Maamwi Naadamadaa Newspaper - Winter 2016

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    MAAMWI

    MAAMWINAADAMADAA

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    UCCMM

    BBOON/ WINTER 2016

    $1

    Inside MAAMWINews - BBOON/WINTER2016

    CONFIDENTLEARNERSLAUNCHES AT

    FNSSP SCHOOLS

    SEE PAGE 3

    HAVE A QUESTIONABOUT ONLINELEARNING?SEE

    PAGE 7

    STUFF THECRUISERCAMPAIGN

    SEE PAGE 12

    I N T E G R A T E D S E R V I C E / E X C E L L E N C E I N A C T I O N

    THE OJIBWE CULTURAL FOUNDA

    TION is inviting visitors to explore its newwebsite and social media channels. Tenew website has been designed to pro-

    vide the ultimate user-friendly experiencewith improved navigation and function-ality, allowing visitors to access detailedinformation.

    Te social media sites, (Facebook, wit-ter, Youube, Google+ and rip advisor)have been established to grow a commu-nity network and create increased engage-ment among OCF members and visitors.

    Created with the user in mind, thewebsite has been designed so it is com-patible with todays browsers and mobile

    devices. In addition, it is helping to makethe OCFs vast product resources easy tobrowse.

    An added component is an Events Cal-endar which includes up-to-date infor-mation regarding workshops, exhibitions,conferences and more.

    Visit the new website at www.ojibwecul-

    ture.ca and why not give us your feedbackon the website by posting a comment onthe Facebook page www.Facebook.com/Ojibweculturalfoundation.

    OCF Launches New Website and Social Media Channels

    Aan ii, bozhoo ! Kayla Kar n nin-d i z h i n i k a a z ,M C h i g e n e gndoonjibaa. Myname is KaylaKarn and I amfrom MChi-geeng FirstNation. I am the

    new Marketing& Communi-cations Coor-dinator for theOjibwe Cultur-al Foundation(OCF). My roleover the nextfew months isto increase theawareness of, and interest in, OCF product

    offerings by developing new materials andinteractions with all of you!My education and career thus far has

    been spent in the marketing and salesindustry and I look forward to continuing

    Kayla Karn, Marketing &Communications Officer, OCF

    KARN continued onpage 5

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    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    Page 2 BBOON/WINTER 2016

    Our mission is to be the leading provider of information, services and

    tools to inspire and support First Nations organizations and individuals

    on Mnidoo Mnising.

    Maamwi News is published quarterly by The United Chiefs and Councils

    of Mnidoo Mnising through Kenjgewin Educational Institutes (KTEI)

    Graphics Department.

    Inquiries can be delivered to the

    UCCMM office C/O Peggy Simon: [email protected]

    Submissions directed to the KTEI Graphics Dept.:

    [email protected]

    Printers: Sunmedia / North Bay

    678

    STAFF:

    Editor/Layout & Design:Patrick Kiley

    Editors:Beverley Roy-Carter, Connie Freeman

    Contributors:Maamwi Naadamadaa Partners

    UCCMM TRIBAL COUNCIL: 1110 Hwy 551, P.O. Box 275,MChigeeng, ON, P0P 1G0, Tel: (705) 377-5307 Fax : (705) 377-5309

    KENJGEWIN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE: 374 Highway 551, P.O. Box 328MChigeeng, ON, P0P 1G0, Tel: (705) 377-4342, Fax: (705) 377-4379

    UCCM ANISHINAABE POLICE: 5926 Highway #540, P.O. Box 332

    MChigeeng, ON, P0P 1G0, Tel: (705) 377-7135, Fax: (705) 377-5583

    KINA GBEZHGOMI CHILD SERVICES: 98 Pottowatomi St.,

    Wikwemikong, Ontario P0P 2J0, Tel: (705) 859-2100, Fax: (705) 859-2195

    NOOJMOWIN TEG HEALTH CENTRE: 48 Hillside Rd., AOK First Nation,

    Little Current, Ontario P0P 1K0, Tel: (705) 368-2182

    MNAADMODZAWIN HEALTH SERVICES: 48 Hillside Rd., Postal Bag

    2002, Little Current, ON, P0P 1K0, Tel: (705) 368-2182, Fax: (705) 368-2229

    OJIBWE CULTURAL FOUNDATION: 15 Highway 551, P.O. Box 278

    MChigeeng, ON, P0P 1G0, Tel: (705) 377- 4902, Fax: (705) 377- 5460

    INTEGRATED SERVICE / EXELLENCE IN ACTION

    MAAMWI

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    UCCMM

    Teachers of the Year at the Miigwewin Conference

    Nominator Gayle Payette (left) with New Teacher of the Year Nicole Fox(2nd from left),

    Inspiring Educator Connie Freeman (2nd from right) and her nominator Diane Debassige

    at the Miigwewin Conference in late November.

    2015 KTEI Indigenous Learning Seminar Series:

    Conversations with Bob Rae on Government Budgeting

    Former parliamentarian Bob Rae, now a senior partner with the law firm of Olthuis Kleer

    Townshend LLP during a recent seminar hosted by KTEI at the Manitoulin Hotel and

    Conference Centre on January 22, 2016.

    Approximately 25 First Nation employees enjoyed the relaxed and conversationalatmosphere with Bob about the realities of how government branches and bureaucracies

    work. Mr. Rae included additional insights about the complementary nature of the

    government spending arm and the budgeting arm and how critical is to consider

    these two aspects of government when making pitches and proposals to government

    ministers and their staff.

    A new seminar is currently in the works with the team at Olthuis Kleer Townshend - keep

    an eye out for upcoming dates this Spring!

    COME VISIT US WWW.KTEI.NET

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    M C H I

    GEENG FIRSTNATION Ken-

    j g e w i n -e gEducat iona lInstitutes First

    Nation Student Success Program launched Ontarios onlyConfident Learners at Lakeview School on December9, 2015.

    Early reading leads to good students which is a mea-surement of a good school, explains Lewis Debassigeat the launch of the Confident Learners program. It is

    renewal that is taking place.

