Grad for Native Classroom Assistant program

Recently, Nipissing’s Schulich School of Education held a special convocation ceremony for the graduates of the Native Classroom Assistant Diploma Program, delivered in partnership with Bimose Tribal Council in Kenora, Ontario.

This long-standing program prepares graduates to assist children and teachers in classrooms across the province. It was delivered in Kiizhik School, an elementary and high school administered by Bimose Tribal Council.  They offered classes on weekends and over the summer.

The 13 graduates all hail from member communities of Bimose Tribal Council, representing eight First Nation communities in Treaty #3 in northwestern Ontario including Ochichaagwe'Babigo'Inning (Dalles), Grassy Narrows, Naotkamegwanning (Whitefish Bay) First Nation, Northwest Angle 33, Iskatewizaagegan (Shoal Lake #39), Obashkandagaang (Wasagamis Bay) and Wauzhushk Onigum (Rat Portage) First Nations. 

“We are extremely proud of our new Schulich School of Education graduates and we know they will take the skills and knowledge acquired in the program and strengthen the educational experiences of the youth they engage with on a daily basis”, said Chris Hachkowski, principal of Aboriginal Programs with the Schulich School of Education. “This partnership with Bimose Tribal Council created the opportunity to deliver our Summer Aboriginal Programs directly in the community and we are excited to continue this partnership to explore bringing other Schulich School of Education programs to their membership in the region.”

The convocation ceremony was attended by Hachkowski, as well as Dr. Carole Richardson, dean of the Schulich School of Education, and Dr. Mike DeGagné, Nipissing’s  president and vice-chancellor.