Newsletter Fall 2016

Nindinwewininaan

This IssueGagwegakendamaawiziwin

First Nation Student Success Program

Graduation

Fall Harvest and much more!

Providing quality educational programs and services toeveryone for 30 years.

www.7generations.org

Your career begins here!

Adult Education Arts and Crafts Credit

The Alternative and Adult Education Students had the opportunity to build a chicken coup, sponsored by Home Hardware, as part of our Arts and Crafts Credit!!!

More Activities To Come!!!

Seven Generations Education Institute

BOARD OF DIRECTORSNaomi Field Mitaanjigamiing F.N. Peggy Loyie Couchiching F.N.

Clayton Windigo Nigigoonsiminikaaning F.N. Rachel Copenace Big Grassy F.N. Sherri Tuesday Big Island F.N.

Carol Geyshick Lac La Croix F.N.Shawn Kelly Mikinaak Onigaming F.N.

Raechel Snowball Naicatchewenin F.N. Tara Hunter Rainy River F.N.Norman Girard Seine River F.N.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERBrent Tookenay

OFFICE ADMINISTRATIONDirector of Administration - Julie McEvoy

Director of Human Resources - Michelle AllanReceptionist - Erika Jourdain Bookkeeper - Jodie Tucker

Administrative Assistant Finance / HR - Kelly Sigurdson

ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICESIndigenous Education Leader - Angela Mainville

Vice-Principal Fort Frances High School - Dan BirdIndigenous Early Literacy Assistants:

Darlene Adams * Shirley Andy * Melissa Gushulak * Cheryl SmithIndigenous Guidance Counselors:

Denise Radigan * Lisa George * Morningstar Tom

FIRST NATION STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMStudent Success Program Manager - Kim Kirk

Student Success Program Teacher:Aimee Beazley * Shelly Jones

Data/Computer Specialist - Ron Berezowski

HIGH SCHOOLPrincipal - Sean Taggart

Vice Principal/Teacher - Brendan SmythAdministrative Assistant - Donna Brunn Receptionist - Lisa Angus

Teachers - Brian Booty * Jordan Botsford * Karen Cederwall Denise Clendenning * Mary Fawcett * Paul Gagne

Jenny Gibson * Julija Graham * Lorie Labbe * Brock MadillTyler Miller * Marg Oversby * Laurel Spalding * Sadie Windego

ITIT Systems Administrator - Christine Woolsey

Information Technician - Rob Perreault

LANGUAGE & CULTURECulture/Anishinaabemowin Coordinator - Robert Horton

MANIDOO BAAWAATIGFacility Coordinator - Mark Duggan

Administrative Assistant - Amanda Gray

APPRENTICESHIP, ESSENTIAL SKILLS & POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONDirector of Apprenticeship, Essential Skills & Post Secondary Education -

Wayne ZimmerAssistant Director of Apprenticeship, Essential Skills & Post Secondary Education

William PerraultPost Secondary Education Program Coordinators

Don Eldridge * Guy Letourneau * Mark GaudetTraining Coordinator - Kaitlyn Allen

MWPP Administrative Assistant - Vivian Kakekapetum Student Services Coordinator - Nadine Swartout Registrar - Connie Foster

Program Administrator/Librarian - Tanya Howarth Program Assistant - Katie Whitehead

POST SECONDARY STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMDirector of Post Secondary Student Support - Howard Twance

Education Counsellor - Jennifer Kushnir

All submissions can be mailed to:SGEI Newsletter, Editor, P.O. Box 297, Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M6

PH. 807-274-2796 or FAX 807-274-8761 e-mail: christineb@7generations.org

ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITOR. OPINIONS MADE BY SUBMISSIONS OR STORIES DO NOT NECESSARILY

REFLECT THE OPINION OF THE SEVEN GENERATIONS EDUCATION INSTITUTE.

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The translation for Gagwegakendamaawiziwin came from the original name we had for this game “Quest for Knowledge”

Gagwegakendamaawiziwin 2016

This year Gagwegakendamaawiziwin was held at the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation Gymnasium on March 30, 2016. The event hosted five teams in each of the two divisions. The Junior Division was comprised of Grade 5 and 6 students, while the Senior Division was comprised of Grade 7 and 8 students. The teams came from schools throughout the Rainy River District School Board as well as two teams from the Northwest Catholic District School Board.

