Heather Latter
The Police Foundations program at the Seven Generations Education Institute here will be wrapping up its first two-year course this spring and students are thrilled by the learning experience they have received.
The program, offered in partnership with Canadore College in North Bay, provides students with the “opportunity to explore an exciting profession in the law enforcement field from both inside and outside the classroom.”
“The small environment is a real benefit,” noted student Alex Bruyere. “The one-on-one interaction is just amazing.”
Several students said more and more courses are being offered via videoconferencing but they prefer having instructors in the classroom and readily available to answer any questions, like they’ve had with the Police Foundations program.
“It’s better to be able to sit and talk and just get right into it,” reasoned student Tremayne Bruyere, noting it’s a lot easier to ask questions when you’re not looking at a TV screen.
“It adds to the experience and practical learning rather than the book work,” echoed student James Marengere.
William Perrault, post-secondary education programs co-ordinator for Seven Generations, indicated they went out of their way to select instructors with plenty of practical experience, hiring retired OPP Sgts. Steve Loshaw and Don Robertson, who combined have 60 years’ experience in policing.
“The practical experience has been a real bonus,” Bruyere remarked. “Everything is relatable to something and you don’t even realize you are learning.
“[The instructors] can actually paint the picture of what they have experienced,” he added.
The program, which began in September, 2010 with 18 students, now has a solid 10 on their way to graduating in June.
“There was a variety of reasons some of the students dropped out,” said Loshaw, noting the number is pretty average.
And the remaining students are thoroughly enjoying the program.
“I know it sounds cheesy but we’ve all become such good friends as a class,” said Bruyere, noting they have participated in the Seven Generations Education Institute’s fall harvest, a
local garbage clean-up, and even entered a float in the annual “Parade of Lights.”
“We like to get out there and volunteer,” Marengere said.
In addition, the instructors have incorporated areas of study, such as self-defense, which are outside the curriculum.
The students said the first year is a bit more general, with classes including political science and sociology. But by the third semester, they are engaged in classes focused on the Criminal Code, community policing, and interviewing and investigations.
Alex Bruyere noted there are several mature students in the class, including some who relocated from as far away as Ottawa to take the Police Foundations program in a smaller environment.
“It’s a great second career option,” said the student, who hails from Kenora.
“Combining the experience of two retired officers, and the small class size, Seven Generations offers a personal and in-depth learning environment for students of all learning styles,” agreed Eric Johnston of Ottawa.
For those who live locally, the program provides a great educational opportunity close to home.
And there are several students raising families.
“As a single mom of three, I was grateful to find a program that was structured in a way to further my education while effectively raising my family,” noted one student.
The classroom, located in the gymnasium at the Nanicost building, is fully-equipped with all the latest technology, as well as all the tools and equipment needed for students to properly train in the field of law enforcement.
“The skills and knowledge that I have gained will surely benefit me in the future,” Marengere stressed.
Those graduating this year will receive a diploma in Police Foundations, with many set to continue on with their education.
“It’s a very worthwhile program because there are opportunities available,” noted Perrault, adding an OPP officer recruiter spoke to students while the Treaty #3 Police, located right across the street, often stop by.
“It’s a good foundation for people who want a higher education, as well,” he reasoned.
A second Police Foundations program will be offered at Seven Generations this fall and it already has begun to accept applications.
The program is open to both aboriginal and non-aboriginal individuals. There also are bursaries that are accessible.
Those interested in the upcoming program are invited to contact Perrault at 274-2796 to start the application process.
