KTEI Communique - Summer, August 2014

KENJGEWIN TEG EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE374 Highway 551, Box 328M’Chigeeng, ON P0P 1G0www.ktei.netT 705.377.4342 F 705.377.4379

Living, Learning...Inviting Opportunities!

Communique – Summer, August 2014

KTEI IS 20 YEARS STRONG!

On May 29, 2014 we celebrated our 20 year birthday. Miigwetch to all who came out and helped us celebrate this momentous achievement. It was a cheerful and wondrous time to reflect back on all our achievements.

BOARD GOVERNANCE

Annual Board training was held on May 1, 2014 and June 9, 2014. The training was a one day introduction to “Culturally Restorative Practices in Organizations” and was provided by E. Simard. The second training day was based on Board Governance and was provided by R.M Bayer of Weaver Simmons. The regularly scheduled Board Meeting was held on July 30, 2014. 5/8 First Nation members were in attendance.

POLICIES

On April 30, 2014 the Marketing and Branding Logo Policy was adopted and is now in effect. The Financial Policy was revised, and accepted on January 22, 2014. To support healthy lifestyles in our community organizations, KTEI is aggressively considering the implementation of a drug and alcohol policy for employees in the very near future. KTEI is an educational leader and will be examining the opportunity of taking a lead to demonstrate our full support of advancing workplace

health, safety and wellness for all of our staff and students we serve in education and training.

As well, the personnel policy has been updated and accepted in principle and is

expected to be passed by the board of directors in the Fall of 2014.

KTEI Communique - Summer, August 2014

FNSSP – NEXT STEPS

On June 30, 2014 there was a joint meeting held with the Board of Directors and the 11 participating schools to discuss a letter of complaint from several schools regarding the KTEI and FNSSP committee’s structure and authority. It was an insightful meeting and various perspectives were shared by all attendees. The next scheduled FNSSP meeting will be held on September 30, 2014. The Board and FNSSP committee will meet to provide clarity on the governance structure of KTEI; review documentation of the revised school agreements based on the funding agreement of AANDC for FNSSP outlining KTEI’s legal responsibility; and the terms of reference. As well, eligibility requirements to join/exit FNSSP will be included in the revised FNSSP agreements.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) – JULY 30, 2014

The AGM was held on July 30, 2014. Congratulations to the door prize winner, Clarissa McAndrews. Miigwetch to all those that come out to hear about KTEI’s achievements and activity in 2013-14. The audit for 2013-14 was accepted as prepared by KPMG. The document is available on our website. If your First Nation committee would like a presentation on the annual report please contact Stephanie Roy.

PAPERLESS MEETINGS

The staff and board are slowly progressing to paperless meetings. That is the goal in 2014-15. In our efforts to be environmentally friendly, we can save 1000 trees. KTEI uses the sharepoint software platform to access our custom portal for all meeting documentation. Help us go green… no printing unless necessary.

ECO SCHOOL DESIGNATION – MAY 2014

Aapjgo nishin! After 5 years of effort, KTEI is now a designated eco school. After many years of doing green practices in our place of learning, we are officially an “eco” designated place of learning. What does this mean? It means we consciously do practices that

are friendly to the environment and we leave a lighter footprint on mother earth. The areas we focus on are: waste management audits (e.g. recycle, feast bags, no plastic water bottles on premise, daily composting), energy conservation (e.g. lights/computers off when not in use; natural lighting preferred); yard greening (e.g. shade areas; medicine garden, vegetable gardens, planting); and; curriculum (e.g. eco tips on mother earth/stewardship). Remember, no plastic water bottles on the premise, feast bags for eating, composting/recycling whenever possible or be relegated to wear the dreadful “wiikwan” of shame.

GRADUATION JUNE 26, 2014

Our annual graduation ceremony on June 26, 2014 awarded 55 graduates their certificates, diplomas and/or degrees. Congratulations to all the graduates who worked hard. Their hard work payed off. Way to go graduates!

ANISHINAABE ODZIIWIN

2013-14 was the year we officially launched our Anishinaabe Odziiwin Passport to learning. This tool was developed and implemented organizational wide to support personal development and learning for all staff and students at KTEI. It is intended to support our overarching goals to adopting standards and processes that reflect our Anishinabek language, traditions and culture and validating our ways of knowing. 72 students were recognized as having completed the “Anishinaabe Odziiwin” learning passports in this pilot year it was launched. Wow, that is an astounding number! This demonstrates that our students are interested in learning our ways of knowing and our ways of knowing are just as important.

