indigenous magazine - northern college · the feather magazine - winter 2019 2 03 about northern...

Cultural Spacesand Activities

INDIGENOUS MAGAZINEWinter 2019 Edition

Building the futureInvesting in tomorrow

Moosonee A Prosperous Future

THE FEATHER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 2

03 About Northern College04 President’s Message05 James Bay Regional Career Fairs06 Proud Partnership - KIDD Operations08 Cultural Spaces and Activities09 18th Annual Northern College Traditional Powwow10 Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week12 Discovering Northern 14 IESC: Building the Future Investing in Tomorrow16 New Faces and Warm Welcomes17 Northern Training Division 18 Greetings from the Lieutenant Governor19 Academic Upgrading20 Moosonee: A Prosperous Future21 Indigenous Student Services22 Northern College Indigenous Council on Education22 Submit A Story l Advertise in The Feather

Table of Contents

AHNII, KWE KWE, WACHEY, SAGO, BOOZHOO

TRADITIONAL TERRITORY ACKNOWLEDGMENTWe acknowledge the traditional territory of the Indigenous people of the area.

As Chair of the Indigenous Council on Education, I welcome you to Northern College. Your success here will be realized in applying yourselves to your work as a student. The Indigenous Council serves to ensure you have the supports necessary to meet your goals as a student and guide you on the road to becoming the person you’d like to be.

Northern College is determined to become the First Choice for Indigenous learners as they seek higher education. Feedback from students like you is crucial in helping us achieve that goal.

I look forward to working with the Indigenous Council in finding ways to move the needs of Indigenous students forward.

My understanding from my Indigenous teachings is that learning is a life long process and hopefully the teachings you receive from Northern College help you in realizing that cultural aspiration. Respectfully,Dorothy LarkmanChair Indigenous Council on Education


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.

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

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

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.

About Northern College

KIRKLAND LAKE

HAILEYBURY

TIMMINS

MOOSONEE


enrolment across all four campuses; we are proud of this accomplishment and honoured to receive your trust and confidence as we help to develop the next generation of community leaders.

Education is the pursuit of bettering oneself, continuing to grow, gaining experience and expanding one’s perspective. As a college, we are committed to continuing building relationships through meaningful dialogue and partnership with Indigenous leaders, learners and employers.

Meegwetch,

Dr. Fred Gibbons President and CEO, Northern College

President’s Message

AHNII, KWE KWE, WACHEY, SAGO, BOOZHOO

At Northern College we stand by our mission statement, a short creed that defines our promise to both our students and our community.

“Excelling in quality, accessible education through innovative programs, services and partnerships for the benefit of our Northern Communities.”This promise of partnership and innovation reaches beyond our campuses and into the 18 Indigenous communities throughout our catchment area as we strive to include the perspectives and teachings of Canada’s first peoples into our strategic direction.

We here at Northern College aspire to become the college of

choice for Indigenous Peoples by expanding educational offerings and services to area First Nations communities and the growing urban Indigenous and Metis populations. It is a long-term goal and an ongoing process and we are dedicated to expanding our institutional mosaic by continuing to embed Indigenous perspectives into our programming and support services and aligning our curriculum to explore Indigenous ways of knowing, rooted in the core tenets of Indigenous learning principles.

Through key governmental and non-governmental partners, Northern College continues to work to ensure growing access to literacy, preparatory training and education in large and small communities alike. Establishing Access Centres in remote communities helps us to meet this goal by providing local support and student development, and creating better learning pathways for our learners.

Throughout the past 51 years, Northern College has enjoyed a very close relationship with area Indigenous communities. Indigenous students make up 13 per cent of total college


James Bay Regional Career Fairs

ANNUAL JAMES BAY REGIONAL CAREER FAIRS: FEBRUARY 26TH TO MARCH 2ND

By Willard Small

Each Year committee members from Northern College, Northern Lights Secondary School, (NLSS) Delores. D. Echum Composite School (DDECS) and Moose Cree Education Authority (MCEA) meet, plan and organize the James Bay Regional Career Fair. The event features many exhibitors and presenters from local organizations, businesses and as well as post-secondary Institutions from across Ontario and Quebec.

The week started off with visits to Mundo Peetabeck Academy in Fort Albany, Francine J. Wesley Secondary School, Kashechewan and Vezina Secondary School in Attawapiskat. At each location we had the opportunity to meet with students from each community and present information about College programs and services. We also had the Northern College information booth by set-up in the gymnasium where students has the opportunity to visit booths and ask questions on a more one to one basis.

