Indigenous Resource Guide

2018-2019

Indigenous

Resource Guide

Indigenization

Strategy

Assiniboine Community College recognizes the unique history of Indigenous peoples and is committed to playing an active role in reconciliation. Our Indigenization Strategy focuses on four initiatives that help reduce barriers to education and educational support to empower Indigenous students to succeed.

CICAN INDIGENOUS PROTOCOL

Manitoba INDIGENOUS BLUEPRINT

Post-secondaries that have signed the Colleges and Institutes Canada protocol recognize and affirm their responsibility and obligation to Indigenous education.

Institutions of the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint For Universities and Colleges are committed to making excellence in Indigenous education a priority.

BUAPC COMMITMENT OF PARTICIPATION

ASSINIBOINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE INDIGENOUS STRATEGY

An MOU establishes the commitment between Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council and the City of Brandon (collectively, the Parties) to promote Indigenous education, employment, and business inclusion within the community.

A strategy encompassing Assiniboine's commitment of the Truth & Reconciliation's calls to action on education in order to overcome the legacy of residential schools in Canada.

Community Connections

In addition to our campus-based programs, Assiniboine Community College serves Indigenous students and communities through individualized contract training. With this training mode, Assiniboine is able to customize program delivery to suit the needs of learners and communities, creating flexible, alternative opportunities directly in communities or central locations. We work with a

variety of Indigenous partners throughout the province delivering programs ranging from accredited, credential offerings to targeted programs for specific educational and employment purposes. So far, Assiniboine has offered 12 programs servicing 18 rural communities and offers programming through First Peoples Development Inc. and the Manitoba MĂŠtis Federation.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, and the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the MĂŠtis nation. We also recognize other Treaty Territories where our community-based training takes place. We welcome students who seek knowledge here.

Welcome

to Assiniboine Community College!

Welcome • Bienvenue • Tawów • Hau/han Masih Nenudeli • Tungahogiti • Piihtikway Kiwiishaamikoo • Miigwech bi-izhaayeg

We are honoured to welcome students from many nations across the province and around the country, strengthening our wealth of First Nations, Métis and Inuit knowledge at Assiniboine.

We aim to infuse cultural teachings into the curriculum to ensure Indigenous students see themselves and their realities reflected in the learning process. Our goal is for all students to acquire the knowledge and skills to be culturally competent and gain a true understanding of Indigenous affairs, past and present, in Canada.

Assiniboine offers more than 40 programs to help prepare you for a successful career and maintains many connections with universities, both local and across the country.

These include programs within the following areas: »» Agriculture & Environment »» Business »» Continuing Studies »» Culinary & Hospitality »» Health & Human Services »» Mature Student Upgrading »» Technology »» Trades/Apprenticeship

More than 3,250 full-time students attend our college each year with

18%

identifying themselves as First Nations, Métis or Inuit.

Get to Know Us Connecting with a staff member at Assiniboine is a great way to start your educational journey!

Meet the team that will help you explore programs and assist with your education plan!

MICHAEL CAMERON Dean, Students, Indigenous and Community Development

Michael is a proud MĂŠtis with Anishinabeg and Scottish roots.

He is strongly committed to removing barriers you may face in pursuing post-secondary education. Michael aims to ensure our Indigenous students will be self-determining in achieving their educational goals, are affirmed in an inclusive and engaging learning environment, and graduate with a vision of having a good life.

204.725.8700 800.862.6307 ext 6045 (toll free) cameronm9131@assiniboine.net

CRYSTAL BUNN Indigenous Affairs, Services Officer

Crystal is a member of the Dakota Nation. She will help you transition to Assiniboine and provide support in areas of sponsorship, housing, budgeting, daycare, relocation, personal growth and employmentrelated needs. Crystal organizes special events and cultural activities, and recruits student volunteers throughout the year for the Brandon campuses. Crystal is also a resource for both staff and students who have questions about Indigenous culture.

