Michelle assumed this new role on April 1, 2021.
- Mark Gibeault is enjoying his role as Dean of Pathways. He has been continuing to work alongside the Pathways team since June 7, 2021.
- Shanna Hare transitioned to the position of Director of Operations on August 3, 2021. Her organizational and planning ability will continue to support the growth of KT.
- Brenda Francis transitioned to a new position at KT as the Director of Human Resources. She began a focus on human resources on August 3, 2021.
- Christine Sarbu accepted a newly created position titled, Student Engagement Coordinator, on August 25, 2021. Focusing on student engagement and retention will support one of KT’s goal in supporting students to find their gifts.
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From top left to right: Michelle Taukei, Rhonda Hopkins, Brenda Francis, Christine Sarbu
From bottom left to right: Mark Gibeault, Shanna Hare
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We look forward to the day that we can be mask-free and see all the smiles from our amazing team members here at Kenjgewin Teg!
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New Team Members Being Recruited!
Kenjgewin Teg is still looking for individuals to join our team that will bring new energy to the learning environment, stay tuned for the positions to be posted in the next few weeks:
- Lifelong Learning Team Assistant
- Student Nutrition Provider
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“ACCREDITATION” BY THE INDIGENOUS ADVANCED EDUCATION AND SKILLS COUNCIL
As was updated and shared in the Giigdowin Bboon 2020 issue, Kenjgewin Teg began its formal quality assurance work with Beverly Roy taking on a new role as Director of Quality Assurance for Kenjgewin Teg. During July and August 2020, the Board of Directors reviewed and approved 17 policies in categories that included Academics, Learners, Corporate Governance and Research/Institutional Development. In this policy work, there were also three important and essential organizational philosophies also approved by the Board that will guide Kenjgewin Teg in its long-term vision and mission:
- Anishinabemowin
- Anishinaabe Aadziwin
- Trauma Sensitive and Trauma Informed Place of Learning
It was a busy summer for all, and the Board and staff of Kenjgewin remained committed to meeting its strategic goal of achieving IAESC ‘accreditation’ by the end of its current five-year strategic cycle ending March 2021. In September 2020, Kenjgewin Teg submitted its formal request to the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC) for the requirement meeting an organizational review and submitted 500+ files to support and provide evidence of meeting quality assurance standards in 25 categories. This is an exciting milestone Kenjgewin Teg is pleased to share with our community and community members everywhere – this is a big part of our exciting journey ahead!
For readers who may wonder why this organizational review is important for Kenjgewin Teg, what it signals is that the organization will then be on the path forward toward creating and developing its own certificates, diplomas and degrees (Kenjgewin Teg will also need to meet another set of requirements and quality standards as set by IAESC for each new diploma, certificate or degree created once the organizational review is complete and successful).
The following summarizes applicable legislation and the resulting bodies and organizations that are part of Ontario’s Indigenous Institute’s quality assurance requirements:
- Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017
This legislation recognizes Indigenous Institutes as a unique and complementary pillar of Ontario’s post-secondary education and training system. The Indigenous Institutes Act of 2017 acknowledges the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which recognizes the right of Indigenous peoples to establish and control their educational systems and institutes providing education in their own languages and in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning. Further, Ontario Regulation 239/18 identifies and names nine Indigenous Institutes in Ontario for the purposes of Section 6 of the Indigenous Institutes Act – and Kenjgewin Teg is one of these nine Indigenous Institutes named in this Ontario Regulation.
- Indigenous Advanced Education Council (IAESC)
IAESC is an Indigenous-controlled and governed Council, created and recognized under the Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017. IAESC is the body that establishes quality assurance standards and benchmarks for organizations and programs delivered by the Indigenous Institutes pillar in Ontario. IAESC may approve Indigenous Institutes in Ontario to grant diplomas, certificates and degrees; establish a quality assessment board and quality assurance standards; make recommendations to the Ontario government regarding which Indigenous Institutes should be included to receive operating funding; and approve Indigenous Institutes to use the term “university.” Additional information about processes and requirements from the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council can be found at: www.iaesc.ca
- Indigenous Institutes Quality Assessment Board (IIQAB)
This Board provides objective and independent recommendations to the Indigenous Advanced Education Council (IAESC) on the approval of applications from Indigenous Institutes to grant credentials. IIQAB is an impartial committee composed of six community and sector subject matter experts, and a Chair, whose independence preserves the credibility of IAESC’s quality assurance process.