We had the opportunity to take a few pictures of students, schools and the communities as well as the scenery, wild life and ice road

that connects the communities for a short period of time during the Winter Months.

On February 28th – March 2nd The Career Fairs switched to Moosonee and Moose Factory with events at DDECS, NLSS and Northern College, Moosonee Campus. Again, we had the opportunity to present post secondary information to the many students from NLSS and DDECS as well as a set-up of an information/booth display in the school gymnasiums. The Northern College, Moosonee Campus location event was open to the public from both communities and it was well attended by community members.

This Year, the organizing committee invited Miss Teenage Canada, Emma Morrison to the Moosonee and Moose Factory Career Fairs. Emma Morrison who is from Chapleau Cree First Nation, spoke to the students, shared her personal journey, and experience but also encouraging students to strive for their goals.

“Visiting the high schools provides a great opportunity

to share valuable information to our young people from our communities on what is out there in terms of post-secondary education, and career opportunities. I take this time to encourage the students to do their research and explore the internet on the many post-secondary programs/options that are available to them – students are well informed about the possibilities of higher education – when I decided to attend college, I had to call the college for information and ask to send me their view book, I waited 10 days for the view book to arrive in the mail, but with today’s technology, information is all at your finger-tips” Willard Small

I always look forward to the annual career fairs events, I gives us the opportunity to share valuable information about post-secondary education and career possibilities to our community members.

“Let’s all enrich the young minds of our secondary school students with the endless possibilities of higher education”.


Proud to Partner with NorthernGlencore’s Kidd Operations in

Timmins is not only the world’s

deepest base-metal mine producing

copper, zinc and silver, but it is also

one of the community’s largest

private-sector employers. As such,

Kidd Operations has a longstanding

history of partnering with Northern

College whether it be for business

and industrial training needs,

supporting the College’s growth

and expansion or for hiring the

College’s graduates. In fact, you can

find a number of Northern College

alumni working throughout Kidd’s

operations. From underground

miners, technicians and technologists,

to occupational health nurses and

business administration personnel,

Northern alumni are well represented

at Kidd.

“Getting my diploma at Northern

College helped me get my current

position with Kidd Operations as a

Mobile Maintenance Technologist

because the professors and the

Northern College Alumni Association

are great networking assets for local

employment opportunities,” said Tim

Tanguay a graduate of Northern’s

Mechanical Engineering Technician

Program (2015). “The professors

were also very knowledgeable and

dedicated. If I needed some help

understanding a difficult subject,

they were more than happy to assist

me. Northern College is also a place

where students have a strong voice.

The College welcomes student input

and will work with recommendations,

concerns and feedback to

continuously improve their programs.”

Andre Couture, a graduate of

Northern’s Haileybury School of Mines

(2013) concurs.

“The concepts I was taught at

Northern College have helped me fast

track a career transition and opened

the door to more job opportunities

than I ever had before. I am satisfied

with the direction my career has

taken after going through the Mining

Engineering Technician program and

I’m looking forward to continued

personal growth,” he said.

Although miners are the drivers of

a mining operation, many people

are employed in various needed

support roles such as, Human

Resources, Occupational Health and

Safety, Information Technology, and

Administration and Purchasing.

“Northern College has been a great

experience for me,” said Sandra

Laviolette, Senior Buyer. “I chose

Northern College because of the

many academic choices available to

mature students for continuing our

education. Northern College helped

me by providing the education

needed to continually improve,

personally and professionally. The

results was triumph! I have been

a returning student since 1991 for TIM TANGUAY: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN GRADUATE


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

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.”

SANDRA LAVIOLETTE: BUSINESS DIPLOMA GRADUATE

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.

Indigenous Cultural Spaces

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.

and Activities

Our goals are to:• Share Indigenous culture across campus activities and in the

classroom• Assist students with funding applications

Support and enhance your college experience. All of our campuses feature inspiring cultural spaces, including canvas tipis and Indigenous student lounges. Our Timmins Campus is home to Ma-mo Kee-keh-nah-no, a unique permanent tipi with year-round access. The tipi can also be used to meet with the campus Elder, smudge and be together. These structures provide a space for gathering, healing and sharing.

Indigenous Friendship Lounges are also welcoming places on each campus for students to socialize, study, and relax. They are equipped with a coffee machine, microwave, tables, chairs, couches, computers and printers.

