OSHKI-PIMACHE-O-WIN EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTE
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Our Logo
Long ago, the world was nothing but water. There were only birds and animal swimmers. One day, a woman fell from the sky and landed on a giant turtle. The woman had nowhere to go, and so she had to stay on the turtle. She asked the animals if they could dive down to the bottom of the water and get a piece of the earth for her. She said she would take the piece of earth and create land on which everyone could live. The loon was the first to try. The loon was under the water for a long time. When the loon returned to the surface, he had nothing. Next, the beaver tried, but he also returned with nothing. Then the muskrat wanted to try. All of the other animals laughed at him because of his small size. They believed he would also fail. The woman, however, said he could try. The muskrat dove straight down into the water. He stayed under the water longer than any of the other animals. Because he dove so deep, the water became dark and he did not know which way was up. Above the water, the other animals waited. Finally the muskrat slowly surfaced, barely alive. In his little paw he held some earth. The woman took the earth from his paw and placed it on the turtle’s back. This is how the land was created.
The turtle and the tree represent the story of how land was created. The tree in the turtle represents the beauty and life that the land has given us. The turtle represents the potential of an individual to take something simple, like a little clump of dirt, and turn it into something beautiful and wonderful. Oshki-Pimache-O-Win means “a new beginning” and our turtle represents the beginning of a new life for those who are pursuing an education to make their lives better.
(The Oshki-Pimache-O-Win logo was designed by Alvin R.S. Fiddler of Sioux Lookout, Ontario. The logo is based on a story he heard as a boy growing up in Sandy Lake.)
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Table of Contents
Greetings from the Chairperson
4
Message from the Executive Director
5
Overview
6
• Mission Statement
6
• Principles
7
• Guidelines
7
Current Status • Consultations
8-10
• Governance
10
• Communications
11
• Resources • Facility
11-13 13
• Research and Funded Projects
14-15
• Program Development and Delivery
15-16
Program Reports • Business Training and Skills Development
17
• Health and Social Services
19
• Culture, Language and Education
23
Administration
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Message from the Chairperson
It has been an exciting and challenging year as the Chair of the Oshki-Pimache-OWin Governing Council. We have made big strides in a short time: •
New programs have been developed and are being delivered.
•
Significant, community-based research is being conducted.
•
Partnerships with NAN and NAN First Nations, Aboriginal organizations, and mainstream post-secondary institutions have created new and exciting opportunities.
To make the most of these opportunities, however, we require the active support of our member First Nations, Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Tribal Councils. Our major source of funding is INAC’s Indian Studies Support Program (ISSP), but this funding by itself cannot maintain the current level of operations. Strong, on-going political lobbying and support from the Chiefs and First Nation organizations will be critical if adequate levels of ISSP and other post-secondary program funding are to be realized. On behalf of the Governing Council, I extend my appreciation to the support we have received over the past year from the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, the NAN communities, their members and other organizations. As we move ahead in defining and developing our unique educational system, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win appreciates your continued support to achieve our vision: To be the leader in providing excellence in post-secondary education by meeting the educational and cultural needs of the members and communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation through a holistic approach to life long learning.
Joseph Gagnon, Chair
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Message from the Executive Director As you will see in this, our second annual report, it has been a year of steady growth for OshkiPimache-O-Win. Our program development and offerings have expanded, especially in the areas of information and communication technology, culture, and education, and we have secured significant health and education research contracts. Recently, funding was approved by the First Nations Forestry Program for the development of a Forestry Training Centre. It has been a busy year! These new and expanded activities have required increased staffing and space at our Thunder Bay facility. Recruitment of staff for specific projects has resulted in several well qualified applicants being interviewed and recruited. We continue to explore alternative locations, both on- and off-reserve, that will be needed to meet our current and projected needs. Funding for new programs and projects continues to be sought from outside funding agencies, including governments, foundations and business. However, for program managers, this means a significant amount of their time is taken up in identifying potential sources of funding and preparing proposals. Increased operational funding, free of the restrictions associated with program- or project-specific funds, are critical if Oshki-Pimache-O-Win is to achieve its vision of meeting the educational and cultural needs of the members and communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. In closing, I would like to recognize the many people I work with in my role as Executive Director. The strength and wisdom of our Governing Council have provided firm direction and support for the Institute’s activities over the past year. I commend the dedication of our staff and their continuing commitment to the vision of Oshki-Pimache-O-Win. Finally, I extend my appreciation to the many people, from NAN communities, First Nations, First Nation organizations and agencies, who have provided their input and support for our continued development. I look forward to continuing our work together to achieve our vision of “a new beginning”.
