Negahneewin Education Council

The vision to create Indigenous educational and training programming at Confederation College must be directly attributed to the leadership and foresight of local Indigenous community members.

Today, this community connection remains intact with the current members of the formalized Negahneewin Council. The community representatives are as follows:

Metis Nation of Ontario
Ontario Native Women's Association
Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres
Oshki Pimache O Win Education and Training Institute
Seven Generations Education Institute
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council
Matawa First Nations
Oshki Anishnawbeg Student Association
Negahneewin Alumni Association
Members-at-large
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Grand Council Treaty #3
Negahneewin Faculty and Support Staff
Regional Campus:Lake of the Woods

This initiative spans over approximately three decades. The tenacity that accompanied this original vision is evident by the persistence of the ideas that remain focused on creating an Indigenous Studies learning environment.

Negahneewin Council 10 Year Vision (2020 – 2030)

Confederation College is situated on the shores of Lake Superior which is the traditional land of Indigenous peoples. This historical meeting place called Anemkii Wajiw enabled Indigenous peoples to gather for trade, alliance-building and decision-making, with the waters of the Great Lakes providing a means of connection. Upon the arrival of European settlers these waterways supported the intercultural exchange that occurred. Today, Indigenous peoples and Canadians are coming to terms with the legacy of colonialism. The prospect of renewed relationships and reconciliation processes are ongoing. It is against this backdrop that Confederation College acknowledges that it is on Indigenous land. In recognition of this colonial history, Confederation College is embarking on renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples as partners for change in education.

The Council states that the name of the College, in particular the word “Confederation” reflects Canada’s colonial legacy and as such gives rise to the necessity of working together to decolonize the College. The national Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015) describes “the cultural genocide” of Indigenous people throughout Canadian history as a historic injustice that must be addressed.

The Council calls upon the College to demonstrate their responsibility to work towards the decolonization of this institution. In renewing their commitment to the Council’s vision, the College as a community is a partner in reconciliation.

Outcomes for Indigenous Students:

Indigenous students will be self-determining in achieving educational success.
Indigenous students will be affirmed in a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
Indigenous students will graduate with a vision for mino bimaadiziwin. (is “a good life” in the Anishinaabe language)

Outcomes for All Students:

All students of Confederation College will graduate as global citizens with an understanding of Indigenous world views.
All students will respect and celebrate diversity towards social justice.

Building Common Ground:

These outcomes will be realized when Indigenous Peoples and Canadian citizens build common ground through a mutual understanding of history, a shared vocabulary, and a rich dialogue.

Confederation College will reflect this reality when:

Indigenous knowledges, languages, and cultural practices informing the Negahneewin Vision are recognized as foundational to Confederation College.
Indigenous-centered space is created and reflected across Confederation College.
Indigenous Knowledge infuses all curricula.
Indigenous world views and principles are adopted by Confederation College towards a healthy and sustainable Northwestern Ontario.

Terms of Reference

Purpose:

The purpose of Negahneewin Council is to ensure continuous movement towards achieving the outcomes outlined above.

The Council will speak:

For and with the diverse Indigenous peoples of Northwestern Ontario
To and with Indigenous communities, Confederation College, the President, Board of Governors, and Negahneewin College
About learning, education, training, community development, Indigenous knowledge, research, identity, social justice, and the relationship between the Indigenous and Canadian people of Northwestern Ontario

Profile:

Council will be composed of individuals of Indigenous ancestry who are strategic thinkers and recognized leaders in communities across Northwestern Ontario. Council will strive for a diverse and inclusive process that well represents the Indigenous people of Northwestern Ontario, including but not limited to: a range of communities in urban, rural, and remote settings, First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples, educators, employers, entrepreneurs, community developers, and advocates. Council will select individuals possessing Indigenous wisdom in environmental, cultural, and spiritual knowledge, particularly language speakers.