    It is an accountability measure for teachers and par-ents to know exactly where their students/children areon the literacy pathway in kindergarten to grade three,explains Neil Debassige, Principal, Lakeview School. Inthe short-term it is going to give us an accurate placementof what our next cohort graduation rate will be basedon data.

    Debassige explained the importance of supportingstudents to become confident in their ability to solveproblems. In todays education system, a big componentof this confidence stems from the ability to read, write

    and comprehend. Research has shown that reading A

    grade 3 by the end of grade 3 will allow our students to

    continue into the junior, intermediate and senior gradeswith a reading tolearn mentality.

    C o n f i d e n tLearners is a scal-able school-basedprogram designedto increase theliteracy skills ofchildren in FirstNations commu-

    n i t i e s .It offers a pathway approach toinstruction and assessment that is based onthe science of literacy and linked to teachingactivities that support First Nations languageand culture.

    I am so pleased to be here for the launchof Confident Learners at Lakeview School,MChigeeng First Nation. Witnessing the suc-cess of its students in developing their readingskills is especially rewarding. Te students andstaff at Lakeview School have been a key part-

    ner in the development of Confident Learners.Tey have been working with the researchersin developing the program, and at the same

    time working with the Elders and parents of the Lakev-

    iew community to ensure their children are exposed tomany and variedlearning oppor-tunities thatare groundedin their localculture andbased on thescience of liter-acy and learn-ing, explainsDouglas Willms,

    Canada Research Chair in Literacy andHuman Development at the University of New Bruns-

    wick.Confident Learners also includes a professional devel-

    opment program for teachers aimed at increasing theirprofessional knowledge of the science of literacy skilldevelopment and its application in First Nations settings,a family and community literacy program that strives tostrengthen families contributions to their childrens skilldevelopment, and a training program for aides and volun-teers who are supporting childrens literacy development.

    Willms explained that Confident Learners focuseson the development of literacy skills during the prima-ry school years, because learning to read fluently and

    with confidence opens up many learningopportunities for learning through a childsschool career and afterwards. o becomea confident learner, First Nations childrenneed many and varied learning opportuni-ties for increasing their literacy skills thatare grounded in their culture. Culture isimportant because it is related to the pro-cesses of learning, or what is sometimes

    called ways of knowing. During the earlyyears it is the songs, the art, the stories, andthe games of ones culture that build prideand create a foundation for learning. Butat the same time, there is a well-developedscience of literacy skill development thattranscends cultures. Tere is also a strongscience on the kinds of teaching strategiesthat are effective for most students.

    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    BBOON/WINTER 2016 Page 3

    F N S S P on the webWWW.FNSSP.COM

    EDUCATIONAL TEACHIN CLIMATE CHANGE M A R C H 9

    Shawanosowe School students developing their literacy ski lls andbecoming more Confident Learners December 2015.

    Confident Learners Initiative Launches at FNSSP Schools

    The Launch of Confident Learners at Lakeview School December 9, 2015.

    BY KELLY

    CRAWFORDKENJGEWIN TEG

    EDUCATION

    CONFIDENT continued onpage 8

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    Distance from a classroom does not need to be abarrier to educational goals. Online learning offersthe flexibility to remain in the community, maintainpersonal and employment commitments, alleviate theneed for costly travel and accommodations, and opensthe door to lifelong learning. It is now possible to get

    your degree, diploma, certificate or upgrade your skillsthrough online learning.

    Contact North, Ontarios distance education andtraining network, with 112 online learning centresacross the province, including 3 on Manitoulin Island,partners with Ontarios 24 public colleges, 22 public universities, and 250 literacy andbasic skills training providers to deliver their online programs and courses. Funded bythe Government of Ontario to provide local access to education and training opportu-nities, it ensures residents living in small, rural, remote Aboriginal and Francophone canparticipate in over 1,000 online programs and over 18,000 online courses without having

    to leave their community. Online students connect to

    classes through web conferencing, video conferencingand / or audio conferencing. Te distance learningplatforms have evolved and become easier to use. Teyeven allow students to work in groups on course proj-ects or casual discussion groups. Online learning is notalways about working alone. Contact North Centresare staffed to support and assist students on every levelfrom providing study options to getting comfortable

    with the technology and online environment. Tereare Contact North Centres on Manitoulin Island inMChigeeng, Gore Bay and Wikwemikong and arecurrently working with other communities in helpingto implement and support their own resource centresin accessing online education.

    Interested in learning more? Gail Cook, Online Learning Recruitment Office forManitoulin Island, based out of the MChigeeng Centre located in Kenjgewin egEducational Institute can be contacted at 1-855-326-3507 or email [email protected].

    Kenjgewin eg EducationalInstitutes Anishinaabemow-

    in Immersion Program (AIP)includes indigenous knowl-edge in the content deliveredto the students in the spokenlanguage of Anishinaabe-mowin. Te immersion pro-gram runs for two semestersand includes 2 languagecamps per semester, along

    with a weekly class at KEI.he language camps are

    located at the AnishinaabeSpiritual Centre located on

    Anderson Lake. Te studentsalong with instructors livetogether for 4 days whichis the duration of each camp.

    AIP Instructor Rhonda Hop-kins says that the students tellme that they really strength-en their language skills whenthey come to language camp,and I see that in them.

    In November 2015 all the studentslearned to tan a deer hide. Te instructorRhonda Hopkins shared her knowledge ofthe process, passed down to her from a dearElder friend. Te deer hide was providedby an AIP student Cecile Migwans, whocomes from a family of avid hunters. TeAIP class started by removing fur from the

    deer, fleshing and stretching. Te scrap-

    ing post was assembled by AIP studentJohn urner from Mkwa Minising/BearIsland. John is a contractor by trade andhe harvested the logs necessary and addedextras in his labor of love. John met all ofRhondas specifications, as she was taught.

    Tis first part of the process prepares thehide to the point where it would be used

    to make drums, rattles and other objects

    that require the use of the skin.At the January 2016 language camp theAIP students will be transforming thatskin into cloth, through a 4 day processthat requires the boiling and wringingout of the skin. On the last day, it will bescraped until dry, which makes the hideas supple as traditional cloth, but white

    in color.

