M’CHIGEENG—The rain and soggy campus kept no one away from Kenjgewin Teg’s 2025 graduation. The large white tent, with its sides threatening to fly away in the wind, kept everyone inside warm and dry, and so the proceedings went on without disruption.
Following the procession of faculty and graduates, Emcees Sherry Moreau, dean of pathways, and Andrew Gerhardt, registrar, kept things moving quickly and efficiently. Mr. Gerhardt feeling the urge for one ‘Dad joke’ before things got underway, asked those gathered, “Why did the graduates bring their umbrellas to the stage? Because even the weather wanted to shower them with praise.” Groan.
Debbie Ense offered a traditional opening prayer and smudging, which was followed by welcoming addresses by Dr. Beverly Roy, president, and Robert Beaudin, board chair. Dr. Roy, in congratulating the graduates said, “This is one of many milestones facing our graduates today. I think I can safely say this is not where their journey ends, in fact, it is just the beginning.” She stressed her belief, and that of Kenjgewin Teg’s, in life-long learning, “because learning never truly ends,” she said.
Robert Beaudin was next to address the graduates and families. “I want to give thanks, first and foremost, to the families and supporters of all the graduating students. As they say, it takes a whole community to raise a child, and it takes a whole group to support learners.” Though Mr. Beaudin said he was not going to tell a dad joke, he felt the need to inform the graduates, “The first 70 years of childhood are the hardest.” Mr. Beaudin thanked the staff at the school, and he ended by congratulating the graduates and telling them to, “Be an ambassador for Kenjgewing Teg. Share what you’ve learned with your families and communities and encourage them to come here.”
Recognition of students with Anishinaabe-aadiziwin Distinction came next. Debbie Ense had the honour of presenting certificates to those students who, voluntarily, reached 24 hours or more, by the end of the academic year, in learning Anishinaabemowin, traditional cultural and harvesting practices, song and many other activities. The Anishinaabe-aadiziwin Distinction Graduates are: Katrina Capalbo-Taylor, Sandra Dewing, Sally Dokis, Stella Flamand, Jennifer Johnson, Natasha Kupar, Jody McKenzie, Courtnay Peltier, Jacinta Shawanda and Sarah Wheale.
The first of the diplomas to be awarded, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, through the Pathways Program, was preceded by Jody McKenzie’s graduate salute. Mr. McKenzie began by congratulating his fellow classmates. He explained that school had always been a fearful, hurtful place. “It’s been 40 years since I’ve last been to school,” he said. “When I walked through the doors of Kenjgewin Teg, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I didn’t know what to expect and I didn’t know what would happen. But I made a promise to myself to achieve my dream.” Mr. McKenzie had high praise for his teachers who, with patience and compassion, helped him overcome his fears and frustrations. His speech was heartfelt and emotional and very well received. The graduates of the Pathways Program were presented their diplomas by Susan Griffin and Samantha Cooper, Learning Coaches in the program. These graduates were Summer Beaudin, Jacob Bebemash, Trinity Henry, Nicole Joseph, Brayden Kelly, Lillianna Kitchekeg, Randy McGale, Jody McKenzie, Kerry Monague and Collin Oshkabewisens.
