Seven graduates of the Aboriginal Early Childhood Education program at Confederation College had the honour of being the first class to have their ceremony at the Townshend Theatre.
“It was wonderful. It was nice for the graduates to have it in such a great place,” campus manager Don Lovisa said of last Thursday’s ceremony, adding he also received positive feedback from spectators.
Lindy Bruyere, Charity Calder, Lorna Cochrane, Verna Debungee, Tracy Kabatay, Cindy Shebagegit, and Jody Smith received their diplomas after completing the two-year program.
Bruyere received the Dean’s Medal for having the highest grade point average in the graduating class.
The graduation also included a traditional native ceremony for the first time, led by Elder Gilbert Smith.
Lovisa said the Aboriginal Early Childhood Education program is a special project funded by the Chiefs of Ontario.
“The purpose of the program is to train child care workers to work in First Nations communities, such as the day cares at Onegaming and Couchiching,” he noted.
“However, graduates are recognized as having Early Childhood Education certification across Ontario so they can work at day cares anywhere,” Lovisa added.
Fort Frances Times
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