INDIGENOUS MAGAZINE Winter 2019 Edition
Cultural Spaces and Activities Building the future Investing in tomorrow
Moosonee A Prosperous Future Table of Contents
03 About Northern College 04 President’s Message 05 James Bay Regional Career Fairs 06 Proud Partnership - KIDD Operations 08 Cultural Spaces and Activities 09 18th Annual Northern College Traditional Powwow 10 Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week 12 Discovering Northern 14 IESC: Building the Future Investing in Tomorrow 16 New Faces and Warm Welcomes 17 Northern Training Division 18 Greetings from the Lieutenant Governor 19 Academic Upgrading 20 Moosonee: A Prosperous Future 21 Indigenous Student Services 22 Northern College Indigenous Council on Education 22 Submit A Story l Advertise in The Feather
AHNII, KWE KWE, WACHEY, SAGO, BOOZHOO
As Chair of the Indigenous Council on Education, I I look forward to working with the Indigenous Council in welcome you to Northern College. Your success here finding ways to move the needs of Indigenous students will be realized in applying yourselves to your work as a forward. student. The Indigenous Council serves to ensure you have the supports necessary to meet your goals as a My understanding from my Indigenous teachings is that student and guide you on the road to becoming the learning is a life long process and hopefully the teachings person you’d like to be. you receive from Northern College help you in realizing that cultural aspiration. Northern College is determined to become the First Choice for Indigenous learners as they seek higher Respectfully, education. Feedback from students like you is crucial in Dorothy Larkman helping us achieve that goal. Chair Indigenous Council on Education
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY ACKNOWLEDGMENT We acknowledge the traditional territory of the Indigenous people of the area.
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 2 About Northern College
At Northern College, we provide an educational experience that will enrich your spirit, heart, mind and body. We offer a variety of preparatory, postsecondary and apprenticeship programming that can help you walk your path in a balanced, wholistic way. With campuses in Haileybury, Kirkland Lake, Moosonee and Timmins, Northern College is also a leader in the delivery of distance education.
HAILEYBURY Northern College is guided by our Indigenous Council on Education, Elders and community leaders to ensure programs, services and activities are connected to culture and tradition. We appreciate and respect the Indigenous worldview and its contributions to contemporary thinking, and are driven by the core values of strength, honesty, sharing and kindness.
Northern College seeks to bring Indigenous Perspectives to all learners by offering a range of activities and KIRKLAND LAKE support services. Healing and sharing circles, workshops, Indigenous student assemblies, Indigenous Student Advisors and traditional events and activities are all part of the Northern experience. Complement your worldview and traditional practices with a Northern College education.
All of our campuses have cultural spaces used for gathering, celebrating, healing and sharing. In addition to canvas tipis at each campus, our Timmins Campus is home to Ma-mo Kee-keh-nah-no, a unique permanent MOOSONEE tipi where we host inspiring cultural events year round.
To discover how a Northern College education can lead to new opportunities for yourself, your family and your community, visit northernc.on.ca.