The Health and Wellness Graduation Salute was given by Jessica Bryan, who received her Ontario College Diploma in Practical Nursing. “As I look back on my time in the RPN program, it is clear that we are not just cohorts, we are connected through experience. We have leaned on each other, and we have grown together. The instructors and staff here at Kenjgewin Teg have been nothing short of remarkable. They have created an environment that is not only supportive, but empowering,” Ms. Bryan said. In her closing remarks, she urged her fellow graduates to “carry forward the lessons we have learned.” Ms. Bryan congratulated her classmates, and said, “Let us go forward and make a difference in the world.” Health and Wellness Coordinator Rebecca Wright presented the Health and Wellness Certificates and Diplomas. For the Personal Support Worker Certificates, she was assisted by Sarah Julian, Canadore College’s Director of First Peoples’ Center and Indigenous Engagement. PSW Certificate recipients were Tara Bernatchez, Keshia Bohannon, Jennifer Case, Amanda Lacasse, Kayla Mills, Elizabeth Shamachuk-Stelcer, Heather Trought and June Trudeau. Practical Nursing Diplomas were given to Jessica Bryan and Felicia Chakasim. Personal Support Working Bridging to Practical Nursing college credits were given to Kari-Ann Seeten-Charlebois, Jessica Elliot, Shannon Lewis and Renata Lima. Pre-Health Sciences Pathways to Advanced Degrees, in partnership with Cambrian College, an Ontario College Certificate was given to Laurie Patreau. The following received Ontario Master of Social Work degrees, in partnership with Wilfred Laurier University: Roberta Bernard, Aundrea Caputo-Laroque, Joyce Davis, Sally Dokis, Jennifer Johnson, Sarita Johnson, Annie Knockwood, Natasha Kupar, Diane Laverdure, Sandra Mitchell Sarah Pineda Martinez, Rachel Robinson, Jacinta Shawanda, Valerie Shawinimash and Sarah Wheale.
Adolphus Trudeau gave the salute for the Trades, Apprenticeships and Skills Programs. “Staff here is phenomenal,” he said, “they speak my language and share my knowledge in Anishinaabemowin.” He also observed, “Women in the trades? Watch out, they’re coming,” this said as the other three in his program were women. “It’s a great sector,” Mr. Trudeau said, “for all of us Anishinaabe to empower ourselves again, be proud of ourselves again.” And, in his concluding remarks, he said, “I’d like to thank the staff who made my career path enjoyable.”
Welding instructor Dave Barnes presented the Canadian Welding Bureau Certification to: Carter Byers, Damion Debassige, Dennis Debassige, Nolan Lafleur, Riley Maloney, Andrew Stanley, Bryce Thibault and Benjamin Willis. Sarah Julian, from Canadore College, joined Dave Barnes in presenting Pathway to Trades Ontario College Credits to Sandra Dewing, Stella Flamand, Courtenay Peltier and Adolphus Trudeau.
Katrina Capalbo-Taylor gave the final salute in the teaching and learning segment of the ceremony. Ms. Capalbo-Taylor is a teacher in the Early Learning Centre in Curve Lake. “When I started this journey in the Early Childhood Education Anishinaabemowin program, I didn’t know just how much it would change me, not just as a student, but as an Anishinaabe-kwe, as a future educator, and as a person.” About the program, she said, “This program didn’t just teach me how to be an educator – it helped me open my eyes and my heart to my culture, to our language, and to the role I hope to play in the future.” Ms. Capalbo-Taylor’s dream is to continue her education at Kenjgewin Teg and one day teach in her home community of Curve Lake.
Allana Macaluso, director of student wellness and services presented the Early Childhood Education diplomas to: Reagan Calder, Katrina Capalbo-Taylor, Courtnee Osawabine and Jessica Shonia. Dr. Peter Chin, Queens University’s Associate Dean of Teacher Education, assisted by Summer Sands-MacBeth, Queens University’s Indigenous Teacher Education Program Manager presented Ontario Bachelor of Education degrees to: April Folz, Jacob Fox, Jacqueline Hopkin, Samantha John-George, Levi Laundrie, Cassandra Macdonald, Carly Monague, Chantal Swift, Lisa Tobodo, Akeshia Trudeau, Jessica Trudeau and Lorraine Wesley.
The graduates and faculty processed out as they had come in, with drum and song by Young Biisineh. It was a remarkable graduation, spanning many areas of study, and there was a sense of elation – for graduates and for the faculty who watched them receive their diplomas and certificates with pride and tears. The family atmosphere did not come from parents, siblings and grandparents alone, the learning centre itself seems like one big, warm and caring family, which is why their programs, from Pathways diplomas to university degrees is so successful. Even the rain stopped falling, to let the graduates stand outside and toss their caps with gratitude and relief.
by Margery Frisch