Meegwetch!
Ruth Baxter, Executive Director
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Overview of Oshki-PimacheO-Win In 1996, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Chiefs' Resolution 96/64 mandated the establishment of Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute, an independent institute to serve the current and future post-secondary education and training needs of the NAN membership. Specifically, the Chiefs directed that funding be sought from provincial and federal governments to create an institute comparable to those in the present postsecondary educational system. This direction is consistent with the findings of the NAN Education Survey (1995) and, more recently, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, which confirmed the need for and the wisdom of establishing Native educational institutes, and the government of Ontario, which has introduced legislation to address the need for more choice, greater accessibility and increased responsiveness to community needs in post-secondary education.
In December 2000, a Governing Council was established for the Institute, consisting of five members who were selected after an open application process. These founding members were representative of the geographical and linguistic diversity of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. The Governing Council developed a constitution and by-laws for Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and on April 17, 2001, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute was incorporated under federal regulations. In December of that same year, the Institute became registered as a charitable organization. The first Annual General Meeting was held August 13-14, 2002, and a new Governing Council elected from the general membership.
Mission Statement To be the leader in providing excellence in post-secondary education by meeting the educational and cultural needs of the members and communities of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation.
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Principles Trust Accountability Honesty Integrity Character Empowerment Excellence Valuing Wisdom
Vision Respect Understanding Commitment Responsibility Compassion Cultural Strength Respect for Natural Laws
Guidelines •
Student achievement will be based on output measures of demonstrated acquisition of skills and abilities based on standards equivalent to or exceeding those found in mainstream institutes. •
All actions of and by the Institute, including administration and program delivery, will be carried out in an environmentally responsible manner demonstrating our respect for Mother Earth. •
We will value and respect the input of students, staff and communities and use that input to improve our ability to meet the needs of our learners. •
We will incorporate and integrate our culture and our languages throughout the programs and services we offer. •
Our institute will respect and value differences among our staff, our learners and our partners. •
The planning and delivery of our programs and services will be student focused, designed to facilitate excellence in learning for every learner. •
We will offer programs and services for learners of all ages and educational backgrounds with the objective of enhancing personal growth and wellness. •
We will be proactive in program design and delivery and will make opportunities to create changes that will enhance this guideline. •
We will act in a manner that respects our students, our staff and our partners and which ensures a win-win outcome. •
Empowerment of our students, our staff and our communities is to be an outcome of our programs and services.
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Current Status Consultations As part of its initial development, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win consulted with NAN First Nations and community members to identify their post-secondary education and training needs. These consultations are on-going. In 2002-2003, funding from FedNor was received for a Community Partnerships Developer who traveled extensively and met with representatives from NAN First Nations, Tribal Councils, businesses and organizations to assess their administrative training needs. In addition, other members of the Institute staff have continued to meet with a variety of First Nations, community groups, organizations, businesses, funding agencies and other post-secondary institutions on both formal and informal bases.
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Requests for information and presentations have been received from a number of groups, organizations and government departments. The staff of Oshki-Pimache-OWin have facilitated and participated in meetings, workshops and planning sessions with other groups and organizations, including:
•
Cambrian College
•
Canadian Council for Exceptional Children
•
Chiefs of Ontario
•
Confederation College
•
Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO)
•
Environment Canada
•
Health Canada
•
International Institute for Restorative Practices
•
Lakehead University
•
Mamo-Wichi-Hetiwin Employment and Training
•
National Consultation on Career Development
•
Nishnawbe Aski First Nations and Education Authorities
•
Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services
•
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
•
Northern Ontario Medical School
•
Ontario Native Education Counsellors Association (ONECA)
•
Ontario Ministry of Education
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•
Ontario College of Teachers
•
World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education
Oshki-Pimache-O-Win is an active member of both the Aboriginal Institutes’ Consortium (AIC), at the regional level, and the National Association of Indigenous Institutes of Higher Learning (NAIIHL) at the national level.
