The Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) Guidance & Career Coaches hosted a Meet & Greet with local Post Secondary Schools, which took place on-site on January 22, from 1-6pm. Educational Institutions in attendance were:
- Cambrian College, Sudbury
- Sault College, Sault Ste. Marie
- Canadore College, North Bay
- Laurentian University, Sudbury
- Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie (sent regrets)
- Nipissing University, North Bay (sent regrets)
The purpose of this Meet & Greet was to allow community members access to several post-secondary schools [under one roof; the LLC’s] to ask questions, receive information, gain insights into programs and services, deadlines for program and housing application, as well as bursaries, funding, and Indigenous Student Support Services available at all of these institutions.
Visitors to the Meet & Greet were plentiful and included a variety of individuals in all walks of life: high school students, parents, youth, adults, those looking to return to school for upgrading, pursuing degrees, certifications, or for personal growth. An Alumni member of Sault College was in attendance too, proudly and fittingly sporting her Sault merch. She was too shy for the camera.
An intensive conversation with Gerard Peltier, Recruitment and Retention Officer with Canadore College, and his cousin Melvin Peltier, Recruitment designate with Sault College, brought to light a flurry of information regarding the increase in First Nations students over the past number of years. They spoke about their own family members located locally and within the region who played a significant role in development of education opportunities, partnerships, the creation of First Nations Student Support Centres being accessible at all Post-Secondary institutions, and providing leadership, encouragement, and support at a local level to help community members envision themselves on the road to higher education; unlocking their life dreams and full potential. Gerard spoke proudly about his mother’s, Sara Peltier, role as the Director of Education, and his father’s, Hardy Peltier, who was involved at the grass roots level as a land claim specialist. Hailing from Wikwemikoong, both were extremely devoted to their community, working tirelessly for the development of programs and services -- “you can ask anyone around, and they will know who Hardy and Sara Peltier are,” shared Gerard. He added that “what you see now in First Nations’ education promoting accessibility, cultural foundations, funding options, quality education on a level playing field for First Nations students,” that’s what his parents helped achieve in the North Shore region. Boasting four children of his own, Gerard spoke about he and his wife’s decision to relocate to North Bay to give their kids more access to high level sports, more diverse programs, and a whole world of opportunities they would not have accessed had they remained in Wiki. He spoke encouragingly about young people who are considering post-secondary education, to just “go and get out there, there are tons of opportunities, and you can become whatever you want to be if you take the steps. Get those opportunities by venturing out to other small towns, not just remaining in your little bubble.” Success stories of his children include one currently completing a PhD, two sons who played major roles in the film Indian Horse, one gainfully employed, all of them playing high level sports such as hockey, with his one son making the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Team and winning the championship! “Myself, I played sports in Sweden and the States, all over the place, and that never would have happened if I had stayed home. When I was 14/15 years old, I had big plans,” Gerard spoke openly with the hopes that by sharing his story he could inspire young people to seek opportunities beyond their current community. Demonstrating through his, and his children's success stories, that dreams can become reality if you make the choice to go explore what’s out there and pursue the interests that lay within you.
The recruitment members present from each college and university, belong to an organization called Aboriginal Post Secondary Information Program (APSIP). Members of this committee all support one another, they are not competing to recruit students, but rather to offer knowledge and support towards all of the programs that are available across the region, to provide support for First Nations students on their journey. Some members having served for 3 years and others for 18+ years, all completely dedicated and loving their roles which sees them travel all throughout Ontario and into Quebec, reaching remote locations like Kahnawake, Quebec and places like Moosonee and Moose Factory in the winter season! Attending these remote communities, they can provide information about their schools, trades programs, how, where, and when to enroll, etc., so that residents there may also receive firsthand knowledge and be offered personal support when their questions, concerns, or desire to advance educationally surfaces.
Peltier went on to talk about “the Ontario Native Education Counselling Association (ONECA) and how, since the 1990s, shortly after its founding, you could see the landscape of the Indigenous Education sector grow and climb.” Melvin Peltier concurred with Gerard; since becoming a Recruitment Officer in 2015, he has seen the schedule for where they go to visit and provide Meet & Greets such as today’s, just keep growing. Recently in Peel Region in Southern Ontario, they bussed in kids from the area – upwards of 50-60 students – and 20-30 Educational Institutions, Trades representatives, Specialists, Professionals, etc. represented there. Things are happening regarding education for Indigenous people -- the need has been heard, identified, and actions are building towards education parity and placement priorities allocated to local First Nation students who will remain in their home region and continue to make their locale prosper and progress. There is a significant Indigenous Culture, History, and Language component being incorporated into every educational institution and curriculum development with a view towards becoming mainstream.
Lifelong Learning Centre’s Guidance & Career Coaches, Lorna Sinobert, Tracey Stoneypoint, Edie Fairburn, (regrets Lorrie-Anne Linklater and Josephine Toulouse), welcomed students, parents, caregivers, family members, upon their arrival at the LLC, directing them to the various classrooms designated by Institution. Charcuterie snack boxes and refreshments were catered by Gordo’s Catering Cuisine, followed by supper later in the afternoon, consisting of homemade scone pizza, scone dogs, and cheesecake. Everything was delicious and proved popular with attendees. Miigwech to Gordo’s! In addition to the Meet & Greet, the Coaches offered their services for this, their second OCAS/OUAC College/University Application Assistance Session, the previous one held on December 9. In addition, coaches dedicated time for anyone who needed support to fill out application forms, or had questions regarding funding, bursaries, housing, what to expect, what programs would be best based on their interests, etc.
The event was successful and informative for all parties involved. If you were unable to attend the Meet & Greet, contact the Lifelong Learning Centre at 705-865-2421 and ask to be directed to a Guidance & Career Coach, or drop in! They can put you in contact with any of the colleges and universities that were present and help you with post-secondary applications and funding options. Check the deadline for applications as each institution is different and many close early in the year for a September start. Check out the following links for bursary information including the Indigenous Student Bursary on the Government of Ontario website: https://osap.gov.on.ca and IndSpire Bursary: https://indspire.ca/programs/students/bursaries-scholarships. Ask for assistance from the LLC Coaches who are whole-heartedly committed to helping you succeed and reach your full potential! They are right here in the community, at 717 Sagamok Road. Chi miigwech to the Lifelong Learning Centre staff for bringing local colleges and universities together here at Sagamok, to support members on their personal education journey.