Aboriginal Services Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 1 Fall/Winter 2013 Northern College Aboriginal Council on Education (NCACE) table – OF – contents

2 Greetings 3 Lightning Trail Youth Retreat a Success 4 Northern College Aboriginal Council on Education 5 Traditional Teachings and Nursing 5 Gratitude to our Elders 6 Giving Students a Voice 7 Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Week 7 A Student’s Story 8 Powwow 9 Tipi Grand Opening 10 Northern College Coastal Graduating Student Visit 11 The Three Sisters Garden 12 Employment Opportunities at Northern College 13 Professional Development in and

traditional – territory – acknowledgement

Northern College acknowledges the Traditional Keepers of the Land. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge the drum and other sacred items. AHNII, KWE Kwe, WACHEY, SAGO, WACHIYEa, BOOZHOO

The Northern College Board of Governors and the Northern College Aboriginal Council on Education both gave their approval to the college’s 2013-2016 Strategic Plan which came into effect on April 1st, 2013.

The strategic plan sets forth four strategic directions: Accessible Education; Signature Programs; The Northern Experience; and Aboriginal Perspectives.

While all four strategic directions will contribute to improved programs and services for all students, including a specific strategic direction for Aboriginal peoples demonstrates the commitment Northern College has to becoming the college of choice for Aboriginal peoples.

Our college has enjoyed a very close relationship in providing education and training programs to Aboriginal communities since Northern College was first established in 1967. Over the years, this relationship has now grown to where 12% of our total college enrolment is comprised of Aboriginal students. We are honoured and it is a privilege to receive your trust and confidence to help develop the next generation of social workers, nurses, electricians, business owners and community leaders.

As a college, we are committed to continuing to hold meaningful dialogue and develop partnerships with Aboriginal leaders, learners, communities and employers, building on those strong relationships that have already been established.

Meegwetch,

Fred Gibbons Micheal Miller President, Northern College Chair, Northern College Aboriginal Council on Education

the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 2 lightning trail – youth retreat – a success

From August 11 to 17, 2013, Northern College, in retreat included the sharing of wisdom on the seven partnership with Hydro One and District School Board grandfather teachings, sacred fire, medicine wheel North East hosted Lighting Trail, a summer and rites of passage. retreat for Aboriginal youth at the Campus. The attendees of Lightning Trail enjoyed the retreat’s 29 First Nation, Metis and Inuit students between the mix of indigenous knowledge and technical workshops. ages of 12 and 18 attended the retreat. Originally The self-esteem and confidence of the attendees conceived as an event to introduce attendees to grew as they created friendships and engaged in new trades and technology while building confidence, experiences and many plan to return again next year. leadership skills and cultural understanding, Northern College expanded the scope of the retreat to include Guest speakers Wab Kinew, host of CBC’s The 8th additions to attendees’ college transcripts. All Fire and Shy-Anne, an award-winning country music attendees who participated in 80% or more of the artist, were integral to Lightning Trail’s success. These retreat’s workshops, activities and teachings received speakers shared their personal stories of hardships and a Certificate of Completion for Lightning Trail issued success, and provided messages of encouragement to by Northern College. attendees.

In addition, three Lightning Trail participants were awarded $1,500 Northern College Hydro One Aboriginal Leadership Entrance Bursaries, which can be applied to tuition costs should they enroll in one of the Electrical Engineering Technician, Electrical Engineering Technology or Civil Engineering Technology programs at Northern College. Curtis Dobson, Kaylan Innes and Samuel Kloetstra were presented the bursaries in recognition of their work in planning, designing and coordinating the retreat, as well serving as leaders to the attendees. These leaders also established the Nish Olympics, a series of events held at Lightning Trail, which included an obstacle course designed to resemble hunting, a fire building and tea boiling exercise, and a canoe race.

