M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION—Kenjgewin Teg held its annual graduation ceremony at its M’Chigeeng campus on Tuesday, June 28.This marks the first in-person graduation since 2019; the event was also live-streamed making it accessible to all graduates, family, and friends that preferred to join virtually.
The day began with a sunrise ceremony and the acknowledgment and induction of Traditional Knowledge Keeper Josh Eshkawkogan.
The graduation ceremony took place later in the morning and started with a procession of faculty, honored guests, and graduates.
Kenjgewin Teg Traditional Knowledge Keeper Gloria Oshkabewisens-McGregor delivered the opening prayer.
Master of Ceremonies, Dean of Pathways Mark Gibeault, observed that the 2021-22 academic year was challenging due to the global pandemic, but that he was pleased to share that the graduating class was the largest to date with 74 graduates.
“New Horizons is an inspiring and appropriate theme for this year’s celebrations,” said Kenjgewin Teg President Beverley Roy. “Today’s graduation celebration recognizes your hard work, dedication, and commitment. We are truly humbled that you chose Kenjgewin Teg to be one part of your lifelong learning journey.”
Graduates of several of the programs addressed the audience, expressing their gratitude to the faculty and noting the support and encouragement they received during their time at Kenjgewin Teg.
Presentations of degrees, diplomas, or certificates were made to the graduates of Kenjgewin Teg Secondary School, Mshiigaade Miikan, Master of Social Work (in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University), Personal Support Worker (in partnership with Canadore College), Shki-Mjiinakiing–Pathway to Trades, Canadian Welding Bureau Certificate, Indigenous Teacher’s Education Program (in partnership with Queen’s University), Indigenous Teacher’s Assistant Diploma (in partnership with Nipissing University), and Computer Applications Program (in partnership with Canadore College).
“As you now go out into the world as a new graduate, be sure to live, learn and take advantage of the many new opportunities that will come before you with each new horizon,” concluded Ms. Roy. “You are all an essential part of our growing Kenjgewin Teg alumni community. We will all continue cheering you on as you continue to find and share your special gifts with the world. All the best and congratulations. Mino-sami-kinoomaagasiwin! Kina gwaya wiikamigasso maanpii Anishinaabe kinoomaagasiwin temgak (Inspired Learning! An Anishinabek place of learning is a place for all!).”
The celebration concluded with a lunch picnic for graduates and their friends and family.
Kenjgewin Teg is located on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island, ON). Kenjgewin Teg is one of nine Indigenous Institutes in Ontario recognized under the Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017. Indigenous Institutes are acknowledged together with Colleges and Universities as part of the region’s higher education system. Indigenous Institutes like Kenjgewin Teg are grounded in Indigenous culture and look to their communities for strength, knowledge, and guidance in lifelong learning. Kenjgewin Teg offers a flexible adult learning environment supporting learners in various academic and career pathways. See kenjgewinteg.ca for more information on programs.
For more information on this announcement, please contact:
Robin Anderson, Marketing & Communications Specialist at 705-377-4342 ext. 214