Governance
Through 2001-2002, the Institute’s founding Governing Council met on a regular basis to ensure the Institute’s smooth transition to a self-governing organization. The new, elected Governing Council is continuing to guide the development of the organization. While alternative methods of meeting and information sharing will be developed over time, face-to-face meetings continue to be required to ensure the Council is able to provide vision and direction. Teleconferencing has been utilized to reduce meeting costs related to travel. Once it is in place, videoconferencing, along with teleconferencing, will be alternatives to face-to-face meetings. Use of email has increased the speed with which information has been accessed by the members of the Governing Council, as well as facilitating their ability to share information with other members and Institute staff. As a program within Nishnawbe Aski Nation, the Institute operated under the direction of the NAN Education Committee. Resolutions were passed in January 2001 by the NAN Chiefs in Assembly that transferred responsibility for the Institute and the funding received for post-secondary programming through the Indian Studies Support Program (ISSP) to the Oshki-Pimache -O-Win Governing Council. Independent contribution agreements have been established with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB). A formal partnership agreement has been signed with Lakehead University and similar agreements are being developed with Confederation and Cambrian Colleges. In addition, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win is developing articulation agreements to deliver specific programs in partnership with these other institutions.
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Communications
The Institute’s website (www.oshki.ca) was initially developed by Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s K-NET Technical Services, who also hosts the website. On-going updates and revision of the website will be needed to maintain it as a source of current information and services. Articles with information about Oshki-Pimache-OWin’s projects and programs have appeared in Wawatay News, the Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal and the National Post. When appropriate, public media will continue to be contacted to disseminate information about the Institute. Advertising has been done in several print publications, including information about course offerings and general information about the Institute. Oshki-Pimache-O-Win staff have made presentations and hosted information displays at several conferences. Information related to program and course offerings has been collected at these conferences and meetings through participant surveys.
Resources
The Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Indian Studies Support Program (ISSP) is the major source of funds for the Institute. In the past, this funding has been distributed to various post-secondary programs under the direction of the NAN Education Committee. In January 2001, however, the NAN Chiefs, through Resolution 01/19, transferred responsibility for administration of this funding to the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Governing Council. The Governing Council identified the need to use this funding to support the Institute’s development, while at the same time continuing to support the community-based programs that have traditionally received funding through this program. Developing opportunities with community partners is an on-going priority for the Institute. An example of this is the current discussions to develop a NAN-wide community-based teacher education program,
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with significant First Nation participation in development of the program’s content, delivery and governance. In the 2002-2003 fiscal year, project-specific funding was also secured for the following activities:
•
Aboriginal Statistics Distance Education Course Development (Office of Learning Technologies)
•
Aboriginal Women’s Health Research Project (Ontario Women’s Health Council/Ministry of Health and Long Term Care)
•
ACSW Program (Health Canada)
•
ACSW Student Support (Northern Nishnawbe Education Council)
•
Business Plan Development for a Forestry Training Centre (FedNor)
•
Community Partnerships Developer (Youth Intern) (FedNor)
•
Education Values and Principles Research (Nishnawbe Aski Nation)
•
Transition Coordinator (Ontario Aboriginal Education & Training Strategy)
•
Tuition Fees (students)
•
Website Development (Digital Collections)
The Institute continues to require operational and capital funding. As well, funds are needed to pursue program development, research and other academic activities, similar to those that are undertaken in mainstream post-secondary institutions. New sources of funding for these activities must be identified and accessed. In addition, traditional sources of funding for mainstream post-secondary education need to be examined and negotiations initiated to secure an equitable share of these monies
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for programs that are offered in partnership with mainstream institutions. These sources include, but are not limited to, provincial post-secondary Basic Operating Grants, the Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy, SSRHC grants, charitable donations and endowments, and special grants to provincial colleges and universities. Personnel, facilities and financial resources are required to undertake these activities.
Facility
With its head office located at Chapleau Cree First Nation, the Institute also maintains a facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Thunder Bay site consists of general reception areas, offices, a supply room, a board room, general purpose classrooms and two computer training labs. At this time, the Institute also requires additional offices, classrooms and space for a library/ resource centre to house a collection of print and other materials which have been donated to the Institute. This facility is being leased on an annual basis. Development of a plan for the funding, building and operation of a permanent facility will continue.
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Research & Funded Projects In 1999, four research projects were carried out which examined the needs of NAN communities in relation to post-secondary education, the existing post-secondary programs and opportunities for NAN community members, the literature related to First Nation post-secondary education in Ontario, and the existing First Nation postsecondary institutes in Ontario, Canada and the United States. A critical summary of this research was utilized in developing a strategic plan for Oshki-Pimache-OWin.