    Te students will continue at the March2016 language camp to begin the smokingof the hide, which creates the brownishtanned hide that most people use for tra-ditional clothing and crafting.

    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    Page 4 BBOON/WINTER 2016

    KTEIs Anishinaabemowin Immersion Program and Indigenous Knowledge

    Andrew Pangowish, Rhonda Hopkins & John Turner-as John works onthe scraping post

    AIP Students cleaning hide - Right to Left-Jessica Benson, CecileMigwans & Patsy Turner

    Have a question about online learning?

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    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    BBOON/WINTER 2016 Page 5

    ARE YOU OR SOME

    ONEyou care about goingthrough a difficult time?

    Are you seeing behaviourchanges that are worri-some? Has there beenrecent negative contact

    with the Police, Child Welfare, or Te Justice System?Te UCCM Anishnaabe Police Services Social Navigator Ini-

    tiative (SNI) is here to connect and support at-risk individuals orrepeat offenders in finding appropriate services both locally and/or

    regionally. Our goal is to help using early intervention and outreachvia the Police service or in collaboration with our partners on GchiMino Naadmaadwin eg.

    We are here to help.Te Social Navigator can provide timely support, referrals and

    case management supports. Tis is done through continual contactwith community partners, consultation services and participation indeveloping care or intervention plans.Tese services can address individual, family, group or community

    concerns.Social Navigator Initiative Contact Information:Daughness Migwans, Social Navigator, UCCM Anishnaabe Police

    ServiceEmail: [email protected]: 705-377-7135

    Website: www.uccmpolice.comFacebook Page: UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service

    KINA GBEZ HGOMI ON THE WEB:WWW.KGCFS.O RG

    Are You Concerned About Someone You Know?The Social Navigator can provide timely support, referrals and case management supports

    BY DAUGHNESSMIGWANS

    UCCM POLICE

    Kayla Karn, Marketing & Communications Officer, OCFthat tradition and providing mar-

    keting and promotional solutions for the OCF. I am very happy tobe back working in my home community and I look forward to theexciting and new things we have happening this year at the OjibweCultural Foundation.

    Be sure to stay connected; follow us on social media, send us anemail, or check our Events Calendar at www.ojibweculture.ca forupcoming events and workshops.

    Baa maa pii.Kayla KarnMarketing & Communications CoordinatorOjibwe Cultural Foundation(705) [email protected]

    noojmowin-teg.ca.We are here to help. No Blame or Shame.FASD is preventable and it is never too late to ask for help.

    ...continued from page 1

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    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    Page 6 BBOON/WINTER 2016

    Students in the Kenjgewin eg Secondary School Construction program standback to admire their latest project, a gazebo for staff and students. Tis is the second

    year that KEIs secondary school has offered a construction program, and the secondlarge scale project they have tackled. Last year the students were asked to build alarge privacy fence around the c limate control equipment outside the school. AndrewMoggy, the construction tech teacher at KEI explains, Tey had to plan it out, markthe post locations, sink posts, cement them in, and erect the fence. Tey learned a lot,earned credits, gained some experience to put on resumes, and KEI got about 80 feetof quality fence at a great price out of the deal. Tis year the administration asked

    if a multi-function gazebo could be built, and our students met thechallenge head on.

    Student input and planning was integral at all steps of the gazebosconstruction. Te students drafted multiple designs, priced andordered the materials, prepped the build site, dug the foundation, andhammered every nail until the very last shingle was in place. Wevehad a lot of compliments from staff members and visitors to KEI,and staff input was taken into consideration during the design andconstruction of the gazebo. explained Jessica Aguonie. Our otherteacher Amy Debassige thought that blue shingles (KEI colour)

    would look nice and match the main building. Curtis Endanawas,

    another student explained that benches and floor space were import-ant so people could relax on their breaks, but also so the structurecould serve other purposes.Te Gazebo was finished November 10th, and just in time as well,

    as the next day Kenjgewin eg hosted a small Remembrance Dayceremony with singers and drummers performing from inside thegazebo. Im very proud of the work ethic and dedication our studentsshowed when building this gazebo, and the rest of staff here at KEI

    have been thoroughly impressed as well explained Mr. Moggy. Te only thing thatgives me pause, is wondering what were going to have to do next year to top this project .

    Kenjgewin eg Educational Institute is governed by a Board of Directors consistingof eight First Nation community representatives in the Manitoulin-North shore areaand is centrally located in MChigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island MnidooMnising. In the Ojibwe language, Kenjgewin eg means a place of knowledge. Formore information on programs at KEI please visit www.ktei.net.

    Students show off their Gazebo skills

    Joan Riggs, founding partner of Catalyst Research &Communications, speaks of the conditions within residentialschools.

    E F F E C T I V EMINUTE TAKING & NOTES

    EFFECTIVE MINUTE TAKING & NOTESDo you want to feel more comfortable taking minutes and

    notes at meetings? Are you unsure about what to write down

    and what not to? In this pair of seminars, we will cover the

    purposes of minutes as well as tips and tricks to make the

    job easier. Each session will also include minute-taking and

    note-taking practice and the time to discuss how the practice

    went. Ideas and experience will be shared among the instructor

    and participants, providing everyone with opportunities for

    learning.

    WHO SHOULD ATTEND Administrative assistants, executive assistants

    Any employee/volunteer assigned to take official (legal)

    minutes of Band Councils, Municipalities, Non-profit

    organizations, Committees, Incorporated Businesses

    Any employee/volunteer asked to record team meetingnotes, members of volunteer committees etc.

    Participants are encouraged to bring samples of their

    minute writing or notes

    IN THIS TWO-PART SERIES, PARTICIPANTS WILL:1. Learn and practice how to take notes and minutes at a

    meeting

    2. Learn the purpose(s) of meeting minutes

    3. Discuss and prepare agendas and minutes templates

    4. Discuss the roles of the minute-taker and

    the chairperson

    SEMINAR LEADER:Kate Thompson, owner of Write

    on Manitoulin, is an educator,

    speaker, life coach, and

    best-selling author who

    lives in MChigeeng First

    Nation.