Moosonee

Canvas TipiIndigenous Cultural Awareness WeekWindow Display of Indigenous ItemsIndigenous Student LoungeElder on CampusIndigenous Student Advisor(partakes in Indigenous student recruitment, coastal visits)Smudging AreaNC TourRegional Career Fair – NC is an organizing partner. Includes visits to coast communities. (FA, Kash, Atta)NC Staff Cultural Awareness PD, Visits to Moosonee and MF

Haileybury

Canvas TipiIndigenous Cultural Awareness WeekIndigenous Student LoungeElder on CampusIndigenous Student Advisor (partakes in Indigenous student recruitment, community events)Smudging AreaNC Tour NC Staff Cultural Awareness PD, Visits to Moosonee/MF

Timmins

Permanent TipiShaptuanCanvas TipiAnnual PowwowYouth Summer Camp – Lightning TrailIndigenous Cultural Awareness WeekWindow Display of Indigenous Items Indigenous Student LoungeNSA – Native Student AssemblyNorthern College Indigenous Council on EducationElder on CampusIndigenous Student Advisor (partakes in Indigenous student recruitment, community events)Indigenous Liaison Officer Smudging AreaNC Tour NC Staff Cultural Awareness PD, Visits to Moosonee/MF

Kirkland Lake

Canvas TipiIndigenous Cultural Awareness WeekIndigenous Student LoungeElder on CampusIndigenous Student Advisor (partakes in Indigenous student recruitment, community events)Smudging AreaNC TourNC Staff Cultural Awareness PD, Visits to Moosonee/MF



Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week

THER MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019 11

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.

Building on Tradition

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.


Northern College had the opportunity to host the Outland Youth Employment Group at our Timmins, Kirkland Lake and Haileybury campuses on July 30th till August 3rd. The week provided an opportunity for the youth to spend time discovering Northern’s campuses, while learning about post-secondary and training programs available to them after high school. Students also had the opportunity to experience college student life by staying at the Timmins campus Student Residence. Activities that took place over the week across our Northern campuses included; hands-on activities in Residential Wiring,

DiscoveringNorthern

OPP Forensics & Virtual Reality, firefighter demonstrations, and Cultural Teachings with our Campus Elder at the Timmins Campus. While in Timmins, students also spent time visiting Science Timmins and participated in a community project clearing brush with Mattagami Conservation Authority. At the Northern College Haileybury campus, students participated in an activity associated with the Wildlife Rehabilitation program and learned about the Vet Sciences programs. Lastly, at the Kirkland Lake Campus, youth participated in activities with our Water Treatment Plant as part of the Environmental Water & Waste Water Program and got

to experience hands-on welding in support of Northern’s suite of Welding Programs. Campus tours highlighted the close sense of cultural inclusiveness, family 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 these brilliant minds return to the college to continue their studies. Northern College was honored to have been given the opportunity to host the group for their Science Week.” added Amy Danchuk, Indigenous Liaison Officer for Northern College who coordinated the week with Outland Camps.

This is the first time the camp has come to Northeastern Ontario, thanks to Outland Camp partnering with Temagami First Nation. The camp was being held at Esker Lake Park Campground, 30mins from Kirkland Lake, with and their closing ceremony took take place on August 21st at Northern College’s Kirkland Lake Campus.

Mineral Exploration TechniquesONE YEAR ONTARIO COLLEGES CERTIFICATE

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


Northern College wants to take the time to thank all of those who took part in our week long Integrated Emergency Services Complex Grand Opening Celebrations.

This Grand Opening celebration saw hundreds of community members walk the halls of the 40,000 square foot facility, taking in all of the state of the art tools designed to offer students a

unique, cutting edge experience exclusive to Northern College.

“While Northern College achieved a milestone this week with the official opening of its Integrated Emergency Services Complex, the real beneficiaries are our students,” commented college President, Dr. Fred Gibbons. “Our students now have access to state of the art facilities, equipment and

technologies that will prepare them for success in the careers they are pursuing as first responders in the disciplines of emergency services.”

With the 19.2 million dollar, state of the art facility now acting as a recruitment beacon for Northern College, faculty and staff hope the unique learning environment which more closely resembles the working environment of active

Building the future Investing in Tomorrow


police officers, fire fighters and paramedics will draw students in from across the province.

