THUNDER BAY – Graduation Ceremonies are always exciting.
The current funding agreement between KKETS and MTCU (Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities) to implement the pilot “Aboriginal Skills Advancement Program” will be ending March 31, 2014. The remaining students in the program are working on completing their OSSD (high school) / PSE (post-secondary entrance) requirements.
As of March 28th, 2014, the program has seen 62 successful high school graduates out of 101 enrolled participants since the program began in November 2012 which is great program success! The upcoming graduation ceremony will be held in Thunder Bay at the Airlane on April 4th, 2014 where 45 students will receive recognition for their achievements. At the graduation held in June 2013, there were 17 successful OSSD/GED graduates.
The Ceremony will be carried live on NetNewsLedger.com
APRIL 4TH, 2014 GRADUATION
Genevieve Mendowegan-Aroland
Kim Meshake-Aroland
Joshua Gagnon-Aroland
Ginette Magiskan-Aroland
Ross Kashkish-Aroland
Jesse Mendowegan-Aroland
Leanne Gagnon -Aroland
Derek Sutherland-Constance Lake
Wayne Taylor-Constance Lake
Isaiah Achneepineskum-Constance Lake
Rudy Slipperjack-Eabametoong
Don Ostamus-Eabametoong
Garnet O’Keese-Eabametoong
Flora Waswa-Eabametoong
Norine Keeskitay-Eabametoong
Gavin Slipperjack-Eabametoong
Joshua Wapoose-Eabametoong
Wanda Boyce-Eabametoong
Kelly Yellowhead-Eabametoong
Bruce Meeseetawageesic-Eabametoong
Brad Head-Eabametoong
Danielle Baxter-Eabametoong
Bruce Yellowhead-Eabametoong
Shelby Charles-Ginoogaming
Larry Taylor-Ginoogaming
Charlie McGuire-Marten Falls
Samuel Achneepineskum-Marten Falls
Angela Sakanee-Neskantaga
Tracey Wapoose-Neskantaga
Daren Sakanee-Neskantaga
Gregory Neshinapaise-Nibinamik
Alden Beaver-Nibinamik
Lydia Oskineegish-Nibinamik
Sherilyn Wabasse-Nibinamik
Elijah Sugarhead-Nibinamik
Eveleen Atlookan-Nibinamik
Alvin Wabasse-Webequie
Marlene Shewaybick-Webequie
Ryan Wabasse-Webequie
Karl Jacob-Webequie
Richard Jacob-Webequie
Edgar Jacob-Webequie
Candace Towegishig-Long Lake #58
Arnold Fisher-Long Lake #58
Mike Williams-Long Lake #58
JUNE 28TH, 2013 GRADUATION
Holly Mendowegan-Aroland
Keith Towedo-Aroland
Krista Bouchard-Aroland
Patricia Moore-Constance Lake
Adnan Chum-Constance Lake
Gwendolyn Boyce-Eabametoong
Viola Stevens-Eabametoong
Ricky Yellowhead-Eabametoong
Marianne Echum-Ginoogaming
Shawn Baxter-Marten Falls
Neal Ostamus-Neskantaga
Leon Moonias-Neskantaga
Gershom Beaver-Nibinamik
Glen Wabasse-Webequie
Jessie Mekanak-Webequie
Beverly Moonias-Webequie
Sandra Spence-Webequie
In February and March, the ASAP team began its recruitment drive again visiting Matawa First Nation communities to deliver a presentation update, and conduct intake and academic assessments. There is a strong interest in ASAP which has resulted in a waiting list of approximately 260 applications.
First Nation visits will continue into the new fiscal year.
In terms of moving forward, KKETS has been successful in reaching a one year funding commitment from MTCU to continue the delivery of the Aboriginal Skills Advancement Program. It is expected to have the next cohort of 100 adult learners start early May 2014 (3 classes) and June 2014 (1 class). KKETS and ASAP staff are excited to continue offering this education opportunity in Thunder Bay which will prepare Matawa First Nation members for future employment, post-secondary education and/or training.