    DATES:

    FEB 22, 2016 PART 1

    FEB 29, 2016 PART 2

    TIMES (BOTH DAYS):8:30 AM 1:00 PM(LUNCH INCLUDED)

    PRICE PER PERSON:

    $150 (FOR BOTH DAYS). REGISTER EARLY

    (LIMITED REGISTRATIONS)

    LOCATION:

    KENJGEWIN TEG EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE,MCHIGEENG, ON

    To register, Go to KTEI.NET

    For more information visit us at KTEI.NETor on Facebook.

    You can call at705-377-4342Or email at:[email protected]

    Living, LearningInviting Opportunities!

    374 HWY 551, Box 328, MChigeeng, Ontario P0P 1G0, Toll Free: 1-888-536-5439

    W W W . K T E I . N E T

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    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

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    JESSI CA AGUONIE, FROM SHEGU I

    ANDAH First Nation will be graduatingfrom Kenjgewin eg Secondary Schoolin June, with the Anishinaabe Odziiwindistinction.

    Jessica actively participated in KEIsAnishinaabe Odziiwin program, whichprovides staff and students with cul-tural learning experiences. Jessica took

    part in several events, in and out ofschool, and was always present when ourElder-in-Residence needed a hand.

    It was a pleasure to have Jessica in theKEI Secondary School Program, as shehad a positive attitude, and a great senseof humor which made us laugh on a dailybasis. Jessica set a good example for staffand students by speaking Anishinaabe-mowin when she could. Jessicas interestin the language instilled pride and encour-aged others in our class to learn and speak

    our language. Jessica has always been

    involved with sports, and enjoyed repre-senting the various sports teams she wasa part of and wishes to do the same whenshe goes away to college. Ms. Aguonieexcels in hockey and softball and keepsbusy with league games and tournaments.o stay motivated, Jessica kept things

    in perspective by being mindful of heraccomplishments and capabilities. Each

    credit earned was a step closer to thefinish line and an OSSD in hand. Terewere challenges along the way but Jessi-ca remained resilient she continuouslyfocused on her goals, learned from hermistakes, and worked hard to earn herOSSD. With continued support from herfriends and family, Jessica plans to attendcollege in the fall and will pursue a careerin the trades.

    Miigwech Jess! We are very proud ofyou and wish you continued success.

    KTEI Student Success: Jessica Aguonie

    Hi, my name is Kyera Landry,born and raised in Espanola,

    Ontario. I moved to Peterbor-ough, Ontario to completemy Bachelor of Arts in EnglishLiterature before fleeing theprovince to complete my Mas-ters in Library and Informa-tion Sciences at the Universityof Alberta in Edmonton. Ispent a lot of time researchingcommunity development whilealso working at the reference desk of the

    John W. Scott Health Scienceslibrary.

    After convocation I real-ized that Ontario is my trueplace and am excited to returnto Northern Ontario to startmy adventures in the work-ing world. I look forward toworking with Noojmowin egHealth Centre as the Accred-itation Intern! Kyera beganworking with Noojmowin eg

    Health Centre in December 2015.

    Hi, my name is AmandaFreeman. I am originally from a

    small lake town much like LittleCurrent, called Newboro, ON.

    Dietetics is a career I chosedue to my love for food andmy desire to promote a healthylifestyle. I have also had veryinfluential family members whowork in healthcare settings andpromote healthy living.

    I am excited to have beengiven the opportunity to continue working

    in my field with Noojmowineg Health Centre and helping

    people improve their quality oflife through healthy lifestylechanges , and look forward tolearning more about your com-munity and its culture! Amandahas been working with Noo-

    jmowin eg Health Centresince October 2015 and willbe with the organization untilJune 2016.

    Kyera Landry: Accreditation Intern Amanda Freeman: Accreditation Intern

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    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

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    Soapstone carvings - Andrews Moggys KTEI Art Class

    Andrews Moggys art class has just finished up a section dedicated to soapstone carving,

    and he thought he would share these wonderful pieces with Maamwi News. From left to

    right we have a shark tooth, a heart pendant, a bear claw pendant, an Easter Island head,

    a small turtle, a deer, an inuksuk, and finally another turtle.

    Confident Learners Initiative Launches at FNSSP Schools - Contd

    As the FNSSP Program Manager, Iam extremely excited to see the officiallaunch of the Confident Learners, as weare extremely grateful for being selectedas the Ontario aggregate representative.Confident Learners has been the first everinitiative that we have been involved in

    building, with and for our learners, whichwill benefit our learners nation to nation.

    We are also benefitting from creatinglesson plans to support developing lan-guage revitalization efforts in Ojibwe. Iam excited to see this initiative unfold inour nine participating elementary schools,concluded Debbie Debassige, Director ofSchool Services.

    Shawanosowe School was the secondschool to officially launch Confident

    Learners; on January 28, 2016. Te schoolwelcomed parents, students, and commu-nity members to a fun-filled evening ofliteracy events, which opened with a feastand welcoming remarks by Norma Barron,Student Assessment Lead for the Confi-dent Learners team with the University ofNew Brunswick.

    he Confident Learners Initiative(CLI) has been working its way intoassisting, supporting and developing ourstudents learning at Shawanosowe Schoolover the past two years. Tis initiativehas now become totally infused into ourlanguage block from Grade JK to Grade3. You can actually see how engaged thestudents are in the tools they use to buildon their skills, whether it is in reinforcingthe skills in centres or through guidedsupport with the teacher explains CherylMiller-Martin, Principal ShawanosoweSchool.

    Being an evidence based teacher driven

    initiative, the teachers are definitelyexpanding their own knowledge of how

    they can ensure the success of studentlearning and attainment as independent

    readers and successful writers says Mill-er-Martin. What do we anticipate in thefuture with the implementation of CLI?

    WellTis is only the first stage of theinitiative, but what we anticipate is that we

    will eventually have a specific and authen-tic assessment tool. ime will tell throughthe range of our student learners success-es as they make great strides along their

    way in literacy. We envision our academicscores rising throughout all the curriculumareas. Terefore, with the help of all ourteachers and educational assistants we willhave put a dent in bridging the gap ineducation. We will have placed our markon their academic advancement! We willhave built confidence in our students!

