“Supporting the Journey of Life Long Learning”
The 26 th Annual Ontario Native Education Counselling Association Conference “Supporting the Journey of Life Long Learning” was held at the Algoma’s Water Tower Inn in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on May 19 th , 20 th , and 21 st , 2010.
The three day conference attracted 187 participants including guests, vendors, and facilitators. Everyone had the opportunity to take advantage of the workshops, venues, keynotes, and vendor booths. The agenda was very accommodating and had topics that were appealing to everyone regardless of profession.
In total, we had 135 paid participants with representation from all districts. In addition to the participants, we also had honorary guests and facilitators which brought our total attendance to 187 attendees. The group was very diverse with representation from a variety of professions such as: school board trustees, teachers, counsellors, First Nation Education Directors, students, and other support workers.
A key highlight of this year’s conference was a student panel which included ONECA’s Past President, Kimberly Smith, Pamela Plain of Sagamok Anishnawbek, and Renee Linklater of Rainy River First Nation. These individuals were previous scholarship recipients and reflected on how the scholarship assisted them with their educational goals.
The student panel also shared their individual experiences throughout their education years and the support services available, what their opinion was on the post secondary student support program and their recommendations to any changes of the existing system, and discussed the pros and cons of the “ Snow” and “ Helin” proposals.
CONFERENCE AWARDS AND RECIPIENTS
AWARD
President’s Award for Counsellor of the Year 2010
New Life Time Members 2010
20 Year Members 2010
10 Year Members 2010
RECIPIENT
Marshall E. George
Annie Wayash, Fort Frances District
Bill Maracle, Peterborough District
Rosemary Wakegijig, Sudbury District
Gloria Bernard, Peterborough District
No recipients
Roger Chum, Sudbury District
Bonnie Freeman, Brantford District
Elaine McDonagh, Sudbury District
Della Meness, Peterborough District
Lisa Snache, Georgian Bay District
For more information or questions contact ONECA at:
Roxane Manitowabi
Ontario Native Education Counselling Association
37A Reserve Road, Box 220
Naughton, Ontario
P0M 2M0
Phone: (705) 692-2999
Original: CDR Software –> Fax: (705) 692-9988