STUDENT, STAFF, TEACHER, AND, BOARD AWARDS

Congratulations goes out to the annual award recipients:

Student Awards:

� Board of Directors’ Award: Daughness Migwans, B.SW, LU

KTEI Passport to ANISHINAABE ODZIIWIN

2013 2016

Vers. 1.0 30-1-2013

Eh kinomaagaazid/Student Passport

KTEI Passport to

ANISHINAABE ODZIIWIN

2012 2016

Vers. 1.0 30-1-2013

KTEI Communique - Summer, August 2014

� Sarah Peltier Memorial Award in Education Excellence: Melissa Kasunich, B.SW, LU

� Glen Crawford Memorial Award in Embracing your Education Journey, Jordon Panamick, GED

� Martin Bayer School Attendance Award: Dakota Bucknell, OSSD

� Kinomaage Gimaa Award: Travis Corbiere, B.SW, LU

� Lewis Debassige Education Leadership Award: Courtney Panamick, Culinary Management

� Aboriginal Institutes Consortium Award: Joshua Wemigwans and Jason Wemigwans, PSW

� Maple Grove United Church Scholarship – Cyndil Corbiere, University Transitions Certificate

Staff and Board Service Awards (Benchmark Years of service 5,10,15,20,25:

� Ken Neegan, 5 years in 2013-14

� Wayne Trudeau, 5 years in 2013-14

� Derek Pichoski, 15 years in 2013-14

Staff Awards:

� Distinguished Service Award – Andrea Bennett

� Innovation in Education Award – Elaine F. Debassige

� Outstanding Service in Education – Josh Eshkawkogan

� AIC Instructor Award – Perry Bebamash

Teacher Awards: (Educators conference 2013)

� Pamela Solomon, Sagamok Anishinawbek

� Theresa King, Bear Island First Nation

� Amy Debassige, Kenjgewin Teg Secondary School

CONFIRMED KTEI PROGRAMS FOR SEPTEMBER 2014

� Early Learning Kindergarten Anishinbemowin Immersion (MMAK) – 15 Seats – Full Program, Waiting List

� Secondary School – 30 Seats – Applications and Registration in August

� Anishinabemowin Immersion Certificate , Part time – Applications being Accepted

� Aboriginal Teacher Education Program, Part time – Applications closed

� Addictions and Mental Health Worker Diploma Program, Full time – Applications being Accepted

� Academic Career Entrance (A.C.E.) – On hold: Pending Enrolment/funding/FN Support, October 2014

� Personal Support Worker Program – Program not funded

� Masters of Social Work, Part time – Applications Closed

A.I.M.S.

It is said that all good things must come to an end. Anishinabek Identity, Mind and Spirit pre-employment and essential skills training program will officially come to an end this Fall. It was a 30 month pilot project funded by HSRDC. The program team did an amazing job and achieved far reaching results with students who came through the program (please refer to our annual report for 2013-14). It is with great sadness we see this great project come to an end. We know everyone will continue to do well in their next journey always continuing…living, learning …and inviting opportunity. We will miss you!

“DANWE-MAAG-EN-AG” (ALL MY RELATIONS DRUM)

In the spring 2014, KTEI accepted the honour of hosting and keeping a big drum here at KTEI. This will be a brand new learning experience for all of us. Our big drum will help our KTEI Family (former and present students/staff) share and learn our songs that have been a part of our traditions and ceremonies for hundreds of years. We are truly honoured to be the keepers of “Daanwemaagenag Dewegan.” All

KTEI Communique - Summer, August 2014

male staff and students (past and present) are always welcome to join our family drum anytime. Come learn with us or we’ll learn with you. Our knowledge keepers, cultural resource people and elders will assist, guide and mentor us as we embark on this together.

MMAK: IMMERSION EARLY LEARNING KINDERGARTEN (ELK) PROGRAM @ OCF

We have completed our first year of the inaugural Ojibwe class of Kindergarten. It has been an amazing year! The teachers, Elaine Debassige and Debbie Ense have done a tremendous job teaching our kids the language each and every day. The growth in our students is clearly evident. The parents have been very supportive throughout the year. Next year, we will continue with the immersion program for the same cohort. The good news is the ELK is full at 15 students. The bad news is there is a waiting list and all applications cannot be accepted at this time.

� Phase 1 – 2013-15 Immersion Kindergarten for 4 and 5 year olds

� Phase 2 – 2015-17 Grade 1 and Grade 2 Immersion (80-90%)

� Phase 3 – 2017-19 Grade 3 & 4 Immersion (60-70%)

At this time, the community First Nations/partners have “capped” their approved seats for one cohort only—those born in 2009-10. At this time, when phase 1 comes to an end, phase 2 will start. This is largely due to funding commitments with our respective communities/First Nations on Manitoulin Island. If there is a keen interest from families, we ask that an application

be completed and you will be added to the wait list depending on eligibility/community approval. Thank you goes out to the many supporters who have provided kind words and support throughout the year.Miigwetch to our elders, Gina Corbiere and Veronica Corbiere of the Anishinabe Gamig Centre who volunteered throughout the entire school year with the class. They were loved by all. If you would like to share your language with our immersion students, please contact Elaine or Debbie. We would love to have you volunteer in the program.