TIMMINS
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 3 President’s Message
AHNII, KWE KWE, WACHEY, SAGO, BOOZHOO
choice for Indigenous Peoples enrolment across all four by expanding educational campuses; we are proud of this offerings and services to area accomplishment and honoured to First Nations communities and receive your trust and confidence the growing urban Indigenous as we help to develop the next and Metis populations. It is a generation of community leaders. long-term goal and an ongoing process and we are dedicated Education is the pursuit of to expanding our institutional bettering oneself, continuing to mosaic by continuing to embed grow, gaining experience and Indigenous perspectives into expanding one’s perspective. As our programming and support a college, we are committed to services and aligning our continuing building relationships curriculum to explore Indigenous through meaningful dialogue ways of knowing, rooted in the and partnership with Indigenous At Northern College we stand core tenets of Indigenous learning leaders, learners and employers. by our mission statement, a short principles. creed that defines our promise to both our students and our Through key governmental and Meegwetch, community. non-governmental partners, Northern College continues to “Excelling in quality, accessible work to ensure growing access education through innovative to literacy, preparatory training programs, services and and education in large and small partnerships for the benefit of our communities alike. Establishing Northern Communities.” Access Centres in remote Dr. Fred Gibbons This promise of partnership communities helps us to meet this President and CEO, and innovation reaches beyond goal by providing local support Northern College our campuses and into the and student development, and 18 Indigenous communities creating better learning pathways throughout our catchment for our learners. area as we strive to include the perspectives and teachings of Throughout the past 51 years, Canada’s first peoples into our Northern College has enjoyed strategic direction. a very close relationship with area Indigenous communities. We here at Northern College Indigenous students make up aspire to become the college of 13 per cent of total college
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 4 James Bay Regional Career Fairs
ANNUAL JAMES BAY REGIONAL CAREER FAIRS: FEBRUARY 26TH TO MARCH 2ND By Willard Small
Each Year committee members that connects the communities to share valuable information from Northern College, Northern for a short period of time during to our young people from Lights Secondary School, (NLSS) the Winter Months. our communities on what is Delores. D. Echum Composite out there in terms of post- School (DDECS) and Moose Cree On February 28th – March 2nd secondary education, and career Education Authority (MCEA) The Career Fairs switched to opportunities. I take this time meet, plan and organize the Moosonee and Moose Factory to encourage the students to James Bay Regional Career with events at DDECS, NLSS and do their research and explore Fair. The event features many Northern College, Moosonee the internet on the many post- exhibitors and presenters from Campus. Again, we had the secondary programs/options that local organizations, businesses opportunity to present post are available to them – students and as well as post-secondary secondary information to the are well informed about the Institutions from across Ontario many students from NLSS and possibilities of higher education – and Quebec. DDECS as well as a set-up of when I decided to attend college, an information/booth display I had to call the college for The week started off with visits to in the school gymnasiums. The information and ask to send me Mundo Peetabeck Academy in Northern College, Moosonee their view book, I waited 10 days Fort Albany, Francine J. Wesley Campus location event was for the view book to arrive in the Secondary School, Kashechewan open to the public from both mail, but with today’s technology, and Vezina Secondary School in communities and it was well information is all at your finger- Attawapiskat. At each location we attended by community tips” Willard Small had the opportunity to meet with members. students from each community I always look forward to the and present information about This Year, the organizing annual career fairs events, I College programs and services. committee invited Miss Teenage gives us the opportunity to share We also had the Northern Canada, Emma Morrison to the valuable information about post- College information booth by Moosonee and Moose Factory secondary education and career set-up in the gymnasium where Career Fairs. Emma Morrison possibilities to our community students has the opportunity to who is from Chapleau Cree First members. visit booths and ask questions on Nation, spoke to the students, a more one to one basis. shared her personal journey, and “Let’s all enrich the young minds experience but also encouraging of our secondary school students We had the opportunity to take a students to strive for their goals. with the endless possibilities of few pictures of students, schools higher education”. and the communities as well as “Visiting the high schools the scenery, wild life and ice road provides a great opportunity
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 5 Proud to Partner with Northern
Glencore’s Kidd Operations in Tanguay a graduate of Northern’s “The concepts I was taught at Timmins is not only the world’s Mechanical Engineering Technician Northern College have helped me fast deepest base-metal mine producing Program (2015). “The professors track a career transition and opened copper, zinc and silver, but it is also were also very knowledgeable and the door to more job opportunities one of the community’s largest dedicated. If I needed some help than I ever had before. I am satisfied private-sector employers. As such, understanding a difficult subject, with the direction my career has Kidd Operations has a longstanding they were more than happy to assist taken after going through the Mining history of partnering with Northern me. Northern College is also a place Engineering Technician program and College whether it be for business where students have a strong voice. I’m looking forward to continued and industrial training needs, The College welcomes student input personal growth,” he said. supporting the College’s growth and will work with recommendations, and expansion or for hiring the