204.725.8700 800.862.6307 ext 7419 (toll free) bunnca@assiniboine.net

CECIL ROULETTE Indigenous Counsellor/Cultural Consultant

Cecil is a member of the Ojibway Nation. He serves as a resource for both staff and students throughout the college. Cecil provides mainstream and traditional counselling to students and is a link to our community elders. Meet with Cecil if you are seeking counselling or personal supports as an Assiniboine student. He is also available to provide cultural presentations in the classroom and is a source of cultural knowledge to both staff and students.

204.725.8700 800.862.6307 ext 7181 (toll free) roulettc@assiniboine.net

CARISSA PARACHONIAK Student Recruitment Specialist

Carissa is a MĂŠtis woman from northern Manitoba. She visits rural and northern communities, and connects with prospective students in high schools and adult education centres. Carissa will sit down with you to discuss your program options or give you a campus tour when you are interested in becoming an Assiniboine student.

Contact Carissa to connect with resources at Assiniboine and make the transition to Brandon easy and exciting!

204.725.8750 800.862.6307 ext 6689 (toll free) recruit@assiniboine.net

JOAN CLARKSON Student Success Advisor, Parkland Campus

Joan is a proud MĂŠtis who plans and coordinates special events and cultural activities. If you are studying at our Parkland campus, Joan will advise you on both academic and personal matters including career counselling, housing, daycare, Manitoba Student Aid, bursaries and scholarships, peer tutoring and referrals to learning assistance. She supports staff and students from an Indigenous perspective, values diversity, and promotes an all-inclusive, studentcentered learning environment.

204.725.8700 800.862.6307 ext 6596 (toll free) clarksoj@assiniboine.net

REBECCA GRAY Student Success Advisor, Adult Collegiate

Rebecca provides support to students right from the initial planning stages of their program to the completion of their time at the Adult Collegiate. She will help you develop a personalized education plan, coordinate tutoring and disability accommodations, and provide counselling. She also assists in coordinating events and activities to help build a sense of community in the school.

204.725.8735 866.725.1117 (toll-free) grayr@assiniboine.net

Our Elders Our five elders are available at all Brandon campuses for traditional knowledge and teachings. The Visiting Elders program represents Dakota, Ojibway, St’at’imc and Métis Nations and provides guidance, teachings, historical information, traditional knowledge and support to all students.

Although our elders are not always present on campus, they will meet with students anytime there is a request to do so. Meeting with an elder may be as informal as a casual visit or can include cultural or spiritual teachings and guidance at your request.

Gerry Oleman

Gerry is a member of the St’at’imc Nation in British Columbia. He is an elder, traditional knowledge keeper, mentor, storyteller, healer, and educator. He is a former chief, band councilor, and tribal director. Gerry has a long career in providing counseling for individuals, families and groups. He has experience as an Indigenous addictions counsellor and has worked extensively with a variety of postsecondary institutions. He has lectured on diverse topics ranging from cultural and spiritual care in public healthcare settings, traditional healing and grieving practices, traditional medicines, forestry and traditional land use, historical impacts of colonization and residential schools, and Indigenous student success and motivation. A survivor of Kamloops Indian Residential School, Gerry facilitated University of British Columbia’s (UBC) truth and reconciliation process at the UBC longhouse. He works to create positive change for all human beings, as we recover from our shared histories.

Eugene Ross

Eugene is a member of the Dakota Nation. He has created the largest Dakota collection in Manitoba that represents the lifestyle and historical aspects of Dakota life. Eugene is a survivor of the Brandon Residential School. When he was 10, he left the residential school and went home to live with his 82-year-old great grandmother in a log house with no running water or electricity in Sioux Valley. His grandfather spent time learning language and culture and his grandmother, Francis Mazawasicuna, taught him the art of moccasin making. He became fascinated with the questions of who he was and where he had come from. Over a summer, he spent time with elders learning about the Dakota culture, language and teachings dating back hundreds of years. This knowledge formed the base of his magnificent Daktota display. Eugene is a great resource for Dakota language and teachings.