Other events at Lightning Trail included workshops in residential wiring, welding and instrumentation, as well as tours of Northern College and the Timmins Native Friendship Centre. Cultural events at the

3 the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 – the – northern college aboriginal council – on – education

Member Representing

Micheal Miller, Chair Board of Governors John Beck, First Vice-Chair Open Seat Fred Gibbons, President College President Hattie Luke-Maher Elder Meredith Schimmens Student Murray Waboose Matawa Kimberly Naveau Wabun Dorothy Larkman Open Seat Lillian Trapper Open Seat Kathy Cheechoo Open Seat Ken Neegan Open Seat Veronica Nicholson Open Seat Vacant Open Seat

MISSION

The Council shall speak with a voice of debwewin (personal truth) on behalf of the Aboriginal community and assume a leadership role in Northern College to ensure that the educational needs of the Aboriginal community are identified, addressed, evaluated, assessed and achieved.

MANDATE

The Northern College Aboriginal Council on Education is the formal expression of the ownership of the College by the and those who share that ancestry living in the region that the College serves.

The Council shall work with the Board of Governors of Northern College through both the President and the Aboriginal representatives on the Board of Governors to develop the policies governing Aboriginal programs and services offered through Northern College.

the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 4 traditional teachings gratitude – and – – to our – nursing elders

The students at Northern College have found the Elders on Campus program of great assistance as they navigate their way through their journey to academic success. In each edition of The Feather, we will pay tribute to the Elders that are coming into the college to help our students. In this edition we would like to acknowledge the tremendous support of David Faries. David not only shares his knowledge at our Timmins Campus, but also makes visits to our Haileybury and Kirkland Lake Campuses.

David speaks to us with sincerity. He knows how to use Nursing Faculty at Northern College had the humour effectively and has taught us so much about opportunity to participate in a day-long session our culture. But most importantly David has found a on nursing and traditional teachings conducted by way to make us proud of our culture and of who we Rosella Kinoshameg, RN, BScN, DSL (Honoris Causa). are. David is with us in times of celebration and helps us in times of sadness and we are better for knowing Rosella is /Ojibway from the Wikwemikong him. Unceded and has a special interest in the Anishinabe culture and spirituality, medicine wheel, traditional medicine as a way of life, plants for foods and medicine; Medicine Walks, and has incorporated many teachings in all aspects of her work. Rosella is a recipient of an honorary Doctorate in Sacred Letters, and has 45 varied years of nursing experience. Rosella was at Northern College to help nursing faculty incorporate culturally competent care into the nursing curriculum, ensuring that every nurse that graduates from Northern College will have the competencies needed to provide culturally safe care David believes that learning cultural practices and in all practice settings. passing them on to future generations will strengthen our community and our people. This is an example of how Northern College is working towards being the college of choice for the Aboriginal The staff and students of Northern College appreciate peoples of northeastern Ontario. David’s contribution. Meegwetch, David.

5 the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 giving students – a – voice

During March 2012, the Northern College Aboriginal Council on Education had the college conduct a survey of First Nations, Metis and Inuit students. The information gathered from this survey is intended to improve programs and services for FNMI students. The Aboriginal Council is pleased to share this information with you.

If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kathy Gagain at 705.235.7208 or [email protected] C O N T I N U E D C O N T I N U E D ARE CONFIDENT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO FIND A JOB RELATED TO THEIR PROGRAM AFTER THEY GRADUATE ARE CONFIDENT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO FIND A JOB RELATED TO THEIR PROGRAM AFTER THEY GRADUATE

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the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 6 – a – aboriginal cultural student’s story awareness week

The Northern College Aboriginal Council on Education makes it a point to meet annually with the students of Northern College. This year, one student suggested that as there are various orientation sessions that take place at the college each year, an Aboriginal awareness activity should be created.

The Aboriginal Council wholeheartedly supported this recommendation and the week of September 23rd to 27th, 2013, has been selected to be Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Week at Northern College.