In 2002-2003, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win has received funding to conduct three research projects: •
Assessment of Consumer Health Information for Aboriginal Women (Funded by the Ontario Women’s Health Council)
•
Aboriginal Education Values and Principles (Funded by Nishnawbe Aski Nation)
•
A Study of Perceptions and Decisions About Breast Screening
Among
Northern
Aboriginal
Women
(Funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation)
In addition, through a formal partnership agreement with Lakehead University, OshkiPimache-O-Win was contracted to coordinate the
Northern
Ontario
Medical
School’s
Aboriginal Workshop in June 2003.
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On-going research capacity will be required if the Institute is to be proactive in identifying and developing programs relevant to the needs of First Nations communities, their members, and other learners. Submissions continue to be made to conduct research in areas related to programs or identified needs within NAN communities. Through these proposed activities, the Institute’s research capacity will be developed, leading to Oshki-Pimache-O-Win’s being able to conduct selfand community-directed research in the future. This will also provide the Institute with the capacity to further develop training in the area of community-centred research.
Program Development and Delivery
The Institute offered its first program, the Certificate in Aboriginal Employment Development, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology and Six Nations Polytechnic Institute. Since then, several workshops and courses have been developed and delivered in response to specific requests and identified needs. Included in these are:
•
Ojibway Language
•
Proposal Writing and Fundraising
•
Sexual Abuse and Restorative Justice Train-the-Trainer Program (in partnership with Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Health Program)
•
Aboriginal Statistics Course - Part 1 (developed for distance delivery in partnership with Statistics Canada)
•
Effective Team Member Certificate
•
Celebrating Our Heritage (a series of workshops on different aspects of Native culture: woodland art, beadwork, the dreamcatcher and storytelling)
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•
Website Development
•
International Computer Driver’s License
•
A+ Certificate Program Preparation
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Ontario College of Teachers Professional Learning Activities
•
Developmental Psychology for Front Line Workers
•
Case Management for Front Line Workers
•
Kids Have Stress, Too!
•
Aboriginal Community Services Worker Program
•
Teacher education
•
Administrative and managerial training
• Website development • Fetal alcohol syndrome curriculum • Natural resource industry training • Pre-health sciences program • Vocational preparation
Courses are offered both in Thunder Bay and on-site in communities as requested. Future workshops and courses will be developed as needs are identified and resources developed.
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Program Report: Business, Training and Skills Development
Canada’s Aboriginal Digital Opportunities Program On February 7, 2003, three students graduated from Oshki-Pimache-O-Win’s second web-site development program funded by Industry Canada under Canada’s Aboriginal Digital Opportunities (CADO) Program. In collaboration with the Ojibway Cree Culture Centre, a multimedia website, “Stories of the Elders”, was created and will soon be available on the Internet. This website includes print versions of the stories (English and Syllabics) and an audio version in English, Cree, and Ojibway, some of which were recorded by Elders from NAN communities. Proposals will be submitted to offer the program, on-site in NAN First Nation communities.
A+ Certification Preparation Program In May 2003, seven students began our first A+ Certification Preparation Program. This 12 week program prepares students to write the A+ Core Hardware Service Technician and A+ Operating System Technologies examinations. Successful students will receive A+ Certification, an industry-defined standard certifying the competency of entry-level computer services technicians. The program will be offered again in the Fall of 2003.
Certificate in Website Development In May, three students entered our first Certificate program in Website Development, in which they learn to build and manage multimedia websites and internet applications using the latest software. Devon Meekis, the instructor for the program, is re-tooling the course for on-line delivery in the Fall 2003 as part of a partnership agreement with Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s KNET Technical Services.
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Aboriginal Statistical Training Course This course, developed in partnership with Statistics Canada, includes a multimedia CD as well as web-based components. It reflects the state-of-the-art in computerbased distance learning and includes audio, video, and interactive modules. The course will be piloted in the Fall of 2003 and should be ready for an initial intake of students in January 2004.The course will be introduced at the annual conference of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) in Whitehorse in September 2003. Funding to develop the second, statistical training course, which focuses on conducting surveys, is being sought.
First Nations Financial Management Program We are currently negotiating with Cambrian College to deliver the First Nation Financial Management Program beginning in January 2004. The program will need to be re-tooled for modular and distance delivery before this start date.
Administrative Training Matawa First Nations invited Oshki-Pimache-O-Win to develop and deliver Administrative/Organizational Training to Administrative Assistants for the Local Training Coordinators. Oshki-Pimache -O-Win staff facilitated different segments of the workshop.