Northern College has now moved to the leading edge of post-secondary programming for Emergency Services in Ontario. Through being the first to move our academic programs of Pre-Service Firefighting, Police Foundations and Paramedic under one roof with working EMS and Fire Stations, we are the first to deliver what is truly experiential learning from enrolment to graduation,” stated Sarah Campbell, the Associate Dean of Health

Sciences and Emergency Services. “Northern College is now the top of the pack when it comes to learning experiences for students and providing state of the art simulation for incident command.”

A week of celebration can only scratch the surface of what has been a 15 year effort on behalf of the College and its long list of community partners, but we at Northern College are proud to open our doors to the community to share in all that has been accomplished and all of the potential that the future holds.

“This momentous occasion would not have been possible without the support and investment of our community,” stated Gibbons. “I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the community, our partners, our faculty and staff on behalf of Northern College. Without their support, time and investment, this new building and its limitless potential would not have been possible.”


New Faces and Warm Welcomes

The name my parents gave me is Trudy Wilson, my spirit name is White Buffalo Woman, I am Wolf Clan, and a member of Michipicoten First Nation. I have lived most of my life in Northern Ontario. I did not grow up on a reserve and have spent most of my life searching for my roots. My family lost our status when my grandfather became enfranchised and my uncle Buddy (Swanson) spent nine years doing research in order for my family to regain our status. In 2004 I decided it was time to do my own research

I am pleased to announce that Cam McEachern will be the new Executive Director of Student Services, Institutional Research and Registrar.Cam comes to the College with experience in higher education serving in management and faculty roles at both college and university

Trudy Wilson - Manager, Indigenous Services and Initiatives

Cam McEachern - Director of Student Services

and decided to go back to school. In 2008 I graduated from Laurentian University with a Native Studies B.A. (Honours) and a Law and Justice B.A. I did my four years of study through correspondence while working full time and raising my two sons as a single mother. I share this story about myself with you to show you that with determination and perseverance, anything can be accomplished. I also want to share with you the passion that I have to help my people improve the quality of their lives, in and out, of their home communities. We need to create positive changes and build a bridge between our people and mainstream society. I believe that the way to build this bridge is through education; education for our people so that they can improve the quality of their lives and the lives of their families and communities; education for

mainstream society so that they can better understand our history and our issues. To that end, I spent four years working at Northern College in various contract positions including Student Advisor and professor of the First Nations Peoples course for the Police Foundations program, among others. I also spent five years working at the Timmins Native Friendship Centre (TNFC) as the Employment Counsellor in the Apatisiwin Program, and then as the HR Generalist and part of the Administration Team. This past year I have been working with my First Nation with regards to Comprehensive Community Planning. I have recently returned to Northern College in the capacity of Manager of Indigenous Services & Initiatives and I look forward to supporting my Northern College family and our communities in this new role.

institutions in Canada and the United States. Cam holds M.A. degree from McGill University, Quebec and B.A. degree from Queen’s University, Ontario. Cam was with Saskatchewan Institution of Applied Science & Technology, Saskatoon prior to joining St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario. Cam prides himself as a learner-centered organizational change agent implementing new initiatives that achieve superior post-secondary access and success with expertise in online and hybrid programming, quality assurance, applied research and strategic planning.As Executive Director of Student Services, Institutional Research and Registrar, Cam will provide vision, leadership, direction, and

management, along with strategic and human resource planning. Cam will have college-wide responsibilities.Although Cam’s first day in his new role was June 13th, his first day at the Timmins campus will be July 3rd, 2018.Please join me in welcoming Cam McEachern to Northern College.

Audrey Penner, Vice-President, Academic and Student Success


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

provide you with the entry-level skills required to

become an underground hard rock miner.

• Business Fundamentals Certificate Program – This

one-year Ontario College certificate program,

delivered fully online, is designed for individuals who

want to develop skills and knowledge appropriate

for an entry-level position in a business setting.

• Certificate in Child & Adolescent Mental Health –

Enhance your knowledge of various emotional and

psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.

Coursesare available at the beginning of every

semester and are delivered fully online.

• 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.

NorthernTraining Division

Student Testimonial

“The program was amazing as were the trainers. There

was a lot of one on one, hands on experience. Also, a lot

of encouragement throughout the course as well. There

is a huge demand in mining and because of that and

this program, I’ve secured employment. I would highly

recommend taking this course. It’s definitely helped me

out and I have no regrets. I enjoyed the course and you

will too.”

