Seven Generations celebrates highest grad numbers

Couchiching’s Rochelle Bird graduated with two degrees during Seven Generations Education Institute’s June 14 graduation ceremony at the Memorial Sports Centre in Fort Frances.
“I graduated with my degree in education from Queen’s (University) and my bachelor of arts, majoring in Indigenous Learning, through Lakekead (University),” Bird said. “I’m doing some work right now with St. Michael’s Hospital (in Toronto) and the Indigenous Knowledge Network (for Infant, Child and Family Health) project where I’ve been able to interview Elders about traditional child rearing practices. It’s opened up so many doors and sparked interest in different areas to learn about midwifery and different practices that were used for child rearing.”
Bird completed the education degree on weekends with two weeks on campus at Queen’s University. She also completed three month-long practicum placements for her education degree, one in Big Grassy and two in Fort Frances.
“I (earned these) two degrees over five years while working full time and raising both my daughter and my niece,” Bird said. “It’s been amazing that I could accomplish this. Without the supportive environment (at Seven Generations), that would never have happened.”
Bird said her degrees will “open up a lot of opportunities” for her.
“I’m definitely much better equipped with the kids I work with to talk to them about community-based education and the different opportunities right here in Fort Frances,” Bird said. “For a lot of kids, it is very intimidating at the age of 18 or 19 to go away to school, but we have a lot of great opportunities here to go to school or even to start your education here until you become comfortable going further away.”
Bird earned Seven Generations’ Highest Academic Achievement Award for post-secondary students in over two -year programs.
Big Island’s Doug Seymour felt a sense of pride after graduating with an Indigenous Wellness Addictions Prevention diploma. He also earned the Highest Academic Achievement Award for post-secondary students in under-two year programs.
“It was very satisfying,” Seymour said. “My goal is to continue on to ultimately get a (bachelor of arts degree) and a master’s (degree).”
Seymour encouraged others to pursue goals in education.
“Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself,” Seymour said. “It was very tough. I just decided I wanted to do something at my age; I wanted to accomplish something and do something for my family.”
Seven Generations graduated about 126 students, the highest number in its 27 years of providing lifelong learning opportunities. The education centre offers a variety of certificates, diplomas or degrees, ranging from Ontario leadership development skills certificates to police foundations diplomas to masters of social work degrees.
“We are the leading Aboriginal educational institute in Canada, in terms of numbers,” said Bob Grynol, post-secondary coordinator for Seven Generations. “We are actually expanding into Kenora — we have an institute there and that is just exploding in terms of numbers.”
Couchiching Chief Chuck McPherson was especially proud of Seven Generations’ graduates, as his grandson was one of the recipients of a bursary.
“I’m quite proud of him as a grandparent,” McPherson said. “Naturally, I am proud of all the graduates and the award winners.”
McPherson said it is important for First Nations to educate their own people.
“We have been consumers of an education,” McPherson said. “We have never been providers. Seven Generation Education Institute is a remarkable institute that provides education to our own people and provides opportunities for our own people in a community that is conducive to learning in an environment that is comfortable to them.”
Secondary program graduate Ashley Yerxa completed her education along with her newborn son.
“I brought him to school everyday with me,” Yerxa said. “It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure, but I did it.”
Yerxa plans to study general arts and science in the fall through Confederation College’s campus in Fort Frances.
“My family members are my biggest support right now,” Yerxa said. “I could never have done anything without them.”
McPherson said education is the key to success and to unlocking poverty.
“Hopefully, the educated people will stay in the communities and lend their expertise to their fellow community members,” McPherson said. “One of the benefits of education is the thirst for knowledge; you get a little taste of it and you want more and more.”
Whitefish Bay’s Rose Skead graduated with an Indigenous wellness and addictions prevention certificate.
“My goal is to go on next year to the diploma program,” said the 65-year-old circle of hope and healing director. “And then to continue working for my community.”
Rose appreciated the cultural and spiritual practices she learned during her program, noting that Seven Generation is “awesome.”
“I’m so amazed at how many graduates we see here,” Skead said. “They’ve come a long way. I’m so grateful they started that program.”