concerns and feedback to Although miners are the drivers of College’s graduates. In fact, you can continuously improve their programs.” a mining operation, many people find a number of Northern College Andre Couture, a graduate of are employed in various needed alumni working throughout Kidd’s Northern’s Haileybury School of Mines support roles such as, Human operations. From underground (2013) concurs. Resources, Occupational Health and miners, technicians and technologists, Safety, Information Technology, and to occupational health nurses and Administration and Purchasing. business administration personnel, “Northern College has been a great Northern alumni are well represented experience for me,” said Sandra at Kidd. Laviolette, Senior Buyer. “I chose Northern College because of the “Getting my diploma at Northern many academic choices available to College helped me get my current mature students for continuing our position with Kidd Operations as a education. Northern College helped Mobile Maintenance Technologist me by providing the education because the professors and the needed to continually improve, Northern College Alumni Association personally and professionally. The are great networking assets for local results was triumph! I have been employment opportunities,” said Tim TIM TANGUAY: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING a returning student since 1991 for TECHNICIAN GRADUATE
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 6 ANDRE COUTURE IN AN ICE STOPE AT KIDD OPERATIONS. ICE STOPES ARE DECOMMISSIONED STOPES THAT ARE USED TO COOL THE LOWER LEVELS OF THE MINE. various short programs and in 2005 I achieved a business diploma. By upgrading my knowledge and skills, I immediately gained employment and had opportunity to move within my company every time I completed a program. One thing I liked about Northern College was the professors and staff’s dedication in helping students succeed. I believe that a combination of education and life experiences will give you tools to achieve your goals and dreams and Northern College filled my toolbox. I found the experience challenging but also very rewarding. Building on SANDRA LAVIOLETTE: BUSINESS DIPLOMA GRADUATE my wide-ranging educational base set the framework to obtain a Supply Chain Management designation. I am celebrating my 10th year as a Senior Buyer at Glencore, Kidd Operations and I love my profession.”
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 7 Indigenous
Cultural Spaces and Activities NORTHERN COLLEGE ENCOURAGES AND WELCOMES ALL CULTURAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ON AND OFF CAMPUS. A NUMBER OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ARE PLANNED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS TRADITIONS AND TEACHINGS. Moosonee Canvas Tipi Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week Window Display of Indigenous Items Indigenous Student Lounge Our goals are to: Elder on Campus Indigenous Student Advisor(partakes in • Share Indigenous culture across campus activities and in the Indigenous student recruitment, coastal visits) classroom Smudging Area • Assist students with funding applications NC Tour Regional Career Fair – NC is an organizing partner. Includes visits to coast communities. Support and enhance your college experience. All of our campuses (FA, Kash, Atta) feature inspiring cultural spaces, including canvas tipis and NC Staff Cultural Awareness PD, Visits to Moosonee and MF Indigenous student lounges. Our Timmins Campus is home to Ma-mo Kee-keh-nah-no, a unique permanent tipi with year-round Haileybury access. The tipi can also be used to meet with the campus Elder, Canvas Tipi Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week smudge and be together. These structures provide a space for Indigenous Student Lounge gathering, healing and sharing. Elder on Campus Indigenous Student Advisor (partakes in Indigenous Friendship Lounges are also welcoming places on Indigenous student recruitment, community each campus for students to socialize, study, and relax. They events) Smudging Area are equipped with a coffee machine, microwave, tables, chairs, NC Tour couches, computers and printers. NC Staff Cultural Awareness PD, Visits to Moosonee/MF
Timmins Permanent Tipi Shaptuan Canvas Tipi Annual Powwow Youth Summer Camp – Lightning Trail Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week Window Display of Indigenous Items Indigenous Student Lounge NSA – Native Student Assembly Northern College Indigenous Council on Education Elder on Campus Indigenous Student Advisor (partakes in Indigenous student recruitment, community events) Indigenous Liaison Officer Smudging Area NC Tour NC Staff Cultural Awareness PD, Visits to Moosonee/MF
Kirkland Lake Canvas Tipi Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week Indigenous Student Lounge Elder on Campus Indigenous Student Advisor (partakes in Indigenous student recruitment, community events) Smudging Area NC Tour NC Staff Cultural Awareness PD, Visits to Moosonee/MF
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 9 Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 10 Building on Tradition Northern College is committed to becoming the Indigenous College of choice in Ontario, a commitment that is reflected not only in the programming offered at all four of our campuses, but in our dedication to inspiring understanding amongst the myriad of cultures that call Northern College home. As part of this commitment, Northern College hosts Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week each fall, a showcase of our local Indigenous cultures, their teachings, history and perspectives. This hands on event aims to immerse not only Northern College students, staff and faculty in Indigenous culture, but allow access to these teachings to those in our home communities. This open door policy and learning opportunity is inspired by the back bone of Northern College’s mission: “to excel in quality, accessible education through innovative programs, services and partnerships for the benefit of our Northern Communities.” Over five days, across four campuses and with the help of countless local organizations, events designed to promote understanding and share culture offer Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week attendees the opportunity to share experiences rooted in Canada’s first cultures. Kim Piche from the Objiway Cree Cultural Center giving a presentation on Indigenous artifacts to Northern College staff and local high school students during ICAW.