Shirley Norquay

Shirley is an Anishinaabe Ikwe from Sagkeeng First Nation. She is also an Assiniboine graduate from the Developmental Studies and Certified Health Care Aid programs. She is currently involved in the Visiting Elders program, Indigenization Strategy, Truth and Reconciliation Commission through Meadows Elementary School, and programs through West Region Treaty 2 & 4 Health Services Inc. Shirley is a proud mother of four and grandmother of 14 and lives a healthy, traditional, and positive lifestyle with the support of her family and community. Meet with Shirley for traditional Anishinaabe teachings.

Verna DeMontigny

Verna was born in the small Métis community of Fouillard’s Corner. She maintains her strong cultural traditions and her ancestral language, Michif. She has worked as a Michif language director for the Southwest Region’s Michif Language program, a professor at Brandon University and a Michif language teacher for Brandon School Division. Verna still harvests today, and is well known for her homemade canned goods and jams. She is also an accomplished craftswoman and a successful storyteller. She loves beading, making sashes and rugs, preserving berries and sewing. She is actively involved in culture related events with the Little Teaching Lodge, Brandon School Division and the Southwest Region. As time gives her experience, she shares her knowledge with all who ask.

Harvey Pelletier

Harvey Pelletier (also known as Rabbit) was raised in the small Métis community of Fouillard’s Corner.

Harvey is a fluent Michif language speaker and has been teaching Michif language wherever there is an interest. He sat on the Michif language advisory committee as a member for many years and helped develop a book to learn Michif language with an instructor. He takes part in language conferences and is instrumental in preserving the Michif language. Harvey has also worked with linguists in documenting his ancestral language by being videotaped speaking his language in storytelling form. Harvey enjoys sharing his Métis knowledge with Assiniboine students, whether it be bannock making, storytelling or answering their questions. Harvey has a very strong connection to his traditional culture and says it is his way of preserving who he is as a Métis person.

Connect

with Our Community Indigenous Affairs Our Indigenous affairs team creates a supportive environment that makes the educational experience fun and rewarding by running special events, cultural activities and support services. Assiniboine believes it is important to assist students in their academic, cultural and personal growth. The team also coordinates a variety of events and activities for students, helping make their Assiniboine experience a positive and successful one. These activities include: »» Family events

»» Craft sessions

»» Bannock days

»» Cultural celebrations

»» Volunteer opportunities

»» Cultural teachings

»» Guest speakers and role models

Our Cultural Resource Centre, located at the Victoria Avenue East campus, welcomes individuals from all cultural backgrounds. Drop in to relax, visit, learn or study. You can book an appointment to meet with Crystal or Cecil from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Make sure to stop in for Bannock Wednesdays!

Spend a Day The Spend a Day program is a free opportunity for you to ‘test drive’ a program to find out if it is the right fit. The program runs from November to March for most programs, each academic year.

When you spend a day at Assiniboine, we partner you with a current student in the program of your choice and you will have the opportunity to: »» Participate in classroom activities »» Experience college life »» Explore all of our helpful services for students »» Meet current college students and instructors »» Enjoy a free lunch (on us!) for you and your student host Register today at assiniboine.net/spendaday or call 204.725.8750 or 800.862.6307 ext. 8750.

We Can Help

You Get Here

Circle Rd

How to find us

Lori Rd

North Hill campus Kirkaldy Dr

2A ve N

W

Veteran’s Way 457

Fro n

tA ve

1st

1st St

»» Bus #15 to the Victoria Avenue East campus

Victoria Avenue East campus

SE

»» Bus #5 to the North Hill campus

Victoria Ave E

For more routes and information on Brandon Transit, you can visit their website at brandontransit.ca.

Whitmore Ave

Brandon, Mb

Dauphin, Mb

Paying for college We understand finances can be a major barrier to attending college, especially if you have to relocate.

The Assiniboine Community College Foundation raises money that goes directly to students each year.

Approximately $300,000 is available to students in the form of: scholarships (based primarily on academics), bursaries (based primarily on financial need), and awards (involve multiple criteria such as academics).

Below are some of our Indigenous-based scholarships, bursaries and awards.

Visit assiniboine.net/awards to browse all available options. »» Assiniboine Aboriginal Achievement Award »» Assiniboine Aboriginal Leadership Entrance Award »» Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Scholarship Program

»» Business Council of Manitoba Aboriginal Entrance Award

Amounts for each:

Parkland campus

St

Adult Collegiate

3rd

As an Assiniboine student, you will get a free Brandon Transit bus pass. These routes will be helpful to you:

St

SE

We know relocating can be a major challenge.