SISTER IMMERSION ELK – WALPOLE ISLAND,

SEPTEMBER 2014

In June, Walpole Island approached KTEI to discuss the possibility of replicating KTEI’s immersion program for kindergarten. KTEI has provided all of the background documentation as well as the framework model. Walpole is looking at offering it’s first Immersion intake in September 2014. It is anticipated that these two sister programs will support and collaborate together on best practices. It is the goal to increase language fluency in our children; increase self- esteem/identity and increase academic achievement. We will be working with Queen’s University through out the duration of the immersion program to chart our progression and growthSEEKING RESEARCH SCHOOL – OPENQueen’s University has approached all of our member schools to seek out a mainstream kindergarten class as a comparison group to our immersion group. We are still looking and hoping a school will partake in the opportunity in 2014. Please contact Stephanie Roy or Mary McEwen for more information.

KTEI Communique - Summer, August 2014

D.Culturally-knowledgeable KTEI students are able to engage effectively in learning activities that are based on traditional ways of knowing and learning.

1. acquire in-depth cultural knowledge through active participation and meaningful interaction with Elders;

2. participate in and make constructive contributions to the learning activities associated with a traditional camp environment;

3. interact with Elders in a loving and respectful way that demonstrates an appreciation of their role as culture bearers and educators in the community;

4. gather oral and written history information from the local community and provide an appropriate interpretation of its cultural meaning and significance;

5. identify and utilize appropriate sources of cultural knowledge to find solutions to everyday problems;

6. engage in a realistic self-assessment to identify strengths and needs and make appropriate decisions to enhance life skills.

E.Culturally-knowledgeable KTEI students demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the relationships and processes of interaction of all elements in the world around them.

1. recognize and build upon the inter-relationships that exist among the spiritual, natural and human realms in the world around them, as reflected in their own cultural traditions and beliefs as well as those of others;

2. understand the ecology and geography of the Mnidoo Mnising bioregion

3. demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between world view and the way knowledge is formed and used;

4. determine how ideas and concepts from one knowledge system relate to those derived from other knowledge systems;

5. recognize how and why cultures change over time;

6. anticipate the changes that occur when different cultural systems come in contact with one another;

7. determine how cultural values and beliefs influence the interaction of people from different cultural backgrounds;

8. Identify and appreciate who they are and their place in the world.

EDUCATION SERVICE AGREEMENTS

KTEI has signed education agreements with Zhiibaahaasing First Nation, Sheshegwaning First Nation, Rainbow District Services School Board and M’Chigeeng First Nation for the Kindergarten Immersion Program. We will be updating several of these agreements for year 2. M’Chigeeng and KTEI will also be embarking on a secondary school tuition agreement for those students who return to school to work on high school credits for the OSSD.

FALL HARVEST

Keep the date clear and plan to join in on the fun as the annual Fall Harvest is right

around the corner, September 25, 2014. Come out and experience the traditions of our people as we harvest fall produce in preparation for the long winter. Reviving our traditional practices is the focus for the full day of learning.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Kudos goes out to our full-time staff who have embarked and continue their life-long learning journey:

� Brenda Francis, B.Ed. teacher education program with Queen’s University 2012-2014

� Caroline Debassige, B.A. Public Administration with Ryerson University 2012-2015

� Wayne Trudeau, Masters of Social Work with Wilfred Laurier University, 2014-2016

CULTURAL STANDARDS

KTEI is currently in the process of drafting cultural standards for students, curriculum and staff/teachers/faculty. Our Anishinabe Odziiwin committee will be reviewing the draft standards of what students will gain while at KTEI. This is an example of the draft standards:

KTEI Communique - Summer, August 2014

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

The first day of school will be September 2nd 2014 for all post secondary training programs, and September 3rd 2014 for all K-12 programs at KTEI.

TRANSPORTATION

Please note that due to A.I.M.S coming to an end, transportation coordination by our KTEI team will no longer by possible. Funding is not provided for transportation by the post secondary education and training provider (KTEI). We will however, continue to assist students in working with their community service agencies to identify, if, travel assistance is possible.

