THUNDER BAY – Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS) hosted a 6th graduation ceremony on June 25, 2019 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium in the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Hon. Patty Hajdu – Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour along with representatives from the Matawa First Nations Management, KKETS Board of Directors, Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (Indigenous Education Branch), and the Lakehead Adult Education Centre joined in recognizing students successfully completing the 2018/2019 Aboriginal Skills Advancement Program (ASAP) and obtaining their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas with many completing their post-secondary entrance requirements. Chiefs from many of the Matawa First Nations will also attend.
Pink Baxter from Marten Falls First Nation presented valedictory remarks. Seventy-four (74) graduates, the highest of all ASAP cohorts graduated. Over the past 6 years ASAP has been funded by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities graduating 398 people in Matawa over this time. KKETS continues to await a provincial government decision on future funding.