The teams participated in games that demonstrated their knowledge of Anishinaabe language and culture. The games are designed to get students using the language rather than just memorizing verbs and nouns. The games also test their use of the double vowel system in reading the language.

All of the teams should be proud of their performance; they all competed well. St. Francis School, led by Coach Mrs. Tymkin, were the defending Champions in the Junior Division, with Robert Moore School (Coach Mr. Jones) taking 2nd place and Mine Centre School (Coach Mrs. White) taking 3rd place over all.

J.W. Walker, led by Coach Mrs. Andy, took home (or back to their school) 1st place in the Senior Division with St. Francis School (Coach Mrs. Tymkin) taking 2nd place and Robert Moore School (Coach Mr. Jones) taking 3rd place over all.

The placing teams were as follows:Junior Division1st Place – St. Francis SchoolOlivia Calder-Mainville Abby HardyEthan Lengyel Kaidence PerreaultEmma Yerxa Anna MainvilleEmma Bruyere

Senior Division1st Place – J.W. Walker SchoolSusan Andy Nickolas GerskiCheyenne Hanson Samarah JonesShallin McNeil Simone PayneGracie Petsnick Shakira Wapoose

2nd Place – Robert Moore SchoolAndros Bruyere Ayiana GagneDamon Jack Maddy JonesJayce Linklater Marra McPhersonJolene Spoon Shayden Whitecrow

2nd Place – St. Francis SchoolCailynn Bruyere Adam GeorgeAndie Hunter Rebecca JourdainSamantha Kelly Emma MainvilleAbby Roach Alacea Yerxa

3rd Place – Mine Centre SchoolMadison Johnson Trinity BoshkaykinLakota Allen Kayla BoshkaykinAlonzo Houle

3rd Place – Robert Moore SchoolJacy Gagne Jesse JourdainLamar Lucas Kassidy McDonaldEva Morrisseau Payten Tuesday An event like Gagwegakendamaawiziwin takes a lot of effort from Seven Generations employees and students, Anishinaabemowin teachers, Anishinaabemowin students, and from the host community. A special thanks goes out to the Elders and helpers that came out and supported the Anishinaabemowin learners. Gichi-miigwech!

Manidoo Baawaatig Community GardenManidoo Baawaatig campus staff and students built a community garden in partnership with Womens place, Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation and other interested parties in Kenora.

The Garden was a place for students and community members to come together and learn. It was accessible to all and featured traditional medicines along with various vegetables.

The garden is located in the back of the building where the old playground used to be.

The garden is wheel chair accessible and open to the public. It provided our students with free, fresh produce and helped us be more involved with our community.

The Culinary students took great pride in the Garden assisting staff with building, planting, weeding and finally preparing it for the Winter months. The fresh food from the Garden was used in dishes prepared by the culinary students.

Manidoo Baawaatig will be holding cultural workshops such as sewing, beading, drum making, and Language. We will be working collaboratively with other organizations in Kenora.

These workshops will be in the evenings as well as weekend times.

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Anishinaabe Engagement: Seven Generations Education Institute now offers engaging presentations on Anishinaabe history, traditional governance, treaties and international law, language revitalization, decolonization, and more. To date, there have been various sessions successfully delivered to schools, and organizations. Anishinaabe Engagement is a customizable experience that has been fine tuned to go beyond awareness into understanding and building relationships.

Language Table Luncheons: Each week, we offer an opportunity for staff and students to gather for an Anishinaabemowin language table. Staff/students learn vocabulary, linguistics and morphologies of words, conversational Anishinaabemowin, and teachings about our Clan system and Treaty.

Revitalization

Anishinaabemowin Word/Phrases of the Day: Seven Generations Education Institute has begun recording and broadcasting words, phrases, and teachings about the origins of words in Anishinaabemowin. We are happy to share our beautiful language with countless people in the region.