MNIDOO MNISING - NORTHSHORE TRAINING ALLIANCE

KTEI has coordinated and led two meetings to date with education/social services/economic development stakeholders, to begin discussions and strengthening our networks to improve our program coordination and communications in the work that we all do. This was one of the recommendations made in the March 2014 report presented by the Social Planning Council of Sudbury to UCCMM. One of the ideas/discussions we’ve had during our two meetings to date is ensuring we have current and relevant information on what precisely our community education and training needs are. The next Training Alliance meeting is set for August 15th 2014 being hosted at M’Chigeeng First Nation.

FIRST NATION EDUCATION ACT: EDUCATION ORGANIZATION PLANNING TOOL

A joint session was held on providing an update on the Education Organization Planning Tool with KTEI/ Indigenous Education Coalition member communities. The intent was to share updates, network with other First Nations and for First Nations to identify the work that will be necessary in governance, external relations, parental/community involvement, planning-performance measurement/risk management, financial management, HR management, information management and school supports and services. Each representative was provided with an overview and sample exercises to determine their communities’ strengths, challenges and needs (priorities). Upon completing the process within each community, there will be an opportunity to determine

the structure based on the identified strengths/priorities, indicating the best governance structure to achieve priorities/goals. IEC/KTEI completed a revised EOPT that worked for individual first nations/education committees; more detail in the school support services was also provided to add to the context/understanding/depth of second level services and the need for third level services. Request an e-copy of the revised FNEOPT by contacting Stephanie Roy.

STRUCTURAL READINESS FOR FIRST NATIONS– NEXT STEPS COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN IN EDUCATION

KTEI is available to work with those interested First Nation community schools to develop a capacity plan that identifies their community’s education strengths, challenges and priorities as a result of the First Nation Education Organization Planning Tool provided on May 28, 2014 at the Joint Technical Working Group Session. A strategic plan will be developed with key stakeholders to identify a path forward in the best interest of their community members as it related to life-long learning systems. If your community would like to work with KTEI and our consultants over the next 8 months to develop a capacity and strategic plan in education please contact Debbie Debassige, Director of School Services. We will work with those community schools that choose to participate in this process to strengthen the education system and put forth a short and long term strategic plan of action. Please contact Debbie by September 30, 2014 if your community is interested in developing and education strategic plan.

INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS STUDENTS

On January 20, 2014 the Government of Canada announced that eligible former Indian Residential Schools (IRS) students who qualified for the Common Experience Payment (CEP) under the IRS Settlement Agreement may now qualify for a one time IRS Personal Credit (no cash value) for educational programs and services. However, most recently, the Chiefs of Ontario have filed a resolution, requesting the settlement allotment be allocated directly to IRS students rather then in the form of personal education credits.

The intent of the Personal Credits for education as negotiated and agreed to in the IRSSA is to try to regain what was taken away during residential schools.

KTEI Communique - Summer, August 2014

Options for Use:

CEP Recipient - personal educational use

1. Transfer Personal Credits to family member(s)

a. $1,000 minimum transfer

b. Deceased members’ estate may apply

2. Students may pool their Personal Credits toward a Group Education Service

Formal Education Options:

� Institution must be recognized; simple process to apply for recognition

� Recognized formal Education Entities include: o Post-Secondary Institutions – Universities, Colleges, Indigenous Institutes of Higher Learning

i. Technical Institutes, Trade or Training Schools

ii. Kindergarten to Grade 12 Schools - First Nations or Métis elementary and secondary

iii. Indigenous Early Childhood Education Centres, e.g. Headstart

iv. Access Programs and Essential Skills courses: life-skills, literacy, numeracy, parenting, computer skills, job finding skills, etc.

Language and Culture - Group Process Option:

� For projects related to preservation, reclamation, development or understanding of Indigenous identities, histories, cultures, languages

� Personal Credits can be pooled to enhance current or create new language and culture programming

� Recognized group education entities include: Friendship Centres, Cultural Centres, First Nations Schools, IIHLs, Headstart, First Nations Governments, etc.

A big shout out (Chi-Miigwetch) to acknowledge the generous contributions of those that have made contact with KTEI and have indicated an interest to use their personal credits to KTEI for language and cultural learning programming for our people. If you would like more information, please contact Beverley Roy-Carter.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

� Secondary School Registration, August 25-29, 2014

� Mnidoo Mnising Anishinabek Kinoomage Gamig (MMAK) Parent Orientation: August 28, 2014, 12 – 2:30 p.m.

� KTEI Kindergarten – Grade 12 – First Day September 3, 2014

� Post Secondary Programs – Full time September 2, 2014

� Fall Harvest, September 25, 2014

� A.I.M.S Pre-employment and Essentials Skills Training Program Graduation, October 3, 2014

� Career Fair, October 9, 2014

� Fall Teach In – October 16, 2014

� Regular Board Meeting, October 29, 2014