    For more information on the Confi-dent Learners, you can visit the websiteat http://confidentlearners.com or www.ktei.net

    ...continued from page 3

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    John has been part of the Noojmow-in eg Health Centre team for the past

    three years as the Data andInformation echnologyManager. John has been veryinstrumental in improvingand ensuring our data andprivacy and security measuresare in place. John has beenactive in the Nightingaleon Demand working group(NOD Squad). Tis group hashelped to improve our organi-zations ability to standardizeand improve processes withinan e-health system that is increasinglycomplex, as we ensure all of our multi-dis-

    ciplinary programming data inputting andreporting needs are met.

    While John will be missed,and Noojmowin eg extendsbest wishes to him in his nextendeavor and looks forward tothe opportunities to networkwith him in his new capacity.

    Miigwetch John!On behalf of Noojmowin

    eg Health Centre Board ofDirectors and Staff.

    I have so enjoyed the workof Advanced Foot Care RN

    with the Diabetes Wellnesseam of Noojmowin egHealth Centre. It has beena wonderful year getting toknow all of you. Miig-wech for entrusting your feetto my care! Now its time tosay good-bye, with my dateof retirement being Dec 31, 2015. I lookforward to spending more time with my

    family! I expect to see youaroundand youll be in my

    thoughts & prayers.Janet FathersOn behalf of the Noojmowin

    Teg Health Centre Board ofDirectors and Staff, Chi- Miig-wetch Janet for your commit-ment to the clients and commu-nities served. We wish you all

    the best on your semi-retirement and futureendeavours!

    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    BBOON/WINTER 2016 Page 9

    Noojmowin says Farewell to John Wakegijig Noojmowin says Farewell to Footcare Nurse

    NOOJMOWIN TEG HEALTH

    CENTRE AGING AT HOME

    VAN TRANSPORTATION

    SERVICES

    Did you know that there is transportation services available?

    If you are 55 years and/or older and are a Manitoulin Island resident, then you are eligible to

    access this transportation service. Transportation can be booked for medical appointments,

    home management activities (such as banking /shopping) as well as group outings. However,

    priority will be given for medical appointments.

    The Aging at Home Vans are available 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) and available on a

    FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis and as per the Aging at Home Van guidelines. Please

    note that the service provides pick-up and drop-off transportation services only and is not

    intended to provide medical escort assistance.

    There is also a 24 hour cancellation notice requirement so the van can be made available to

    other clients in need.

    Please note: The Aging at Home Van Transportation services are not intended to be used when

    other means of transportation are available and when other transportation costs are available

    (ie. FNIHB medical transportation, Northern Travel grants, etc.)

    If you would like to book the Aging at Home Van or to find out more

    information about the service, please contact:

    Gabriella Esposto at (705) 368-

    2182 ext. 201

    www.noojmowin-teg.ca

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    A great night of hockey in MChigeengtook place on November 30th when the

    UCCM Anishnaabe Police took on theWikwemikong ribal Police in the Battleof the Badges. As part of the hockey game,non-perishable food donations were gath-ered at the door from spectators for entryto watch the big game.

    UCCM Anishnaabe Police had the lead

    in the first half of the game but Wikwe-mikong Police pulled ahead to victory. It

    was a close match right up to the end andall participants had a lot fun and laughs.A second battle was held at the Wikwe-

    mikong Arena on January 4, 2016 whereUCCM Anishnaabe Police attended totake on the Wikwemikong ribal Policeonce more. Unfortunately, not all UCCM

    Police players were able to attend andtherefore a new game will take place at

    the Aundeck Omni Kaning Outdoor Rink Date and ime will be announced.We look forward to the next Battle

    of the Badges game and will keep youposted!!

    Chief of Police Rodney Nahwegah-

    bow is pleased to announce that a 23 yearmember of the police service, SergeantHeather Debassige has been selected tomove into the role as the UCCM PoliceOperations Sergeant.Te plan for this is to expose all senior

    supervisory personnel to more administra-tive capacities to assist the Police Servicein meeting expectations for improved

    management and succession planning.

    Prior to Sgt. Debassiges post, SergeantBrad Mack occupied the role for eighteenmonths. All three of UCCM Polices Ser-geants are each required to complete an 18month term in that capacity within thenext 4.5 years.

    Chief of Police Rodney Nahwegahbow

    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    Page 10 BBOON/WINTER 2016

    Battle of the Badges

    Police Operations Sergeant

    Constable James Panamick #510

    Sergeant Heather Debassige

    UCCM Anishnaabe Police OfficerHighlight

    Ahnee, My name is James Panamick ofthe MChigeeng First Nation. I am one ofthe new officers hired at the UCCM Anish-naabe Police Service and started my dutieson August 24, 2015.

    Going back, I started right here inMChigeeng. I attended the Nongosuk

    Daycare at the white apartment buildingin Lakeview. My family and I moved toChapleau, Ontario when I was 3 years old

    where I attended both elementary and sec-ondary school. My parents, James Pana-mick and Anita Panamick had to make atough decision back then, which was to go

    where the work was at that time. Withfamily members already living in Chapleau,it made a tough decision a little easier.

    Growing up in Chapleau was a lot of fun.Winters were cold very cold! My friends

    and I played a lot of hockey from the rinkto a frozen swamp, and out on the street. Iremember coming back to MChigeeng alot, whether it was for holidays or summer

    vacation. I gained my first work experi-ence in MChigeeng when I worked forthe Green Plan Project testing water. My

    The UCCM Anishnaabe Police provides effective and efficient policing while respecting and protecting

    our communities.

    UCCM ANISHINAABE POLICE

    OUR MISSION

    UCCM continued onpage 13Police continued onpage 11

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    CHIEF OF POLICE RODNEY Nahwe-gahbow and Operations Sergeant BradMack attendedthe March Past and ReviewCeremony at the Ontario Police College,

    Tursday December 3rd, 2015 in AylmerOntario. Tis portion of the recruits training

    is the standard for all police officers in theprovince of Ontario.