Anishinaabemowin Master Resource Lists: We have built an ongoing list of language revitalization and Anishinaabemowin Resources (including video, audio, print, programs, etc.) to make available to everyone seeking to build their language skills.

Seven Generations Education Institute Language Initiatives

Language

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Kenora’s Manidoo Baawaatig Campus celebrates the graduating class for the Culinary/Hospitality Arts Foundations Program. This program is designed to support the hiring and retention of workers in front desk clerk, housekeeping, cooking/catering and food and beverage services. The program focuses on the skill development of new workers entering the hospitality services industry.

Culinary/Hospitality Arts Foundations Program

Building Construction ProgramSeptember 2016

Esthetician ProgramSeptember 2016

Students in Fort Frances will complete this diploma in 42 weeks. The students will gain the hands-on skills needed to work in the growing building construction industry. In addition, they will gain the confidence, knowledge and leadership skills needed to manage a team of workers. Essential skills such as, how to operate the tools and equipment of the trade, layout and construction of wood frame floors, walls roof systems, and much more will help these students move into the industry with ease.

Students will learn how to perform the full range of esthetic treatments available in salons and spas today, such as, make-up art-istry, hair removal, facial massage techniques, spa manicure/pedicure techniques, and much more. They’ll be trained in our fully equipped esthetic lab and student-run community spa where they will gain valuable hands-on experience under the supervision of trained and knowledgeable faculty.

Seven Generations Secondary School

The graduation ceremony for students from the Adult Education Partnership between Seven Generations Education Institute and the Keewatin Patricia District School Board took place on June 15, 2016 at the Dryden Regional Training and Cultural Centre. Thirty-six adult students graduated from the program this past year, and 25 graduates were in attendance to have their diplomas conferred by Sean Taggart, Seven Generations Secondary School Principal, and Richard Hodgkinson, KPDSB Adult Education Principal.

Students and their guests were welcomed by the Chicomahgiz Singers. Greetings and opening remarks were given by Brent Tookenay, CEO of Seven Generations Education Institute, Sean Monteith, KPDSB Director of Education, and Isadore Day, Ontario Regional Chief. Also in attendance were Greg Wilson, Mayor of Dryden, and other Senior Administrators from KPDSB and Seven Generations Education Institute.

The Valedictory Address was delivered by Garnet Ross, who attended the Kenora classroom at Manidoo Baawaatig and graduated at the age of 68. He expressed how proud he was of the accomplishments of all of the graduates, and encouraged anyone who might be thinking about returning to school to do so, saying, “It doesn’t matter if you are 20, 30, 40, 50, or 68 years old. You still got a chance to do it. I like to say never give up even when you have to face challenges.”

The Adult Education Partnership delivers services to students who are 18 years or older and have been out of high school for at least one year. Seven Generations Education Institute and KPDSB are deeply committed to the ever growing education needs of adult learners in the area, and over 640 adult students registered with the regional program this past school year. Interested students can enroll at Adult Education offices in the communities of Dryden, Ear Falls, Ignace, Kenora, Pickle Lake, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout.

Adult Ed. Graduation A partnership with

Kenora Patricia District School Board

Post Secondary Programs2017-2018

Nanicost Campus (Fort Frances)

Manidoo Baawaatig Campus (Kenora)

COMING SEPTEMBER 2017:

*NEW* Hairstyling

Building Construction

Welding - May and September Intake

COMING SEPTEMBER 2017:

*NEW* Culinary Management Diploma

*NEW* Practical Nursing

Community & Justice Services Worker

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Seven Generations Education Institute GraduationJune 2016

The graduation ceremony for students from Seven Generations Education Institute Post Secondary and Secondary classes took place on June 9, 2016 at the Fort Frances Memorial Sportsplex. Sixty-nine Post Secondary students graduated from various programs including Office Administration Certificate, Culinary Skills Chef Certificate, Police Foundations Diploma, Welding Techniques Certificate, Personal Support Worker Certificate, Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Arts Degree, and School of Indigenous Honours Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work Degree. The Secondary School had 21 graduates receive their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas.