It is anticipated that Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Week will become an annual celebration of Indigenous My name is Monique G. and I’m from cultures. Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Week is a Peawanuck, Ontario, which is located chance for students, faculty, staff and the community approximately 34 kilometers from the coast at large to engage with and learn about Indigenous of the Hudson Bay. It’s a small community cultures. where the population is less than 300. Every summer, I would normally travel back home One of the primary objectives of Aboriginal Cultural to spend time with family and friends, but Awareness Week is to educate our campus communities this year I decided to work in Timmins. about Indigenous issues, and to dispel myths and stereotypes about Aboriginal peoples. I’m a Business Accounting student at Northern College and I’m also a summer Northern College’s Aboriginal Cultural Awareness employee for Northern as well. After meeting Week is a chance for our Aboriginal students and some of the employees, I’m very grateful to staff to celebrate, and show the rest of the college have the opportunity to be here and to work community the uniqueness and beauty that lies within with such hardworking, wonderful people the many nations. who are dedicated to their jobs. We would like to thank Margaret for suggesting that I chose Northern College to continue my we host this event. You have made Northern College education because of its reputation and a better place. location. The atmosphere is welcoming and there is a great learning environment. I came here with hopes that my transition into college life would be an easy one, and it was. The staff and teachers made that possible. They were very helpful and organized. They keep the student informed about the activities/events that take place in and around the college. It makes you feel like you are part of the Northern College team. Northern has become a home away from home.

7 the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 – the – Powwow

The 12th Annual Northern College Traditional Powwow, one of the largest events on the Powwow trail in Ontario, was held on Saturday April 6th and Sunday, April 7th, 2013. The theme for the Powwow was “Honouring our Mother Earth”. The Powwow opened with a Pre-Powwow social on the evening of the 4th, which took place in the gymnasium at Northern College’s The Powwow Committee ensured that the positive Timmins campus. This gathering was an opportunity and friendly atmosphere within the campus, including for the local community to observe, celebrate and the gymnasium, vendors’ area and Tipi, focused on learn about the Aboriginal spirit and the strength the singers, dancers, and Elders. With the experience of Aboriginal families. Guests arrived from as far as and coordinated direction the Master of Ceremonies Thunder Bay, Wemindji, Attawapiskat, Ottawa and David Faries and Arena Director Gerald Chum, the London, joining members of the local community as Powwow exceeded all expectations and exemplified well as the surrounding communities and territories a well organized event. Chikeney Creek, Highridge of the Wabun and Mushkegowuk Singers, Poplar Singers, Ghost Mountain, Wild Tribal Council. Over forty people attended the social, and White Tail Cree were the singers and drums of mingling and dancing while the drum groups warmed the weekend. Ceremonies included the Grand Entry, up for the main event. Flag, Veteran, Invocation, Memorial, Prayers, and Closing Songs. The singers’ melodic voices and the A Sacred Fire and Pipe Ceremony with Grandfather heartbeats of the sacred drums inspired the dancers, Veteran Robert Bigtrack was held early Saturday including lead dancers Mariette Sutherland and Tim morning. Grand Entry started at noon, and sixty McGregor. Also in attendance was hoop dancer Lisa dancers and eight drums accompanied the solemn Odjig, semi-finalist of Canada’s Got Talent, who was and sacred openings of the Powwow. Nations’ flags, invited to demonstrate her art. Over 60 Powwow Turtle Island and Eagle Staffs were carried and dancers, children, youth, adult and Elders danced displayed by Elders, Chiefs, local leaders, veterans with their beautiful intricately designed regalia. Pride, and other dignitaries and were celebrated. teachings and laughs were shared.

Detour Gold sponsored a Saturday evening feast that coincided with a fashion show consisting of Bruno Henry’s designs, which were modeled by Northern College students. Vendors sold arts and crafts, and there was also children’s arts and crafts activities directed by Nichole Roy and her college student volunteers.