THER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 11 to experience hands-on welding Discovering in support of Northern’s suite of Welding Programs. Campus tours highlighted the close sense of cultural inclusiveness, family Northern and team embraced at Northern College.
Vice-President, Dr. Audrey Penner remarked “It was an absolute pleasure hosting this wonderful group of young students. We wish they could have stayed with us longer. It’s clear to see that they all have a bright future ahead of them!”
“The Outland staff are incredible, bringing a real sense of compassion and respect between staff and student. Northern College provided the group with the “real northern experience” and I hope to see some of Northern College had the OPP Forensics & Virtual Reality, these brilliant minds return to opportunity to host the Outland firefighter demonstrations, and the college to continue their Youth Employment Group at Cultural Teachings with our studies. Northern College was our Timmins, Kirkland Lake and Campus Elder at the Timmins honored to have been given the Haileybury campuses on July Campus. While in Timmins, opportunity to host the group 30th till August 3rd. The week students also spent time visiting for their Science Week.” added provided an opportunity for the Science Timmins and participated Amy Danchuk, Indigenous Liaison youth to spend time discovering in a community project Officer for Northern College Northern’s campuses, while clearing brush with Mattagami who coordinated the week with learning about post-secondary Conservation Authority. At the Outland Camps. and training programs available Northern College Haileybury to them after high school. campus, students participated This is the first time the camp has Students also had the opportunity in an activity associated with the come to Northeastern Ontario, to experience college student life Wildlife Rehabilitation program thanks to Outland Camp partnering by staying at the Timmins campus and learned about the Vet with Temagami First Nation. The Student Residence. Sciences programs. Lastly, at the camp was being held at Esker Lake Kirkland Lake Campus, youth Park Campground, 30mins from Activities that took place over participated in activities with our Kirkland Lake, with and their closing the week across our Northern Water Treatment Plant as part ceremony took take place on campuses included; hands-on of the Environmental Water & August 21st at Northern College’s activities in Residential Wiring, Waste Water Program and got Kirkland Lake Campus.
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 12 ONE YEAR ONTARIO COLLEGES CERTIFICATE Mineral Exploration Techniques
Mineral Exploration Techniques Northern College’s new 1-year certificate program provides you with the entry-level knowledge and skills to function as a valuable member of a mineral exploration team. The program incorporates both classroom teaching and valuable hands-on experience during a culminating two-week field school at the Timmins Campus. The modular format and distance delivery of this program provides you with the flexibility to study while maintaining your employment. The online format can be taken at a full- or part- time pace. Graduates of the program may choose to continue their studies in the Mining Engineering Technician diploma program at Northern College, with advanced standing in three common courses. This program is also offered in a blended delivery format combining on site and distance learning. To learn more about the new certificate program, email [email protected] or visit northernc.on.ca Building the future Investing in Tomorrow
Northern College wants to take unique, cutting edge experience technologies that will prepare the time to thank all of those exclusive to Northern College. them for success in the careers who took part in our week long they are pursuing as first Integrated Emergency Services “While Northern College responders in the disciplines of Complex Grand Opening achieved a milestone this week emergency services.” Celebrations. with the official opening of its Integrated Emergency Services With the 19.2 million dollar, state This Grand Opening celebration Complex, the real beneficiaries of the art facility now acting as a saw hundreds of community are our students,” commented recruitment beacon for Northern members walk the halls of the college President, Dr. Fred College, faculty and staff hope 40,000 square foot facility, taking Gibbons. “Our students now the unique learning environment in all of the state of the art tools have access to state of the which more closely resembles the designed to offer students a art facilities, equipment and working environment of active