The ceremony opened with the sound of Seven Generations Education Institute’s drum, Saagajiwe, and opening remarks from CEO Brent Tookenay. There were two Valedictory Addresses. One was from Secondary School Student Taryn Smith and the other was from the Apprenticeship, Essential Skills & Post Secondary Program, Morning Star Tom. Both delivered strong messages to their peers.

The evening wrapped-up with a buffet style meal for all the graduates, families, and attendees. Congratulations again to the Seven Generations Education institute Class of 2016.

Newsletter - Fall 2016

Newly RenovatedManidoo Baawaatig Event Centre

October 2016We are proud to announce the completion of the new event centre at Manidoo Baawaatig Campus! The OPEN HOUSE took place on October 27, 2016.

Seven Generations Education Institute in Kenora offers Conference Facilities for groups from six to over three hundred.

The facility features:

220 padded seat bleacher that retractsSmart BoardsHD Video ProjectionDining MezzaninePrivate conference roomLCD projectorsFlip ChartsFull time Chef available to cater to your needs no matter what size of group

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NEW

First Nation Student Success Program

OISE and the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute for Child Studies Partnership in Inquiry- Based Teaching in Math and Science

Two goals of this partnership are to help teachers deepen their understanding of their own math knowledge and to place student ideas at the centre of their teaching practices. The second goal is to help students develop critical thinking skills for their future successes in math and science learning. The inquiry based approach places students’ questioning at the centre of learning, allowing for deeper thinking and understanding and honouring and building on student knowledge and ideas.

Adopt a School

In partnership with the Fort Frances Lakers (local Junior A hockey team), the Adopt a School program brings hockey players into the schools to extend and consolidate the learning experiences for youth. The Fort Frances Lakers engaged in reading with each student of the school and playing floor hockey. The experience is beneficial for both the students and the players.

Science Travels

A group from “Science Travels” visited Windigo Island School. The students learned all about electricity from electrons, to polarity and static electricity. They ended the day with a chemistry lesson; examining how fireworks get their colour. It was a very interesting day for the students.

FNSSP had all teachers from Lac La Croix, Mikinaak Onigaming, Pegamigaabo and Windigo Island School travel to Fort Frances for Google Classroom, Trillium, Literacy, Numeracy and Classroom Management training.

The new FNSSP office is located at the SGEI Secondary School building –near the Nanicost building.

Students practicing their patterning and spatial reasoning skills.

Math night at Onigaming - Spring

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Mind Over Metal Summer Camp

Current Training Efforts –WLES

First Welding Cohort graduates April 2016

Summer Training & Workshops Offered

Seven Generations in partnership with the Canadian Welding Asso-ciation Foundation is pleased to bring the Mind Over Metal Summer Camp to Fort Frances this coming summer. This interactive welding camp will be offered at the Fort Frances High School during the week of July 18th for twenty participants between the ages of 12 and 15. Over the course of the week, participants will work with experienced welding instructors to build projects that include dog tags, a cow bell, a bird feeder, and more. While the activities are specifically welding oriented, the idea is to engage youth in education and the importance of school. In addition to the daily activities, each participant will be provided breakfast and lunch, prizes, a last day BBQ for family and supporters, and, best of all, a toolbox containing a welding jacket, safety supplies, and hand tools. This great opportunity will be offered free of charge due to support from the CWA Foundation, SGEI, Sault College, and other partners.

Seven Generations Education Institute has partnered with Nigigoon-siminikaaning to provide the Workplace Literacy and Essential Skills program in Red Gut. In this program, learners can better prepare for employment or further job-related training. The 40-day program comprises 240 programming hours that help develop communications, math, document use and employability skills.

With a blended delivery model, learners participate in group-based, facilitated activities and carry out independent work using the online learning platform, PLATO.

Seven Generations Education Institute is pleased to be graduating its first students from the Welding Techniques program offered in part-nership with Sault College. Over the course of the past eight months, students were provided hands on, real world training from welding instructors with a combined experience of over 50 years in the industry. The opportunity for these students to earn their welding certificate was made possible due to the cooperation between SGEI and the Rainy River District School Board that saw the expansion and improvement of the Fort Frances High School welding shop.