On behalf of the Northern College Powwow Committee, we would like to thank the following business and organizations who assisted with this event: Ontario Power Generation, DeBeers Canada, Ojibway & Cree Cultural Centre, Northern Logistics Inc., Canadian Tire, Walmart, Dailey’s Independent Grocer, Timmins Garage, Waste Management, Wyatt Image Solutions, OFIS Supplies, Timmins Native Friendship Centre, Metis Nation of Ontario, Kunuwanimano, Misiway Health Centre and the Mennonite Central Committee. Until next year’s 13th annual Northern College Traditional Powwow, enjoy a great autumn and continue sharing Aboriginal culture.

Meegwetch! the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 8 permanent tipi grand opening

On April 5th, 2013 Northern College welcomed heritage is such a wonderful opportunity for everyone students, staff and members of the community to involved, whether someone is sharing their heritage celebrate the grand opening of the new permanent or experiencing something new.” 700 square foot Tipi at the Timmins Campus. The Tipi will play host to community, cultural and The Tipi is a visible embodiment of one of educational activities while providing a warm, Northern College’s strategic directions, Aboriginal inviting environment for gathering, sharing, healing Perspectives. Northern College is committed to and learning. The Tipi will be accessible to Northern holding meaningful dialogue and developing College students, partners, clients, and all those with partnerships with Aboriginal leaders, learners, an interest in learning more about the cultural values communities and employers, and building on strong and traditions of Aboriginal peoples. relationships that have already been established.

The construction of the Tipi was officially marked on Northern College’s 2013-2016 Strategic Plan guides June 8th, 2012 with a sunrise ceremony facilitated by the college’s goals and action plans, allowing the Grandmother and Elder Roberta Oshkawbewisens college to effectively carry out our mission to ensure and Grandfather and Elder David Faries to bless quality, accessible education through innovative the ground, acknowledge the original inhabitants of programs, services, and partnerships for the benefit the land and ask for their blessing for the continued of our northern communities. success of the activities conducted upon it. In late March, a sunrise pipe ceremony was held to cleanse the Tipi before its grand opening. Smudging, traditional teachings and a sharing circle followed.

Designed in the likeness of a traditional Tipi, this permanent structure is located on the south side of the campus facing Porcupine Lake. It is temperature controlled, ventilated, and connected to the college to enable year-round use. This new venue will provide an inclusive environment to meet the needs of cultural, community, and educational activities such as smudging, Aboriginal teachings and, traditional ceremonies, as well as classes, seminars and meetings with Aboriginal content. It will be used by faculty, aligning with traditional methods of learning such as storytelling and learning circles. A place for quiet reflection and a symbol of respect and acceptance, the Tipi provides access to the spiritual and cultural wisdom of Elders and promotes cross cultural awareness among the staff, faculty, community and student body.

“The Tipi is a source of ceremony, relationship building, cross-cultural understanding and a place of sharing and reflection. Northern College is dedicated to creating and sustaining a respectful, inclusive, accessible, and culturally sensitive learning environment,” said Fred Gibbons, President of Northern College. “Celebrating our varied cultural

9 the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 northern college coastal graduating student visit