Structure:

Council will consist of nine external community members, one of whom is a current College student. The term of appointment will be three (3) years, with an option for an additional three-year renewal when appropriate.

These members are appointed by Council, not by agencies or constituencies.
Each member must demonstrate commitment through regular attendance.
Council shall meet bi-monthly, and more frequently if necessary, with a minimum of once a year for planning and priority-setting.
Quorum shall be at least 50% +1 of the external Council members.
Ex-officio members of Council will include the College President, Vice President Academic, Chair of Negahneewin Education Circle (Associate Dean, Indigenous Studies), and the Vice President, Indigenous Leadership, Partnerships, Strategies.

College Resources:

The Negahneewin Education Circle, represented by the Chair, will attend meetings to provide progress reports, make recommendations, and seek direction from the Council regarding Indigenous Studies curriculum and student support services as needed.
The Negahneewin Centre, represented by the Vice President, Indigenous Leadership, Partnerships, Strategies, will attend meetings to inform, make recommendations, and seek direction from the Council.
The Negahneewin Student Services department, represented by the Director, Indigenous Initiatives, will attend meetings to provide activity updates on student activities and initiatives.
The Academic department, represented by the Vice President Academic, will attend meetings to provide updates on academic programming and initiatives.
The President’s Office, represented by the College President, will attend meetings to provide updates on strategic initiatives and liaise with Council on priorities related to Indigenous initiatives.

Decision-Making:

Members of this Council shall adopt a decision-making method based on the consent of each participant. In case of a dispute or disagreement, the matter shall be set aside until all participants are prepared to give their consent. Following Indigenous decision-making traditions, there will be a full and considered discussion of all issues. The Council's decision-making process is based on consensus, encouraging all representatives to be heard. Customary practices and values originating with the Anishinaabe are integral, including the full participation of men and women as partners in community leadership. The guidance of elders and the teachings reflected in customary practices are central to the Council's work. Furthermore, youth participation is fundamental to continued consensus, nation-building, and the restoration of traditional governance. If Council members cannot reach closure on any matter, the Council shall seek the intervention of a facilitator to find a resolution process. All Council members must be committed to alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve conflict.

Amendments:

The Council recognizes this as a living document reflecting the established consensus at the time of its adoption. Therefore, amendments may be made at any time, provided there is consensus within the Council regarding the nature and wording of such amendments.

Recognition and Acknowledgement of Our Leaders:

Early to mid-1980's:

Bill Sault, Thunder Bay
Jerry Perrault - Niccicousaminacaning First Nation
James Cutfeet - Thunder Bay
Rebekah Maki - Thunder Bay
Ruth Baxter - Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Marcel Donio - Thunder Bay

Early to Late 1990s:

Anne Lesage - Thunder Bay
Jerry Perrault - Thunder Bay
Mike Murchison - Thunder Bay
Tom Logan - Thunder Bay

Early 2000s:

Anne Lesage - Thunder Bay
Jerry Perrault - Thunder Bay
Mark Sault - Thunder Bay
Leona Scanlon - Thunder Bay

Our Student Leaders:

1992-93 Charlton Thompson
1993-94 Julie Ferguson, John Bannatyne
1994-95 Bill Cheechoo
1995-96 Brian Nahwegezhic
1996-97 Gerry Trudeau
1997-98 Gerry Trudeau
1998-99 Brook Mainville
1999-2000 Romona McKenzie
2000-01 Serenity Stevens
2001-02 Brent Wesley
2002-03 Corey Wesley
2003-04 Nicole Perreault
2004-05 Karen Kejick
2005-06 Mark Meekis/ Ian Crow
2006-07 Ian Crow
2007-08 Andrew Joseph
2008-09 Daniella Seguin, Daniel Yerxa
2009-10 Dustin Musgrave
2010-11 Dustin Musgrave

We are grateful to these Anishnabe and Metis people who expressed a sincere desire to work with this College. Their planning to support Aboriginal education and training remains the foundation of our work.

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