We want you to be able to find your way to us, especially if you are visiting for the first time.

Use these maps to find our campuses.

$2,000

Student

Spotlight Joey Wood

We caught up with Joey Wood, a second year Culinary Arts student who recently returned from the Skills Manitoba Competition in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he won a bronze medal. Joey is a proud Oji-Cree from St. Theresa Point First Nation, MB. He graduated from the Culinary Arts program in June 2017. Here is what he had to say about his experience at Assiniboine Community College.

“

Follow your passion, meet new friends.

College will make you into a better person.

�

What first attracted you to Assiniboine? How did you come to your decision to enroll in your particular program?

I liked the idea of the hands on learning.

Growing up on a remote reserve in northern Manitoba, food options were very limited. I grew up with a greater appreciation of food.

I first heard about Assiniboine and their Spend a Day program at the Brandon Career Symposium while in high school. I did a Spend a Day in the Culinary Arts program and then knew this was the program for me.

What useful skills have you gained from your experience at Assiniboine?

I now have a greater sense of selfconfidence. When I started at Assiniboine, I was shy and a little reserved. This program taught me how to work as a team and gave me the confidence to be a leader. I also learned how to cook with new ingredients that I had not known about previously.

Can you tell us a little about representing Assiniboine in the Skills Manitoba Competition? What did you have to make?

Participating in the Skills Competition was a really great experience. It gave me a chance to show off the skills I learned, along

with being an opportunity to improve and network with others in the industry. I was given lobster and zucchini, and had to make an appetizer. I am very proud to have placed third in this individual competition. Two of my other classmates, who also went to Skills with me, placed first and second.

What are your future career goals? Where do you see yourself working?

After graduation, I plan to work in Clear Lake, MB for the summer and then maybe head west to Alberta or British Columbia after that. The knowledge and skills I gained through the Culinary Arts program are versatile and gave me the opportunity to travel to different places while continuing to learn.

What suggestions or tips would you give to someone who is considering entering this program?

I would say this program is not just learning about new recipes. There is lots of classroom theory involved in this program, as well as being in the kitchen. This program is physically and mentally demanding, but lots of fun. You have the opportunity to be involved in many different events, which help to grow your skills.

Steps to

Success

Use this checklist to track your progress of becoming a successful Assiniboine student.

Part 1

Secure a spot in your program

Find a program that interests you

»» See what programs may interest you by taking our Me@ACC career quiz at assiniboine.net/careerquiz »» Find out more by seaching our program list online at assiniboine.net/programs »» Contact us to ask questions, set up a campus tour, or meet to discuss program options. The following people can assist you throughout any step of this checklist:

• Campus in Brandon – Victoria Avenue East or North Hill Carissa 800.862.6307 ext 6689, Crystal 800.862.6307 ext 7419 or Cecil 800.862.6307 ext 7181.

• Campus in Brandon – Adult Collegiate Rebecca 866.725.1117.

• Campus in Dauphin – Parkland Joan 800.862.6307 ext 6596.

»» Register to Spend a Day at Assiniboine.

Take upgrading courses (if applicable)

»» We offer upgrading courses for mature students in both Brandon and Dauphin. Check out the details at assiniboine.net/mshs.

Submit your application

»» Download an application from our website or have one mailed to you by calling 204.725.8750 or emailing recruit@assiniboine.net. Applications must be mailed or submitted in person. Each application requires an application fee that can be paid by cash, debit, credit or money order. Official, original transcripts are required from high school and any postsecondary institution that you may have attended.

»» Receive an automatic follow-up email from Assiniboine stating we have received your application.

Receive your acceptance letter

»» This letter will inform you of your acceptance and will ask you to pay your tuition deposit to hold your spot in the program. It will also contain your start date and any conditions of your acceptance.

Apply for sponsorship

»» Contact your sponsor (by April for a September start and October for a January start) and ensure they complete a sponsorship authorization form to send to Assiniboine as soon as your sponsorship is confirmed. Visit assiniboine.net/applynow to download the form.