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 14 police officers, fire fighters and Sciences and Emergency “This momentous occasion paramedics will draw students in Services. “Northern College is would not have been possible from across the province. now the top of the pack when it without the support and comes to learning experiences investment of our community,” Northern College has now for students and providing state stated Gibbons. “I would like moved to the leading edge of of the art simulation for incident to extend my deepest thanks post-secondary programming for command.” to the community, our partners, Emergency Services in Ontario. our faculty and staff on behalf of Through being the first to move A week of celebration can only Northern College. Without their our academic programs of scratch the surface of what has support, time and investment, Pre-Service Firefighting, Police been a 15 year effort on behalf this new building and its limitless Foundations and Paramedic of the College and its long list potential would not have been under one roof with working of community partners, but possible.” EMS and Fire Stations, we we at Northern College are are the first to deliver what is proud to open our doors to the truly experiential learning from community to share in all that has enrolment to graduation,” been accomplished and all of the stated Sarah Campbell, the potential that the future holds. Associate Dean of Health
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 15 New Faces and Warm Welcomes Trudy Wilson - Manager, Indigenous Services and Initiatives
and decided to go back to school. mainstream society so that they can In 2008 I graduated from Laurentian better understand our history and our University with a Native Studies B.A. issues. To that end, I spent four years (Honours) and a Law and Justice B.A. working at Northern College in various I did my four years of study through contract positions including Student correspondence while working full Advisor and professor of the First time and raising my two sons as a Nations Peoples course for the Police single mother. I share this story about Foundations program, among others. myself with you to show you that with I also spent five years working at the determination and perseverance, Timmins Native Friendship Centre The name my parents gave me is anything can be accomplished. (TNFC) as the Employment Counsellor Trudy Wilson, my spirit name is White I also want to share with you the in the Apatisiwin Program, and then Buffalo Woman, I am Wolf Clan, and a passion that I have to help my people as the HR Generalist and part of the member of Michipicoten First Nation. I improve the quality of their lives, in Administration Team. This past year have lived most of my life in Northern and out, of their home communities. I have been working with my First Ontario. I did not grow up on a We need to create positive changes Nation with regards to Comprehensive reserve and have spent most of my and build a bridge between our Community Planning. I have recently life searching for my roots. My family people and mainstream society. returned to Northern College in the lost our status when my grandfather I believe that the way to build capacity of Manager of Indigenous became enfranchised and my uncle this bridge is through education; Services & Initiatives and I look Buddy (Swanson) spent nine years education for our people so that forward to supporting my Northern doing research in order for my family they can improve the quality of their College family and our communities in to regain our status. In 2004 I decided lives and the lives of their families this new role. it was time to do my own research and communities; education for
Cam McEachern - Director of Student Services
institutions in Canada and the United management, along with strategic and States. Cam holds M.A. degree from human resource planning. Cam will McGill University, Quebec and B.A. have college-wide responsibilities. degree from Queen’s University, Although Cam’s first day in his new Ontario. Cam was with Saskatchewan role was June 13th, his first day at the Institution of Applied Science & Timmins campus will be July 3rd, 2018. Technology, Saskatoon prior to joining Please join me in welcoming Cam St. Lawrence College in Kingston, McEachern to Northern College. Ontario. Cam prides himself as a learner-centered organizational change Audrey Penner, Vice-President, agent implementing new initiatives Academic and Student Success that achieve superior post-secondary I am pleased to announce that access and success with expertise Cam McEachern will be the new in online and hybrid programming, Executive Director of Student Services, quality assurance, applied research and Institutional Research and Registrar. strategic planning. Cam comes to the College with As Executive Director of Student experience in higher education Services, Institutional Research serving in management and faculty and Registrar, Cam will provide roles at both college and university vision, leadership, direction, and
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 16 Northern Training Division
Northern College’s Training Division (NTD) provides customized training solutions for a powerful workforce, as well as independent learning opportunities for anyone looking to upskill while creating their pathway to a rewarding career. From soft-skill short courses to a variety of certificate programs, Northern Training Division has it all! Here are just a few of the high-quality training programs we offer:
• Diamond Driller Assistant Common Core – Developed by Northern’s world-renowned Haileybury School of Mines and our partners in the Canadian Diamond DrillingI ndustry, this 10-week program includes extensive hands-on training delivered by skilled instructors with comprehensive drilling experience. • Underground Hard Rock Miner Common Core –Developed by the industry-leading Haileybury School of Mines, this modular training program will Student Testimonial provide you with the entry-level skills required to become an underground hard rock miner. “The program was amazing as were the trainers. There • Business Fundamentals Certificate Program – This was a lot of one on one, hands on experience. Also, a lot one-year Ontario College certificate program, of encouragement throughout the course as well. There delivered fully online, is designed for individuals who is a huge demand in mining and because of that and want to develop skills and knowledge appropriate this program, I’ve secured employment. I would highly for an entry-level position in a business setting. recommend taking this course. It’s definitely helped me • Certificate in Child & Adolescent Mental Health – out and I have no regrets. I enjoyed the course and you Enhance your knowledge of various emotional and will too.” psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Coursesare available at the beginning of every Mia VanAlphen (Mattagami FN), semester and are delivered fully online. Underground Hard Rock Common Core Graduate • Short courses in a variety of topics including, but not limited to: Conflict Management, Effective Customer Service, Intro & Advanced Supervisory Management,Mental Health First Aid First Nations, Computer courses and more.
To request further information, please contact [email protected] or Visit our website for a list of upcoming courses and programs! www.northernc.on.ca
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 17 Lieutenant Governor visits Northern College and Coastal Communities
When the Lieutenant Governor dedicated much of her time to challenges,” said Dowdeswell. of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell witnessing and discussing the “But you know, there are a lot of toured Northeastern Ontario and challenges faced by Northern isolated individuals living in the the James Bay Coast on a fact Ontario’s indigenous population. heart of the big city too.” finding mission back in August, “They found a way of respecting The province’s Lieutenant she completed her trip with a and recognizing the value of Governor said she was heartened short visit to Northern College`s traditional culture and traditional by the efforts being undertaken Timmins Campus. knowledge but also marrying by Northerners to improve on The week long journey took the it with up-to-date western this tumultuous past and build provinces representative to the knowledge,” she told a reporter on a future rooted in equality, Queen to both Moosonee and from The Timmins Daily Press. fairenss and education. Moose Factory, carrying out her “When we talk about things like It was that focus on education mandate to meet with the people intergenerational trauma for that drew Dowdeswell to of Ontario and bring their stories, example, this group of people Timmins and Northern College. their hopes and their concerns are really thinking through what “I’ve been at Northern College back to Queen`s Park. that means in real life.” and of course I heard about “What I do is tell stories, because Dowdeswell called it an exercise it in several other places I’ve we don’t do that very well and in education and understanding; been to,” she told The Timmins it’s only when we hear people’s a lesson that could take Daily Press. “The work that’s stories that we learn to walk generations to learn and learn being developed here, bringing in their shoes,” Dowdeswell from. One that can be applied to together the training for first told local reporters. “I have any part of the province. responders and emergency the opportunity as Lieutenant “For all of us, our environment planning is state of the art. Who Governor to visit people where changes things and there knew this was happening in they live, work and play around are elements of a Northern Timmins.” the province.” environment and isolationism On this trip, Dowdeswell that are both barriers and
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 18 Academic Upgrading