    On Tursday January 14th, 2016 Chiefof Police Rodney Nahwegahbow attend-ed a graduation dinner for Bonnie held inAlliston Ontario. Tis function followed an

    additional 3 weeks of post Ontario PoliceCollege raining at the OPP Academy inOrillia. Te purpose of this additional train-ing is geared to further enhance the Recruitsknowledge regarding the use of the local

    NICHE (RMS) police records managementsystem, communications, and reporting pro-cedures. Tis also assists the Recruits toundertake more efficiently the duties that areexpected of them once they get into the field.

    January 15, 2016, UCCMPolice were on hand for theformal badge and warrant cardpresentation. Tis event tookplace in Alliston, Ontario and

    was attended by all UCCMPolice Command staff; Oper-ations Sergeant HeatherDebassige, Sergeant BrianZiegler, Sergeant Brad Mackand Chief of Police Nahwe-gahbow. Constable BonniePichoski received her badgeand warrant card from PoliceChief Rodney Nahwegahbow.

    Chief of Police RodneyNahwegahbow commentedthat Tis marks the begin-ning of a whole career of policetraining and development forthis new officer and we cer-tainly wish her the best as sheembarks on her new policecareer.

    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    BBOON/WINTER 2016 Page 11

    A/Sgt. Brian Ziegler, OP. Sgt. Heather Debassige, Cst. Bonnie Pichoski, OPP CommissionVince Hawkes, UCCM PS Chief of Police, Rodney Nahwegahbow and Sgt. Brad Mack atOPP Recruit Class Graduation.

    Sgt. Brad Mack, Cst. Bonnie Pichoski and Chief ofPolice, Rodney Nahwegahbow at Ontario PoliceCollege Graduation.

    UCCM Police Honors New Graduate at Police GraduationsDinner and Formal Badge Presentation

    The UCCM Anishnaabe Police will be a partner in community wellness by providing proactive, culturally

    sensitive, and innovative service while respecting existing laws, customs, and traditions.

    UCCM ANISHINAABE POLICE

    OUR VISION

    Police Operations Sergeant, Contdadvised that Te role of an OperationsSergeant is to help the Chief of Police

    with matters of public relations, in serviceand external police training, communi-ty policing, statistical crime trends, fleet

    vehicle procurement, meetings, and publiccomplaints, just to name a few. Te entirepolice service and its success are built uponthe role each member of the organizationplays and the Operations Sergeant helpsthe police service to keep running smooth-ly as well as meet the growing demands on

    policing services. You can expect to see Operations Ser-

    geant Debassige out and about in her newrole attending meetings and networking

    with other agencies and the public.

    ...continued from page 10

    UNITED CHIEFS AND COUNCILS OF

    MNIDOO MNISING

    on theWebWWW.UCCMM.CA/

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    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    Page 12 BBOON/WINTER 2016

    Aanii Kina:Mino giizhegat miinwaa.

    Working as Elder (Gokmis) In Residence,KEI. I am Awbshkizit Mshkde Bezhikikwehns, Roberta Oshkabewisens, Bear clanand my Mothers clan Loon, Odawa/Ojibawemember of Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve,Minodoo Mnising,

    I express my gratitude being part of KEI.I have in my life path been an advocate for

    our anishinaabe maadzawin in places I haveworked, and had/have support from gokmisukand mishosuk who are also are very encour-aging to me to always do right by our peopleof our nations. I have been involved as Boardmember, facilitator/trainer with FriendshipCentre Movement, Ontario Native WomensAssociation, and Ontario Collages, IncomeAdvocacy Security Centre and Anishinaabekwe Resource for many F/N Communities,and other communities, agencies and orga-

    nizations. I also share my time as volunteerwith various agencies and organizations withinMindoo Mnising/Northshore/North CentralRegion of Ontario. Women of experienceguided and taught me in this very unique and

    wonderful anishinaabe way of life. Tey alsoshared with me that, it will be challenging attimes and remember who you are and to keep

    learning, ask for assistance from all gokmisukwho are your guides and teachers. In myrole with KEI as Elder in Residence I willbe a support to students and staff, provide ourcultural teachings as requested.

    On a personal note, I have two sons andhave adopted other youth in my path andpresented my role as mother to them andstill to-date I am. I am a grandmother andhonoured to say that my grandchildren are an

    extension of my life. In my life when I lackskill and confidence I look to my grandchil-dren for teachings and reminders.

    I am a traditional women dancer and formany years I followed our tradition as muchas I can in my life. I enjoy sewing, designinggarments, bead and leather work, traveling,facilitating teaching workshop.

    I share office with Misho Josh and we wel-come you.

    Roberta Shkabewisens, E.I.R.

    KTEI Elder In Residence, Roberta Shkabewisens

    THIS YEAR THE UCCM AnishnaabePolice Service partnered up for a friendly

    competition with the UCCMM Servicepartners, also known as the MaamwiNaadmadaa (Lets work ogether)Group to Stuff the Cruiser campaign.

    Te competition was to see who couldStuff the Cruiser with the most non-per-

    ishable food and childrens toy donationsby November 30, 2015.

    Each organization accepted donationsand had drop off boxes located at their

    offices. Organizations that participatedwere: Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family

    Services; Kenjgewin eg EducationalInstitute; Noojmowin eg Health Centreand Mnaamodzawin Health Centre;Ojibway Culture Foundation; UnitedChiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnis-ing and the UCCM Anishnaabe PoliceService.

    Te Maamwi Naadmadaaa Group isvery pleased with the generosity of the

    contributing agencies and this was a greatopportunity for us to step forward andhelp those in need. All donations were

    well received and very much appreciatedby Manitoulin Family Resources.

    Stuff the Cruiser Campaign

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    parents always taught me that I needed towork. I wasnt allowed to be lazy, so I alwayshad to have a summer job, even thoughsometimes I didnt want to! owards theend of my high school days, I remembertrying out tree planting, which was defi-nitely a tough summer job. Tis was a jobI enjoyed due to the fact I was out in thewilderness and it felt like camping. Onthe other hand though, I was tasked withcarrying a heavy planters bag and planting

    trees in what seemed like desert like heat.Tis was definitely a learning experience. Iwill take my duty belt and vest over a bagand shovel any day!