With an eye for continual improvement of its programs, SGEI has been working with the Canadian Welding Association Foundation. The CWA Foundation has provided $4000 in financial support for the purchase of new equipment and training opportunities for instructors. In addition, the CWA Foundation has also provided twelve welding helmet that SGEI is donating to the Rainy River District School Board. Our partnership with the CWA Foundation has greatly benefited our program and we look forward to working with them in the future.

The excitement continues in May 2016 as we welcome twelve new students to Welding Techniques Program at Seven Generations.

Seven Generations delivered a summer workshop series to help individuals in the Treaty 3 area become more employable. Workshops included Smart Serve, Customer Service, Introduction to Etsy, and more!

A 5-week Line Cook Program was offered beginning on Monday, May 9th.

Is there something you would like to see us offer? Let us know! Email Kaitlyn Allen at kaitlyna@7generations.org and let us know what workshops you would like to take.

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Dagwaaginimaawindoosijigewin(Fall Harvest)To commemorate the signing of the Treaty which happened October 3rd, 1874; SGEI facilitates an annual event where the inherent rights of Indigenous People, of this area, are exercised as the same rights acknowledged in the Treaty. Seven Generations Education Institute held its annual Dagwaaginimaawindoosijigewin (Fall Harvest) at the Nanicost grounds on October 5th and 6th. The event hosted elementary and secondary students from throughout the district. Elders and knowledge keepers from the surrounding First Nations, as well as Métis Senators, representatives from the local Métis office and volunteers from the Métis Nation in Fort Frances facilitated stations.

Over 400 students participated in, or observed activities that have long since sustained the Anishinaabeg, wildlife and land in this area for thousands of years. Manoomin (wild rice) was harvested and dried in preparation for Dagwaaginimaawindoosijigewin and students had the opportunity to participate in parching, dancing on (for the boys), winnowing and cleaning or finishing the manoomin. Participants sampled fried bannock. Students observed fish, geese, and deer being cleaned and prepared for cooking or smoking. They learned about building a smokehouse and smoking meat that will last through the cold winter when game can be scarce. Students observed the process of rendering bear fat to make bear grease. Bear grease has many medicinal and healing purposes; it is also used for pain management. Participants took a moment to relax in the teepee for storytelling and to hear valuable teachings promoting physical and mental health. Elders, who were in the Indian Residential School System, also had powerful stories and teachings to share on resiliency and getting an education. We were fortunate to have representatives from the Métis office in Fort Frances, facilitate Métis jigging and cooking bannock on a stick.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many Elders, knowledge keepers, volunteers and members of the Métis community for their continued support to Dagwaaginimaawindoosijigewin. These people brave the weather and spend two days outdoors so that our children can learn local knowledge rich in culture, as well as the way that Anishinaabeg prepare for the long winter months. Gichi-miigwech!

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Elder Nancy Jones helps a student put bannock on a stick.

Andrew Jourdain teaching students about the smoke house.

Student dances on wild rice.Learning Wild Rice Winnowing. Student’s examine Geese and learn

to pluck feathers.Elder Dennis Smith teaches student’s how to fillet fish.

Students view the “Honour the Children Residential School Memorial Station” and take in lessons from Glenn Jourdain.

Nanicost CampusFort Frances Programs

Full-TimeBuilding Construction Diploma

Community & Justice Services DiplomaPre-Health Sciences Certificate

All of the above Programs offered in Partnership with

Welding Techniques CertificateEsthetician Diploma

Both programs offered in Partnership with

Part-TimeBachelor of Arts Degree Credits

Offered in Partnership with

Fort FrancesNanicost Campus1455 Idylwild Dr.

807-274-2796

KenoraManidoo Baawaatig

240 Veterans Dr.807-468-3096

Manidoo Baawaatig CampusKenora Programs

Full-TimeCommunity & Justice Services Diploma

Culinary Skills - Chef CertificateOffice Administration Certificate(15 weeks accelerated program)Pre-Health Sciences Certificate

Police Foundations DiplomaAll of the above Programs offered in Partnership with

Part-TimeIndigenous Wellness & Addictions Prevention

Certificate ProgramPart-time 2 years

Offered in Partnership with

Anishinaabemowin - Immersion CertificateOffered in Partnership with

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