- Indigenous Institute Organization Review Committee (IIORC)
This is a standing Committee of IIQAB established in conjunction with the applicant Indigenous Institutes. The IIORC will review the organizational soundness and capacity of applicants, using the standards and benchmarks adopted by the Council (IAESC). Members of this Committee are selected by IIQAB.
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NEW SECTOR MEMBERSHIPS
Kenjgewin Teg’s memberships and affiliations will continue to grow as it works toward its community-driven Anishinabek education long term vision. New memberships in provincial organizations and other regions over the past three months include:
- eCampus Ontario (ecampusontario.ca)
- ONCAT (Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer) (ONCAT.ca)
- WINHEC (World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium) (WINHEC.ca)
Official memberships in other sector organizations are also currently in progress, and once those are official too – announcements will be made in future issues of Giigdowin. Membership in these post-secondary sector organizations not only provide benefits to its members such as Kenjgewin Teg, but we also view our new memberships as part of giving and contributing to lifelong learning in Indigenous education and reconciliation goals.
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Mnidoo Mnising Sharing & Learning Centre for All (MMSLCA)
MMSLCA has been offering a series of hybrid programming throughout the summer months. Virtual programming has been offered to those who are not able to join in person, and in-person programming for closed programs, program specific and family groupings.
A 3-part series of teachings was offered in the late Spring, early summer. The focus was on some self-care techniques, strategies & traditional teachings provided by Elder Josh Eshkawkogan; geared towards early learning educators from across the district. Great feedback from the sessions were obtained and it was evident from the feedback that these session were much needed during these times; incorporating self-care practices in daily life, with ourselves and for the children and families we work with.
To start off Niibin (Summer), a virtual concert with local musician was provided – Aiyana Louis of M’Chigeeng First Nation. Aiyana graced us with her beautiful voice and connected with children, youth, educators and beyond through drumming and some inspirational and engaging discussion to empower Indigenous Youth in recognition of Indigenous month. In addition, Anishinabemowin virtual language lessons with Gene Cada of Sheshegwaning was provided to our participants. Many new language speakers joined in to learn some new words, as well as fluent speakers who also engaged in some Anishinaabemowin conversation. Miigwech to our presenters for their time and talents. We reached several participants from across the Manitoulin/Sudbury district and beyond.
The Niibin months have gone by so quickly, but still provided the opportunities to safely get outdoors and have some fun! Weekly programming took place with Sophie Pheasant & Corey MacDonald; Pow wow Dance & Pow Wow Eats & treats. This program will continue into the fall months and we encourage families to come on out and join the sessions with Pow wow dance teachings with Sophie, followed by creative Indigenous foods prepared by Corey MacDonald.
Weekly pop-up play sessions were held during the summer; this will continue into the Dgwaagi and Biboon months. Miigwech for our great partnership with Noojmowin Teg Health Centre and M’Chigeeng Youth Program; coordinators set up some unstructured playtime, discovery days for children with exceptionalities as well as a weekly summer program for children. The M’Chigeeng youth program coordinator Jackie Mynott, along with her students also stepped up to support the children by providing them with wonderful outdoor experiences. The summer students were also provided with training on ‘Unstructured/Risky Play’ to further expand their knowledge. The summer students were Ethan Armstrong, Grace Debassige, Zack Paul, Aysia Francis & Destiny Migwans. Miigwech to all for a memorable summer!
Other Dgwaagi programs that will resume are the Maamwi Giindaasda – Let’s read, and Maamwi Naagmadaa – Let’s Sing, with Kim Debassige. As well as AKI -Anokawen with Sarah Earley. These particular programs are exciting and interactive. Kits and resources are mailed out in advance to participants. We encourage educators, early years programs, parents, caregivers, and children to join in. These two programs will remain virtual at this time.
Our Dgwaagi Professional Development session for early years educators, is planned for Saturday October 23rd in person. For more information, please call or email Melanie Francis melaniefrancis@kenjgewinteg.ca. |
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Want to Learn More?
Click below to email us or visit our website online for more information on our Teaching and Learning Updates!
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