Pay your tuition deposit

»» This deposit secures your spot in your program. If you cannot pay your tuition deposit on time, call our admissions office toll-free at 800.628.6307 ext 4036.

Congratulations

on securing a spot in your program!

Part 2

Identify your needs

Communicate with your supports

Balance your finances

»» Identify supports that will help you through your education journey. Find friends and family that will assist you in times of stress or worry. Feel free to contact the member of your team at Assiniboine who has been assisting you so far. They will set up an appointment with your student success advisor for more information on your program or with Cecil or Crystal for cultural support.

»» Apply as early as June 1 for a Manitoba Government Student Loan (if applicable).

Apply for housing (if applicable)

»» Apply for housing early! Some options for housing include Brandon University Residence (brandonu.ca/residence) or a number of listings on ebrandon.ca. In Dauphin, Parkland Crossing (parklandcrossing.ca) welcomes Assiniboine students if space is available. For a list of private accommodations in Brandon, please email studentservices@assiniboine.net.

Apply for daycare (if applicable)

»» The Assiniboine Early Learning Centre is located at the Victoria Avenue East campus in Brandon and is licensed for pre-school children ages 2-6 years. Call 204.725.8713 for more information. Parkland Campus Kids Inc. is located at the Parkland campus in Dauphin and is licensed for infant and pre-school children (ages 3 months to 6 years). See our website assiniboine.net/students or call 204.622.2222 ext 6557 for more information.

»» Apply for scholarships, awards and bursaries.

Receive your registration package

»» This package will be emailed to you in July. It will have information on registering for courses, parking and other campus supports.

Pay your tuition fees

»» Information on how and when to pay these fees will be delivered to you from our registrar’s office.

Attend Xplore ACC

»» In this orientation, you will meet your instructors and fellow students, find your classes, get your locker, receive your student ID and much more. Get to know your campus and feel a part of the community!

Attend class

»» Enjoy your first day of class! Be sure to keep any course outlines and descriptions as they may be important further along your educational journey.

Find your mode of transportation

»» In Brandon, a bus pass is included when you pay your Students’ Association fees. If you are bringing a vehicle, electrical and nonelectrical sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis on each campus.

We can’t wait to meet you! Show us your completed checklist on:

ACC Indigenous Affairs accmb In person at the Cultural Resource Centre

Access additional

on-campus supports

Everyone experiences a different transition when they attend college. Your instructors will be great resources if you have questions throughout your program. Other academic services are available to access throughout your time on campus. Assiniboine offers free supports to all students including peer tutoring, the Learning Curve, the library, and your student success advisor.

Visit assiniboine.net/learningresources for more information on academic resources.

Notes: Use this area to write down important information you gather during your journey to becoming an Assiniboine student.

Dates to Know: »» May 10 – Bear Witness Day: Jordan’s Principle »» June 21 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day »» September 29 – Orange T-Shirt Day: Every Child Matters

Available at assiniboine: Accounting and Finance

Environmental Technologies – Land and

Power Engineering

Agribusiness

Water Management Specialization

Practical Nursing

Agricultural Equipment Technician

Geographic Information Systems

Prairie Horticulture

Applied Counselling Skills

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician

Social Service Worker

Automotive Technician

Horticultural Production

Sustainable Food Systems

Business Administration

Hotel and Restaurant Management

Truck and Transport Mechanic

Carpentry and Woodworking

Industrial Metals Fabrication

Welder

Civil Technician

Interactive Media Arts

Adult Learning – Mature Student High

Communications Engineering Technology

Legal Administration

School (MSHS)

Comprehensive Healthcare Aide

Medical Administration

Adult Learning – MSHS – Integrated

Construction Electrician

Network Administration Technology

Education Assistant

Culinary Arts

Office Management

Adult Learning – MSHS – Integrated

Early Childhood Education

Office Skills

Comprehensive Healthcare Aide

Early Childhood Program Management

Piping Trades

Education Assistant

Police Studies Please visit assiniboine.net for more information.

assiniboine.net