Moosonee Student Testimonials be in life; a nurse. Becoming a the health field and prepares you Graduate Focus- Carel Okimaw, nurse was my dream as a child, for Nursing. Another few months Moosonee so I said I would work towards went by and also graduated from that course. So, September 2017 Carel is a graduate of the adult it no matter how long it took. rolls along and Northern College upgrading program. She reached So in September of 2015, I was was offering the Practical Nursing her training goal of gaining the enrolled in the adult upgrading Program and I said ‘yes, finally!’. entrance requirements to the program. I thought to myself it Now I am in the nursing program Pre Health Program at Northern was hard at first and almost gave and couldn’t be happier! You College in Moosonee. She up a couple of times. Inspirational meet a lot of new people along successfully completed that quotes and having to hear my the way and you help each other program last year. She has now family say not to give up when it and encourage each other to moved on to the next part of her gets hard really helped me push keep going. So if you want to journey and started her studies through. I have to say it wasn’t change your lifestyle or have a in Practical Nursing. Carel would easy at times but I would ask for dream you had since you were like to share these wonderful help if I didn’t understand the young, it’s never too late to words with us about her decision work, which really helped instead return back to school and pursue to return to school: of keeping to myself and having your dreams. Quit putting on the “In the past I was in and out of no idea of what to do. So I kept back burner and making excuses school, not wanting anything to going, and by the time a few and ‘get’r done!’ There’s a quote do with it. I got into trouble with months had passed they spoke I never get tired of hearing by the law and ended up in and of graduation which was even Earl Nightingale, which reads, out of facilities. So a couple of more exciting. I said to myself “Never give up on a dream just years ago I decided enough was ’Wow, that went really quick’ because of the time it will take to enough and to get my education and I can’t believe I waited this accomplish it. The time will pass back on track. I came to Northern long to go back to school. So I anyway.” And it’s very true. I’m College and asked if I could take graduated with honors in June loving the course thus far and the adult upgrading program to 2016. But I didn’t stop there. I cannot wait to complete it! get the entrance requirements also took the Pre-Health Sciences for college. This would get me program in September 2016 as closer to where I wanted to it helps students concentrate on
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 19 Moosonee: A Prosperous Future
Nestled on the Moose River, just Results being released today, Providing educational options nineteen miles south of James reveal that Northern College’s to potential learners in remote Bay, The Town of Moosonee Moosonee Campus had an communities plays an integral is home to Northern College’s economic impact of $6.5 million role in Northern College’s northernmost Campus. As in the 2016-2017 reference year mandate. college campuses go, the throughout the region. Moosonee campus is small in “Our Moosonee Campus plays size but has a profound impact. Yet, despite serving a decidedly a vital role along the James In meeting the post-secondary small market, the economic Bay Coast in providing access training and education needs of impact was substantial and can to training and education area residents, the campus serves be attributed to the college ranging from literacy and basic residents from Moosonee, Moose campus’s excellent post- skills development through to Factory Island and the First secondary programs and to the post-secondary programs,” Nation communities along the significant activity it engages commented Dr. Fred Gibbons, Western Coast of James Bay and in with industry, providing President and CEO. “Working in Hudson Bay. customized training programs to partnership with the leadership in the region. the region’s communities is what A recent economic impact has made the campus such an study completed by United “The campus principally serves important asset to the region.” States based Emsi, an economic a local student market, many modeling company concluded of whom are first generation Using a two-pronged approach that the Moosonee Campus’ Learners – the first member of that involves an economic impact contribution to the gross regional their family to attend a college analysis and an investment product (GRP) supported 91 or university,” stated Diane analysis, United States based jobs throughout the region, 36 Ryder, Campus Manager of the Emsi calculated the benefits of which are full-time equivalent Moosonee Campus. “Indigenous received by each of these employees at either the people are the fastest growing groups during the reference Moosonee Campus, or at one population in Canada, so the year 2016-2017, the year for of its four Learning Centres in Moosonee Campus will become which complete financial data Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort increasingly strategic to serving was available. The study was Albany or Moose Factory. the training and education needs conducted in the first quarter of of adult learners,” 2018.
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 20 Indigenous Student Services
to meet with all students for any questions or needs they may have. Indigenous Advisors create a welcoming environment and ensure students are supported throughout the course of their college experience.