Mia VanAlphen (Mattagami FN),

Underground Hard Rock Common Core Graduate

To request further information, please contact [email protected] or Visit

our website for a list of upcoming courses and programs! www.northernc.on.ca


Lieutenant Governor visits Northern College and Coastal Communities

When the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell toured Northeastern Ontario and the James Bay Coast on a fact finding mission back in August, she completed her trip with a short visit to Northern College`s Timmins Campus.The week long journey took the provinces representative to the Queen to both Moosonee and Moose Factory, carrying out her mandate to meet with the people of Ontario and bring their stories, their hopes and their concerns back to Queen`s Park.“What I do is tell stories, because we don’t do that very well and it’s only when we hear people’s stories that we learn to walk in their shoes,” Dowdeswell told local reporters. “I have the opportunity as Lieutenant Governor to visit people where they live, work and play around the province.”On this trip, Dowdeswell

dedicated much of her time to witnessing and discussing the challenges faced by Northern Ontario’s indigenous population.“They found a way of respecting and recognizing the value of traditional culture and traditional knowledge but also marrying it with up-to-date western knowledge,” she told a reporter from The Timmins Daily Press. “When we talk about things like intergenerational trauma for example, this group of people are really thinking through what that means in real life.”Dowdeswell called it an exercise in education and understanding; a lesson that could take generations to learn and learn from. One that can be applied to any part of the province.“For all of us, our environment changes things and there are elements of a Northern environment and isolationism that are both barriers and

challenges,” said Dowdeswell. “But you know, there are a lot of isolated individuals living in the heart of the big city too.”The province’s Lieutenant Governor said she was heartened by the efforts being undertaken by Northerners to improve on this tumultuous past and build on a future rooted in equality, fairenss and education.It was that focus on education that drew Dowdeswell to Timmins and Northern College.“I’ve been at Northern College and of course I heard about it in several other places I’ve been to,” she told The Timmins Daily Press. “The work that’s being developed here, bringing together the training for first responders and emergency planning is state of the art. Who knew this was happening in Timmins.”


Moosonee Student Testimonials Graduate Focus- Carel Okimaw, Moosonee

Carel is a graduate of the adult upgrading program. She reached her training goal of gaining the entrance requirements to the Pre Health Program at Northern College in Moosonee. She successfully completed that program last year. She has now moved on to the next part of her journey and started her studies in Practical Nursing. Carel would like to share these wonderful words with us about her decision to return to school:“In the past I was in and out of school, not wanting anything to do with it. I got into trouble with the law and ended up in and out of facilities. So a couple of years ago I decided enough was enough and to get my education back on track. I came to Northern College and asked if I could take the adult upgrading program to get the entrance requirements for college. This would get me closer to where I wanted to

be in life; a nurse. Becoming a nurse was my dream as a child, so I said I would work towards it no matter how long it took. So in September of 2015, I was enrolled in the adult upgrading program. I thought to myself it was hard at first and almost gave up a couple of times. Inspirational quotes and having to hear my family say not to give up when it gets hard really helped me push through. I have to say it wasn’t easy at times but I would ask for help if I didn’t understand the work, which really helped instead of keeping to myself and having no idea of what to do. So I kept going, and by the time a few months had passed they spoke of graduation which was even more exciting. I said to myself ’Wow, that went really quick’ and I can’t believe I waited this long to go back to school. So I graduated with honors in June 2016. But I didn’t stop there. I also took the Pre-Health Sciences program in September 2016 as it helps students concentrate on

the health field and prepares you for Nursing. Another few months went by and also graduated from that course. So, September 2017 rolls along and Northern College was offering the Practical Nursing Program and I said ‘yes, finally!’. Now I am in the nursing program and couldn’t be happier! You meet a lot of new people along the way and you help each other and encourage each other to keep going. So if you want to change your lifestyle or have a dream you had since you were young, it’s never too late to return back to school and pursue your dreams. Quit putting on the back burner and making excuses and ‘get’r done!’ There’s a quote I never get tired of hearing by Earl Nightingale, which reads, “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” And it’s very true. I’m loving the course thus far and cannot wait to complete it!

Academic Upgrading


Nestled on the Moose River, just nineteen miles south of James Bay, The Town of Moosonee is home to Northern College’s northernmost Campus. As college campuses go, the Moosonee campus is small in size but has a profound impact. In meeting the post-secondary training and education needs of area residents, the campus serves residents from Moosonee, Moose Factory Island and the First Nation communities along the Western Coast of James Bay and Hudson Bay.