In early March, Northern College hosted 28 students Job prospects were shared as a result of activity and chaperones from Kashechewan and Fort underway in the area, including the Albany. Students from Attawapiskat, Moosonee and DeBeers Victor Mine project, Detour Gold’s Detour Moose Factory were unable to attend due to other Lake mine and the ongoing development of Ontario’s commitments but we look forward to meeting them in Ring of Fire. the near future. Students also had the opportunity to speak to faculty The week began with students and chaperones and observe classes in progress. They returned to the travelling on the ice road to Moosonee where they Timmins Campus in time for supper each day. boarded the Polar Bear Express Train to Cochrane. They were then met by Tisdale Bus Lines who provided The visiting students also took advantage of the transportation for the week. The Bon Air Motel in social aspects of visiting the city by going to movies, Timmins provided accommodation for the attendees shopping, and visiting relatives. The Northern College as our college campus residence was in still in use, as Student Association provided all visiting students with regular classes were underway. The timing provided information and giveaways, as did our Admissions and an excellent opportunity for the high school students Marketing departments. to interact with current Northern College students and to see classes in action. On the final day of the week the students returned to Cochrane to board the train to return home. They left During the week, the students travelled to our with a solid understanding of what Northern College campuses in Haileybury, Kirkland Lake and Timmins. has to offer. The following excerpt from this thank The students spent a full day at each location, getting you email by Haydn George, Principal of Francine J. a feel for the campuses and their surroundings. Wesley Secondary School in Kashechewan, sums up the student experiences of the week: Recruitment and advising staff were on hand to meet with the students, including the campus Elders who “On behalf of all our students, we say Meegwetch for were readily available to offer their assistance. A all your efforts this week during our visit to Northern smudging ceremony was held for the students at our College. We were pleasantly surprised at your offer to Kirkland Lake Campus guided by our Elder David attend the facilities for the week and are pleased that Faries. we accepted. Students had a fabulous opportunity to understand your programming and become Each day began with the students having breakfast, acquainted with the campuses. then travelling to their specific destination campus where they were given tours of shops, labs, classes, I look forward to hearing more success stories from libraries, gyms, and campus services. At our Haileybury students who attend Northern College in the future! Campus, students experienced a half day presentation on our Mining Engineering Technician program and Congratulations on organizing a meaningful week!” mining opportunities that are available to them.

the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 1 0 – the – three sisters garden

The Aboriginal Services Department at Northern College took advantage of a Community Garden located on the College’s Timmins Campus, renting a plot in order to create a Three Sisters Garden. This companion-planting combination, consisting of corn, beans and squash, results in a successful harvest of each crop.

In a Three Sisters Garden, corn is planted in the centre of a plot. The stalks of the corn provide natural poles which are climbed by bean vines. At the same time, the beans fix nitrogen to their roots, improving the overall fertility of the plot. The bean vines also help stabilize the corn plants, making them less vulnerable to blowing over in the wind. Shallow- rooted squash vines act as a living mulch, shading emerging weeds and preventing soil moisture from evaporating, improving the overall crops chances of survival during dry periods. The spines of the squash plants discourage predators from approaching the garden. The large amount of crop residue created by this planting combination can be added back to the soil at the end of the season, in order to improve its fertility.

Corn, beans and squash also complement each other nutritionally. Corn provides carbohydrates and dried beans provide protein and squash provides vitamins.

When the garden is ready to harvest, it will be used by Grandmother Roberta Oshkawbewisens to tell the story of how she learned to make corn soup. If the harvest is less plentiful than hoped, perhaps Grandmother Roberta will share a story of how to survive during times when food is scarce.

1 1 the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 employment opportunities – at – northern college

Through the wisdom of our Aboriginal Council on Education, Elders and community leaders, Northern College is guided by the fundamental values of strength, honesty, sharing and kindness to benefit our communities. We are committed to responding to the choices and directions of Aboriginal peoples and to ensuring that the needs of the Aboriginal communities are met. At Northern College, learning is a life-long journey and we offer an open, trusting, and ever-expanding circle of relationships to experience and explore.

It is a commitment of Northern College to establish an organizational culture that reflects the diversity of our communities and we are committed to fostering and encouraging a safe, caring and respectful organizational culture. Northern College offers a variety of employment opportunities on a continual basis in response to newly emerging programs, existing employees retiring and new positions being created.

We offer our employees opportunities to grow and learn and to contribute to the social and economic development of our communities. Northern College promotes professional development opportunities for training, development, and career growth. We encourage our employees to become involved in committees and activities of their interest. We support the health of our employees through our Wellness Program, access to a medical clinic at the Timmins Campus, free gym memberships for full-time employees, and an employee assistance program. Childcare is located on-site at both the Moosonee and the Kirkland Lake campuses.

We offer a comprehensive benefit plan that includes a generous pension plan, vacation entitlement, and competitive compensation.