Haileybury Campus & the Elders can: Kirkland Lake Campus • Mentor and motivate the community to incorporate Monique Lafond, Indigenous traditional Indigenous Student Advisor knowledge with the life of 705-567-9291 ext. 3626 being a student. [email protected] • Foster intergenerational and cultural connections. Timmins Campus • Contribute to a safe, Joseph Nakogee, Indigenous Northern College recognizes comfortable, and welcoming Student Advisor the significant role of traditional atmosphere and emphasize 705-235-3211 ext. 2233 knowledge and the importance of the importance of spiritual [email protected] passing such teachings to future wellness in one’s education. generations. • Introduce the entire College Moosonee Campus community to the rich The College is pleased to provide Willard Small, Indigenous traditions and talent in the Elders on Campus who foster Student Advisor Indigenous community. the well-being of students and 705-336-2913 ext. 5603 • Share with the community staff by sharing their experiences, [email protected] knowledge, and wisdom with the their knowledge and College community. Elders value experience about issues, education, support students, and cultures, and concerns. inspire an enriched environment • Consult and guide the of cultural understanding and community on how to diversity. incorporate a “wholistic” During the academic year, worldview in curriculum students and staff can consult development and delivery. and converse with an Elder who may provide one-on- Our Elders: one mentoring, share cultural Marilyn Chevrier-Wills, Haileybury teachings, support curriculum Campus and learning, and participate in Jeanette Gilbert, Kirkland Lake events that reflect, celebrate, and Campus respect Indigenous knowledge Rachel Chakasim, Moosonee and culture. Elders on Campus Campus will support pride in language, David Faries, Timmins Campus culture, and history. Indigenous Advisors are available Bring Our Children Northern College Indigenous Council on Home Education
Northern College’s vision is success for our northern 2019 POWWOW communities through learning and partnerships. Our mission is to work with all of our communities to APRIL 12TH -13TH ensure quality, accessible education through innovative programs, services and partnerships. The Northern College Indigenous Council acts as a voice for the Indigenous community and a leader in ensuring that the education needs of the indigenous community are identified, addressed, evaluated, and assessed.
Current Members Include:
Dorothy Larkman, Chair, Indigenous Council Dr. Fred Gibbons, Northern College President Michael Miller, Open Seat Irene Tomatuk, Mushkegowuk Sharon Nate, Matawa, Open Seat Veronica Nicholson, Open Seat Lillian Trapper, Open Seat Kathy Cheechoo, Open Seat Ken Neegan, Open Seat Melody Chislett-Morris, Métis Nation of Ontario Melanie Verreault, Open Seat Laura Flood, Open Seat,
For more information, please contact Joseph Nakogee [email protected] 705-235-3211 x2233 northernc.on.ca Submit a Story Call for submissions!
Indigenous cultures have long We also want to show the Submissions may be up to 500 passed on knowledge through diversity of our campus words in length on any subject or storytelling. We want to hear communities. Submissions are in any style. We encourage you from you and your community! welcome from all community to include any related images, Send us your stories that relate to members and Northern College photos or artwork. Northern College! Anything from students, staff and faculty! For more information or to community events, workshops, Deadline for submission for the submit your story, please contact and class field trips, to student upcoming issue are April 30, Stephanie Tamming: thefeather@ testimonials and alumni success 2019, and chosen work will be northern.on.ca stories. We want to know about published in The Feather’s it and share the news with our Summer 2019 Issue. college community! Support Indigenous Student Bursaries By Advertising in The Feather!
Northern College will be offering the opportunity for your business, school, or community organization to be promoted in the upcoming issues of The Feather. Proceeds from the advertisement campaign will support Indigenous students studying at Northern College by providing bursaries. Advertising deadline April 30, 2019 for the Summer Edition.
For more information or to book your ad, please email: [email protected]
THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 23 STUDY. STAY. PLAY.
HAILEYBURY CAMPUS 640 Latchford St. Box 2060 Haileybury ON P0J 1K0 705.672.3376
KIRKLAND LAKE CAMPUS 140 Government Rd. East Kirkland Lake ON P2N 3L8 705.567.9291
MOOSONEE CAMPUS James Bay Education Centre First Ave. Box 130 Moosonee ON P0L 1Y0 705.366.2913
TIMMINS CAMPUS 4715 Highway 101 East South Porcupine ON P0N 1H0 705.235.3211 Mailing Address P.O. Box 3211 Timmins ON P4N8R6
MOOSE FACTORY LEARNING CENTRE 25 Pedabun Road, Box 780 Moose Factory, ON P0L 1W0 705.658.4726 northernc.on.ca