    After I was done college I still wasnt surewhat I wanted to do. I worked at CasinoRama and in banking in Ottawa, beforeeventually moving back to MChigeeng

    with my spouse Renee Corbiere. It wasnice to come back home. Tis is the placeRenee and I wanted to be to raise a family.

    Since both of us are from MChigeeng andknowing what the community had to offerour family, it was easy for us to decide tocome home. I started by completing con-tract positions with the First Nation andeventually working for the Great SpiritCircle rail. My brother, Kevin Eshkawk-ogan, presented me with a unique oppor-tunity. Tis opportunity involved working

    with people and educating them about ourhistory as Anishnabek, which also doubledas a great learning experience for me and

    my family. I was able to learn about MotherEarth and how we used the plants, trees andanimals to survive, all the while respectingthem. I learned a lot about traditional craftsas I was able to make hand drums and rattles.I also learned about the various Nanboozhostories, which were my favourite. I can tell

    you, the visitors who come to our commu-nities really enjoy the humourous stories ofNanaboozho and what they have to teachus. Working with people was always some-thing I enjoyed doing; I found myself to be

    very social like that. Tis new experienceprovided me with the opportunity to not

    just complete administrative type tasks, butto also continue to be out with people andshare my experiences with them.Tis was all happening while I was pon-

    dering whether policing was for me or not.

    I spoke with friends and family about this

    and it was something they supported mein doing. I remember in the summer of2009 a posting coming out from the UCCMAnishnaabe Police Service Commission,requesting applications for a spot as a Com-mission member. I thought this would bea great experience and would give me anunderstanding of a different aspect of thepolicing world.

    I became the Youth Representative on theUCCM Police Commission, a role I wouldrecommend other youth to pursue. Here

    I learned what it takes from a governancestand point and financial stand point to runa Police Service. Policy development anddiscussion also were a big part of the role,

    which I was able to assist with. I was a partof the working group that set-up the EnaagDawaab-jig Civilian Oversight Committee.It was exciting to be a part of something likethat. During my time on the Commission,I began to look more at a position in polic-ing. I continued to speak with friends I

    had who were in policing already, and theyencouraged me to apply. In January 2011,I applied to the Nishnawbe-Aski PoliceService (NAPS) which services the North-ern Communities of Ontario. It seemedto be a long process of waiting, but I gotthe call for an interview in September of2011. I attended the General Headquartersin Tunder Bay, and again had to wait fortheir decision which they told me wouldbe approximately 5 weeks. When week 5ended and I didnt get a call, I thought oh

    well it was worth a try. Te following weekI received a call coming in as an unknownnumber. I almost didnt answer it becauseI didnt want to talk to a tele-marketer. Imglad I did because it was Nishnawbe-AskiPolice telling me I would be attending theOntario Police College (OPC) January 11,2012.

    I can say that this was a very exciting timefor me, but a lot of work had to be doneto prepare for what was coming. A list ofitems was mailed to me of what I wouldneed at OPC, and how long I would bethere. Tis was a big change for me andmy family. Renee would be at home withour son James 4th, while I was attendingthe college. My resignations went in to theGreat Spirit Circle rail and the UCCMAnishnaabe Police Service Commission.

    Both these organizations were very sup-

    portive of my dream of becoming a PoliceOfficer.Te day came in January where I showed

    up at OPC and was literally overwhelmedby it all; I just could not believe I was there!After 3 months of intense training in pro-vincial law, federal law, physical training,and other duties required of me, was theMarch Past Ceremony. Tis was one ofthe proudest moments of my life, marching

    with my fellow officers who had just gonethrough the same grueling training as I had.

    Wed finally done it!Now it was time to go to work. During

    my time at the college, all my fellow officersknew the destinations where they wouldbe serving. I was the one who did notknow. NAPS had a shortage of officersso they could basically send me wherev-er there was an operational need. Duringthe last couple of weeks at the college, I

    was receiving messages from my NAPSsuperiors telling me I could be going to

    Muskrat Dam or Fort Severn. Tis worriedme because of the distance I would be awayfrom my family. We did not want to takeour son and raise him anywhere else. WhenI attended NAPS General Headquarters, I

    was informed that I would be stationed atthe Fort Albany detachment. I rememberflying up on the NAPS plane and when I

    was getting off, thinking What did I getmyself into? Since then I havent lookedback. I had a great coach officer, JassenMetatawabin, who was a very experienced

    officer, a local to the community, who tookme in as though I was family. He and his

    wife Karen made Fort Albany feel like myhome away from home which helped mesurvive being away from my own family forthe extended periods of time that I was away.

    Jassen taught me the job first hand, showedme how to live in a remote community andhow to survive the extreme temperatures.

    When away from family like that, its noteasy, but as my parents taught me, I had todo what I had to do to make a good life formy family. I was fortunate enough to meeta lot of great people in that community andfelt like a member myself. I spent threeand half years in Fort Albany and startedout by being in the community for 15 daysat a time and then coming home for 6 daysto spend with my family. I have to thank

    Renee, and my sons James and Maximus, for

    putting up with my schedule for that long,as I know it wasnt always easy for them tohave me away for such a long periods oftime and back for only a short rest period.

    NAPS and the community of Fort Albanywere a great experience that I wouldntchange, and would encourage anyonelooking to get into Policing to try. Its noteasy, but you get the opportunity to see dif-ferent parts of Ontario that many peopledont get to experience. Of course, when Istarted policing, my goal was eventually to

    come back home and police and help themembers of the community Im from. FortAlbany was great as I believe I was able tomake a difference, but I wanted to do thesame for my community. When a positioncame up in the spring of 2015 with theUCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, I couldnot pass up the opportunity to finally moveand work from home. It would mean nomore traveling, or being away from friendsand family, and being able to take part in

    more of the communitys events. After theapplication was submitted and the interviewand testing completed, again, the waitinggame started. Tis time, it did not take aslong as it had previously, but it felt longerbecause of my excitement for this opportu-nity to be home full-time. Once I got thecall, things happened very quickly; soon I

    was purchasing my final plane ticket out ofFort Albany, driving from immins for thelast time to MChigeeng, and buying a newsuit to show up to work in. As I was already

    trained, I basically hit the ground running. Inow had new coaches and mentors to learnfrom, and a new area to service. HOMEFINALLY!