To learn more about employment opportunities with Northern College, please visit northernc.on.ca. If you need more information or have any questions please contact me at 705.235.3211 ext. 7234, or [email protected].

Join the Northern College team. We have a job waiting for you.

the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 1 2 professional development

Northern College provided a unique cultural Indigenous owned Eco Lodge in the northern awareness opportunity to nine employees. Knowing hemisphere. This modern building is a state-of-the- that Aboriginal culture is closely tied to the land, four art eco-tourism facility, designed and operated by faculty, four support staff and one administrator visited the MoCreebec people in accordance with traditional the communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory. values and a focus on Cree cultural and ecological sustainability. The accommodations and meals were A charter left the Timmins airport on Wednesday, excellent and the service, second to none. August 21st, 2013. After a tour of Moosonee, the staff met with a boat driver who took the group on a tour After dinner the group moved over to the Shaputuan of the Ship Sands Island, located at the mouth of the where Norm Wesley talked about the seasons and the , 19 km downriver from Moosonee and importance of the goose to the way of life. The group Moose Factory. The Island attracts many shorebird enjoyed playing traditional Cree games and feasted species and contains marshland, willow meadows and on bannock. expansive tidewater and mudflats (not to mention that it is home to many, many mosquitoes). Tours of Weeneebayko Hospital, Hudson Bay Staff House and Museum Grounds, Education Authority, Delores D. Echum Secondary School, Cree Cultural Centre, and Band Office took place.

At each and every stop the people of the community warmly welcomed the group. Our goal was to learn about where our students come from so that we can better understand them and be of greater assistance so that they can achieve their educational goals. Thanks to the communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory, we achieved our goal and we can’t wait to go back.

The group stayed at the Cree Eco Lodge, the first

1 3 the feather • Volume 2 • Issue 1 • Fall/winter 2013 campus tipis – and – shaputuan

With guidance from the Elders on Campus, Northern College has canvas tipis available at each of our campuses. While the Haileybury, Kirkland Lake and Moosonee campuses possess traditionally shaped tipis, the Timmins campus has a Shaputuan, a long-house style structure.

The purpose of these structures is to help faculty and staff enrich the learning experience of the College’s students. The Tipis and Shaputuan are sacred locations, and are to be used as culturally appropriate, with ceremonies taking place as required. They are designated as smudging areas and are to be used as a place for gathering, for education and for the sharing of knowledge.

By having these structures on campus, students are able to learn of the traditional ways. The students also appreciate having a place where all voices can be heard and ideas shared.

– the – feather readership contest

Who is reading The Feather? Let us know if you are and you could be a lucky winner of a $100 Prepaid Visa Gift Card!

Prize categories 1. The reader who lives the farthest from the Timmins Campus 2. The reader who lives the closest to the Timmins Campus 3. The reader who lives the closest to the middle of the winners of categories 1 and 2

How to win Either email [email protected] with “I Read The Feather” in the subject line or complete and mail in the ballot below to Kathy Gagain, Aboriginal Services; Northern College; P.O. Box 3211; Timmins, Ontario; P4N 8R6. Please submit your entry before December 31st, 2013.

Good luck! Prizes will be sent to the address included with each winners contest entrancy form/email. Prizes will be awarded based on distance from the Timmins Campus of Northern College. All readers are eligible to participate. We look forward to hearing from you!

I READ THE FEATHER Name: Street Address: City: Province: Postal Code: Email: HAILEYBURY CAMPUS KIRKLAND LAKE CAMPUS MOOSONEE CAMPUS TIMMINS CAMPUS 640 Latchford St. Box 2060 140 Government Rd. East James Bay Education Centre 4715 Highway 101 East Haileybury ON P0J1K0 Kirkland Lake ON P2N3L8 First Ave. Box 130 South Porcupine ON P0N 1H0 705.672.3376 705.567.9291 Moosonee ON P0L1Y0 705.235.3211 705.366.2913 Mailing Address P.O. Box 3211 Timmins ON P4N8R6