Safe Workplace Awareness Program The Manager: Business, Training and Skills Development participated in the Safe Workplace Awareness Program sponsored by WSIB. A Health and Safety Policy has been developed and goals for further action have been identified. It is planned that the Institute will deliver WHMIS training and conduct health and safety inspections and safety training in the future.
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Other Activities •
Presentation on starting an Aboriginal Post-Secondary Institute in Canada (World Indigenous People’s Conference on Higher Education - Banff, Alberta)
•
Presentation on Oshki’s programs and upcoming projects (Workplace 2000 conference – Timmins, Ontario)
•
Completed DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) training (DACUM is a facilitation procedure to identify competencies required for specific tasks or jobs. It will be used to carry out the research necessary to develop effective programs and as a service to employers.)
•
Facilitated Module 4 (Human Resources Training) as part of the Fundamentals of First Nations Education Management program (Kwayaciiwin Resource Centre, Sioux Lookout)
•
Preparation of proposals for various projects
Program Report: Health and Social Services
Aboriginal Community Services Worker Program Thirteen students returned to Thunder Bay in September 2002 to begin the third semester of the program at Confederation College. Oshki-Pimache -O-Win administered funding for seven students who were sponsored by the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council (NNEC). Nine students graduated from the ACSW Program in June 2003, bringing the total number of graduates from the program since its inception to forty-two. Oshki-Pimache -O-Win organized a luncheon for the
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graduating ACSWP students during their final module at Confederation College and presented them with graduation gifts, hand-made by the Student Support Worker, in addition to Certificates of Achievement.
The ACSWP Advisory Committee has continued to meet on a regular basis with staff at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win and college faculty to discuss various aspects of the program, the transition of the program from the College to Oshki-Pimache -O-Win, the development of a comprehensive program review, and to review concerns and student progress.
In October 2002, Oshki-Pimache -O-Win hired a Transition Coordinator, with funding accessed under Ontario’s Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy (AETS), to work toward the transfer of the ACSWP to Oshki-Pimache -O-Win. Despite an extension of the funding to July 31, 2003, the transition of the program has not yet been realized. A strategic plan for the transfer of the ACSWP to OshkiPimache-O-Win has been developed and a draft Agreement is currently under review by the ACSWP Advisory Committee, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win’s Governing Council, and Confederation College.
Kids Have Stress Too! Facilitator Training In the spring of 2002, Oshki-Pimache -O-Win entered into a partnership with the Psychology Foundation of Canada to provide the Kids Have Stress Too! (KHST!) facilitator training. This workshop prepares professionals who are working with children to facilitate parent workshops, or to work with children directly. Two staff of Oshki-Pimache-O-Win have received the training required to deliver this training and, to the end of June 2003, have trained 63 facilitators in several communities. This training has also been registered by Oshki-Pimache -O-Win as a Professional Learning Program (PLP) course with the Ontario College of Teachers. A new partnership agreement will be negotiated when the program moves from a provincial to a national level.
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Sexual Abuse and Restorative Justice Train-the-Trainer Program The Sexual Abuse and Restorative Justice Train-the-Trainer Program was developed by NAN, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win, and Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services in response to the critical need to address the legacy of sexual abuse within the NAN territory. The partners joined to successfully pilot the program with nine participants in 2001. Following this pilot, the program was revised to reflect the feedback of the initial participants and trainers. In February, 2003 a proposal was developed and submitted to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF) to deliver the Sexual Abuse and Restorative Justice (SARJ) Train-the Trainer Program. The proposal is currently being reviewed.
Binoojiinyag Kinoomaadwin - Native Early Childhood Education Program (NECE) In April 2003, negotiations began with Cambrian College to deliver the Native Early Childhood Education Program, commencing January 2004. The program will be offered in a modular format and will include distance education components.
Research Projects 1. The Assessment of Consumer Health Information for Aboriginal Women: Oshki-Pimache-O-Win, in partnership with the Ontario Native Women’s Association, and the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research received funding from The Ontario women’s Health Council to identify and assess the quality and accessibility of health information currently available to Aboriginal women in Ontario. The project has been guided by an eight-member Steering Committee. Ten sentinel sites were selected, representing the many different Aboriginal communities within the province, and research conducted to reflect the needs and preferences of groups with differing experiences, educational attainment, and levels of literacy. The final report will be submitted at the end of August 2003 and various dissemination activities will transfer the knowledge to Aboriginal organizations.
