2010 ONECA Conference

“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