A recent economic impact study completed by United States based Emsi, an economic modeling company concluded that the Moosonee Campus’ contribution to the gross regional product (GRP) supported 91 jobs throughout the region, 36 of which are full-time equivalent employees at either the Moosonee Campus, or at one of its four Learning Centres in Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany or Moose Factory.

Results being released today, reveal that Northern College’s Moosonee Campus had an economic impact of $6.5 million in the 2016-2017 reference year throughout the region.

Yet, despite serving a decidedly small market, the economic impact was substantial and can be attributed to the college campus’s excellent post-secondary programs and to the significant activity it engages in with industry, providing customized training programs to the region.

“The campus principally serves a local student market, many of whom are first generation Learners – the first member of their family to attend a college or university,” stated Diane Ryder, Campus Manager of the Moosonee Campus. “Indigenous people are the fastest growing population in Canada, so the Moosonee Campus will become increasingly strategic to serving the training and education needs of adult learners,”

Providing educational options to potential learners in remote communities plays an integral role in Northern College’s mandate.

“Our Moosonee Campus plays a vital role along the James Bay Coast in providing access to training and education ranging from literacy and basic skills development through to post-secondary programs,” commented Dr. Fred Gibbons, President and CEO. “Working in partnership with the leadership in the region’s communities is what has made the campus such an important asset to the region.”

Using a two-pronged approach that involves an economic impact analysis and an investment analysis, United States based Emsi calculated the benefits received by each of these groups during the reference year 2016-2017, the year for which complete financial data was available. The study was conducted in the first quarter of 2018.

Moosonee: A Prosperous Future

Northern College recognizes the significant role of traditional knowledge and the importance of passing such teachings to future generations.The College is pleased to provide Elders on Campus who foster the well-being of students and staff by sharing their experiences, knowledge, and wisdom with the College community. Elders value education, support students, and inspire an enriched environment of cultural understanding and diversity.During the academic year, students and staff can consult and converse with an Elder who may provide one-on-one mentoring, share cultural teachings, support curriculum and learning, and participate in events that reflect, celebrate, and respect Indigenous knowledge and culture. Elders on Campus will support pride in language, culture, and history.

Elders can:• Mentor and motivate the

community to incorporate traditional Indigenous knowledge with the life of being a student.

• Foster intergenerational and cultural connections.

• Contribute to a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere and emphasize the importance of spiritual wellness in one’s education.

• Introduce the entire College community to the rich traditions and talent in the Indigenous community.

• Share with the community their knowledge and experience about issues, cultures, and concerns.

• Consult and guide the community on how to incorporate a “wholistic” worldview in curriculum development and delivery.

Our Elders:

Marilyn Chevrier-Wills, Haileybury CampusJeanette Gilbert, Kirkland Lake CampusRachel Chakasim, Moosonee CampusDavid Faries, Timmins CampusIndigenous Advisors are available

Indigenous Student Servicesto 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 Kirkland Lake Campus

Monique Lafond, Indigenous Student Advisor705-567-9291 ext. [email protected]

Timmins Campus

Joseph Nakogee, Indigenous Student Advisor705-235-3211 ext. [email protected]

Moosonee Campus

Willard Small, Indigenous Student Advisor705-336-2913 ext. [email protected]

Northern College’s vision is success for our northern

communities through learning and partnerships.

Our mission is to work with all of our communities to

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,

Northern College Indigenous Council on Education

Bring Our Children Home2019 POWWOWAPRIL 12TH -13TH

For more information, please contact Joseph [email protected] 705-235-3211 x2233northernc.on.ca


Indigenous cultures have long passed on knowledge through storytelling. We want to hear from you and your community! Send us your stories that relate to Northern College! Anything from community events, workshops, and class field trips, to student testimonials and alumni success stories. We want to know about it and share the news with our college community!

Submit a Story Call for submissions!

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]

We also want to show the diversity of our campus communities. Submissions are welcome from all community members and Northern College students, staff and faculty! Deadline for submission for the upcoming issue are April 30, 2019, and chosen work will be published in The Feather’s Summer 2019 Issue.

Submissions may be up to 500 words in length on any subject or in any style. We encourage you to include any related images, photos or artwork. For more information or to submit your story, please contactStephanie Tamming: [email protected]

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

STUDY.STAY.PLAY.

northernc.on.ca

indigenous magazine - northern college · the feather magazine - winter 2019 2 03 about northern...

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