Proposed Anishinabek Education System (AES)
Save the Date! – Information Workshops for OTC Communities
Journey to Success
Posted on Dec 8, 2016
Ogemawahj Tribal Council & Georgian College Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program (APSIP)
Proudly Present Journey to Succcess
Casino Rama’s Silver Nightingale Ballroom was filled with the murmur of students, vendors, and employers all discussing possible careers and future aspirations of approximately 100 youth who were in attendance at the ‘Journey to Success’ event held on Thursday November 3, 2016.
The Ogemawahj Tribal Council in partnership with Georgian College provided a forum for students to meet and greet with Universities, Colleges, Training Providers and Employers at the OTC’s inaugural event.
Students from the OTC First Nation communities along with Indigenous students from Barrie, Midland and Orillia, were able to collect information and discuss possible education, employment and training opportunities with 25 staffed booths. Universities such as Lakehead, Trent and York as well as Colleges such as Georgian, Canadore and Cambrian were on hand and ready to recruit potential students. The Ontario Equipment Operator Union Training Institute, the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre and Casino Rama were very informative and helpful in providing the youth options to ponder as they develop next step in the career plan.
Chi Miigwetch to Elder Myrna Watson of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation for her prayer and wise words in her opening and closing to this event. The OTC’s Employment Officer, Vera Cochrane and Georgian College’s APSIP worker April Jones hosted the event. Both Vera and April were the main organizers with support from Andrea Edgar from the OTC.
Vera stated “having access to information and being exposed to opportunities is very important for Youth as they look to their future.”
April Jones and company shared the 7 A’s while learning, they are, Aboriginal, Academics, Admissions, Accommodations, Athletics, Atmosphere and Awards. Students were then provided time to explore and visit university, college or employer booths of interest to them while completing the scavenger hunt requiring them to visit at least 50% of the vendors present to ask at least three questions of importance or relevance to their choice of study.
Guest speaker Cody McGregor is a poet and musician who has been writing and performing professionally since 2007. A recent graduate of Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology, Cody specialized in Anishnaabemowin Language programming and incorporates his background in music and entertainment to develop a unique, interactive and contemporary-style language learning tools. Cody ended the morning session with a motivational discussion on his educational and professional career leading him to launching his own business “First Speakers Indigenous Language Development Strategies” which combines technology and traditional language content formed into various teaching methods used in preserving and revitalizing Anishnaabemowin. Cody ended his presentation by performing a hit from his hip-hop CD entitled The Urban Anishnaabemowin Language Scratch CD really getting the crowd moving and bopping in their seats!
The lunch menu included an all-time favorite, Indian Taco’s served with all the fixings! The day ended with door prize draws donated from the OTC and exhibitors.
Some inspirational quotes shared by students and teachers in attendance.
“Fantastic! I loved it! My first University/College fair.”
“Excellent event. Hope it continues for years to come. Loved the resources and the opportunity to network.”
“Very welcoming environment for teachers and students. Small forum was excellent.”