    All this couldnt have been possible with-out the work ethic I learned from my par-ents and brother, the sacrifices made by myfamily, Renee, James 4th and Maximus, andthe support I received from all my friendsand family throughout the entire process- from making the decision to become apolice officer, to my time at the college, tothe help provided to Renee and the kids

    while I was away. I look forward to thenew chapter in my career as a Police Officer

    working for you, the community membersof the UCCMM service area. Miigwetch,Constable James Panamick

    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    BBOON/WINTER 2016 Page 13

    UCCM Anishnaabe Police Officer Highlight, Contd...continued from page 10

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    Booshoo. ZhaaAankwad Kwe ndaaw.My name is Carrianne Agawaand I have been hired on a

    contract basis as the Educa-tion Liaison for KEI. I amexcited to be working withthe communities and lookforward to meeting everyone.I have an Honors degree inPsychology, a Masters in Edu-cation and many certificates inthe area of mental and physicalhealth. However, what I valuethe most are the teachings and

    ceremonies that I gather/attend. I believethat a balance of both worlds/teachings is the key to living

    a good way of life and try mybest to move myself that wayas it grounds me.

    A bit about myself; I havetwo grown children and agranddaughter (noshis). Iam Pottawatomi and mycommunity and current place

    where I reside is WhitefishRiver First Nation. I recentlymoved home (2.5 years ago)

    from working in Northern Ontario whereI dabbled in Social Services, Child Wel-fare, Education and mental health. I saydabbled but I have been working in thementioned fields for many, many years.

    While my initial motive for moving homewas to be closer to my family, it was alsoto start my own business (MaadjitawinCounseling & Consulting).

    I enjoy a good book, writing (I havewritten two books), a good conversation

    and anything that involves movement. Iam a fitness instructor and runner. I runmarathons (26.2 miles) and have started

    running ultra-marathons (more than 26.2miles). I believe the sky is the limit notthe limitations I place upon myself; life is

    what I make of it. In good thoughts. Ilook forward to meeting you.

    Miigwech.

    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    Page 14 BBOON/WINTER 2016

    Hello, my name is K. Keegan Peltier andI am Ojibway. My first nation is Wiik-

    wemikoong Unceded IndianReserve located on Manito-ulin Island. I am currently inmy third year, sixth semesterof Business Administration

    with a focus in BusinessManagement at CambrianCollege in Sudbury. I am on aseven week placement here atKenjgewin eg EducationalInstitute and this is my thirdtime working for KEI. Tefirst time I was hired was onan interim basis through the summer, nextsummer I was a summer student and nowIm on placement. I really like workingfor this organization because its such afriendly environment, theres no compe-

    tition or antagonism with other coworkers.Everyone wants to help you with anything

    they can which is a great feel-ing. I really like how KEIencourages to get the employ-ees engaged into the Nativeculture by practicing the cul-ture, trying to speak the lan-guage and even non-nativeslike to take part which is anawesome sight to see. Once Iam done with school I wouldlike to run my own business.I have a few ideas on creatingsome businesses in the future

    and hopefully they will become sustain-able in my first nation. Tis way I can helpout some people by creating jobs for them.

    Keegan Peltier, KTEI Business/Finance Assistant

    Patricia Debassige is an Ojibwe Anish-nabe Kwe, and a member of MChigeengFirst Nation, located onbeautiful Manitoulin Is land.She has many gifts fromthe Creator, and has beenusing her gift of teaching forthe past twenty years. Herexperience includes teach-

    ing grades kindergardento eleven. Mrs. Debassigeobtained her Bachelor of

    Arts from Laurentian Uni-versity, and her Bachelor ofEducation from Queens University. Herspecialist certificate in Special Education,and additional courses have allowed her tocontribute many years of teaching in First

    Nation Schools on Manitoulin Island.Mrs. Debassige is passionate about

    her culture, her quest forIndigenous knowledge, and

    raditional teachings . Sheand her husband have threechildren, and have manyinterests. Patricia is work-ing with Kenjgewin eg

    for a short time, under theproject of Structural Read-iness. Structural Readinessis the development of policyand procedures to enhance

    educational outcomes of First NationsStudents.

    Patricia Debassige, B.A., B.Ed., OC

    Patricia Debassige, KTEI Education Policy Analyst

    Carrianne Agawa, KTEI Education Liaison

    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    BBOON/WINTER 2016 Page 15

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    MAAMWI NAADAMADAA NEWS

    You deserve help.

    reach out get help give help

    Scan the QR ordownload the app at

    mindyourmind/BeSafe

    Make decisionsin crisis.

    Customizeyour own

    safety plan!

    Find reliable resources.

    Natasha Abotossaway is passionateabout education and lifelong learn-ing. Trough her role as the

    Student Liaison Officer atKenjgewin eg EducationInstitute, Ms. Abotossawayfacilitates communicationbetween students and staff,assists in the recruitment ofPSE programs, aids studentsin successful transitions andprovides program support.

    Previously she was with theSudbury Area Post-Second-ary Unit in Nippising First

    Nation, working for the organization for19 years until the offices closure.

    In addition to her role with Kenjge-

    win eg, Ms. Abotossaway is continuingher education with Brock University to

    obtain a certificate in Adult

    Education.Born in Ann ArbourMichigan, Ms. Abotossawayhas lived on Manitoulinthe majority of her life andcalls Audeck Omni KaningFirst Nation home where sheresides with her husband of20 years, two sons and belovedfamily pets.

    In her spare time she enjoysskiing, snowmobiling, fishing

    and boating, in addition to supporting hersons in their competitive hockey endeav-ors.

    Natasha Abotossaway, KTEI Student Liaison Officer

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    ANISHINAABE ODZIIWIN FRIDAYSE V E R Y 2 N D F R I D A Y KTEI