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2. Is It That They Just Don’t Want To Know? A Study of Perceptions And Decisions About Breast Screening Among Northern Aboriginal Women: Partnering with the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, and the Northwestern Ontario Breast Screening Program, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win has been granted funding through the Ontario Chapter of the Canadian Breast Foundation to study the utilization of mammography screening among women from remote northern Ontario First Nation communities. This research will examine women’s knowledge, understanding, beliefs, and attitudes concerning breast cancer, and document their experiences and beliefs related to breast self-examination and mammography. Based on the findings of the research, culturally appropriate strategies to improve breast screening participation rates among women from remote northern Ontario First Nation communities will be recommended. The research project began in August 2003, and is scheduled to be completed in February 2005.
3. FAS/FAE Trainer’s Manual In January 2003, an FAS/FAE Train-the-Trainer Manual was forwarded to Health Canada, to complete an FAS Training Proposal submitted by Oshki-Pimache-OWin in 2002.
4. MSW Practicum Research related to the development of curriculum and delivery of the Community Health Representative (CHR) and ACSW Programs is being completed as part of the Manager’s Master of Social Work practicum activities.
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Program Report: Culture, Language and Education
This new position of Acting Manager for Culture, Language and Education for Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute commenced on March 17, 2003 and will end August 29, 2003. Beginning in September 2003, this will become a permanent position.
The Acting Manager: Culture, Language and Education had the lead role in coordinating the Northern Ontario Medical School (NOMS) Aboriginal Workshop held in the community of Wauzhushk Onigum Nation (Rat Portage) on June 10 – 12, 2003. This involved working closely with the Planning Committee members and NOMS staff, as well as the host community, and coordinating a request for proposals from First Nations interested in hosting the event. Funding proposals for this workshop were submitted to government agencies and others. While FedNor declined our request for support, contributions were received from INAC ($50,000), Medical Services ($10,000.00), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC - $1,000.00) and Tom Jones Construction ($500.00). This money was administered by Oshki-Pimache-OWin and was used primarily to reimburse travel costs for the delegates. OshkiPimache-O-Win provided dream catchers and conference bags as gifts for the workshop delegates.
The Acting Manager: Culture, Language and Education also:
•
Taught Beginner Ojibway (March 18 - June 3, 2003)
•
Attended and co-chaired Community Based Teacher Education Workshop hosted by Oshki-Pimache -O-Win (March 19 - 20, 2003)
•
Attended the Ministry of Education conference for principals of First Nations schools in Thunder Bay (April 14-16, 2003)
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•
Registered 6 Professional Learning Program (PLP) courses with the Ontario College of Teachers
•
Attended Stabilizing Indigenous Languages conference in Baraboo, Wisconsin, June 25 – 28, 2003
•
Coordinated Sioux Lookout District Education Planning Committee’s Fundamentals of First Nations Education Management program delivery (on-going)
•
Attended NAN Keewaywin Conference in Ginoogaming First Nation (July 29 – 31, 2003)
•
Attended Matawa First Nations Annual General Meeting in Constance Lake (August 12-14, 2003)
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Administration Administrative tasks specific to course delivery and student services continue to be carried out by Institute staff. The Institute contracted for the development of a comprehensive database that will facilitate the administration of academic activities and student services. Oshki-Pimache-O-Win has eleven full-time positions:
Ruth Baxter Executive Director
1-807-346-2777 rbaxter@oshki.ca
Bruce Beardy Manager: Culture, Language and Education
1-807-346-2787 bbeardy@oshki.ca
Jamie Bishop Human Resources/Finance Officer
1-807-346-2775 jbishop@oshki.ca
Stephen Chase Director of Programs and Administration
1-807-346-2779 schase@oshki.ca
Mary Jane Fiddler-Young Administrative Assistant
1-807-346-2770/2771 mjfiddler@oshki.ca
Jacqueline Garwood Manager: Business, Training and Skills Development
1-807-346-2774 jgarwood@oshki.ca
Joan Hardy Manager: Health and Social Services
1-807-346-2784 jhardy@oshki.ca
Betsy Ledger Administrative Assistant
1-807-346-2780 bledger@oshki.ca
Wesley O’Connor Community Partnerships Developer
1-807-346-2773 woconnor@oshki.ca
Rob Wesley Network Administrator/Instructor
1-807-346-2776 rwesley@oshki.ca
TBA Student Support Worker
1-807-346-2772
The Institute also employs instructors and researchers for specific courses and projects.
Annual Report: 2002-2003
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OSHKI-PIMACHE-O-WIN EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTE
Annual Report: 2002-2003
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