Northern Nishnawbe Education Council

Prepared by Barry McLoughlin, BA, BEd, MDE
Director of Lifelong Learning, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council, 2011
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council
NNEC offers a First Nations’ controlled regional model of Post
Secondary Student Support:
-
established and expanded over 30 years
politically incorporated by 24 First Nations
geographically spanning 200,000+ square kilometers
financially operated within economies of scale
strategically guided by a common mission
strategically captured by a common vision
consistently administered by a common policy
dedicated to community and professional development
committed to cultural growth and academic success
Post Secondary Student Support Program
The Post Secondary Student Support Program aims to
enhance the professional capacity of 24 partner First
Nations, across a vast region of Northwestern Ontario
extending to the Hudson Bay coast.

PSSSP
NNEC’s Post Secondary Student Support Program
provides financial, social and academic assistance to
eligible students from area First Nations. NNEC sponsors
and supports eligible applicants accepted into accredited
college and university programs.
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council is
committed to supporting a First Nations’
education system that enforces academic
standards, reinforces cultural identity, and
enables learners to contribute with
confidence to the well-being of the global
community. NNEC Chiefs Resolution, AGM, October, 21 2009
Our vision focuses on healthy sustainable
communities. We foresee a future where
the results of our efforts create a positive
influence in the lives of children and their
parents. This vision sees a world in which
First Nations people succeed without loss
of their identity and have the courage to
change their world according to their
values.
NNEC Chiefs Resolution, AGM, October, 21 2009
Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada
AANDC is considering Post Secondary Student Support Program
Policy options for 2013 that include:
- converting PSSSP grants into repayable loans to
increase enrolment
- devolving the program to a 3rd party for the administration of
the PSSSP
- replacing PSSSP with “Aboriginal” Post- Secondary Education
Savings Accounts
These Government of Canada options further threaten
post secondary access and education opportunities for
remote “First Nations” members across Northwestern
Ontario.
Program Funding









Currently, multiple factors contribute to the lack of PSSSP funds
impeding the sponsorship of NNEC students:
- 1998 - Government of Canada - 2% cap on PSSSP funding
- rising tuition, travel, course supply, and standard of living costs
- increased number of Grade 12 graduates
- increased number of adults returning to school
- increased number of part-time students
- 2010 - Bill C-3 - new pool of students
- expansion of accredited community-based programs
NNEC has clearly defined program levels and eligibility criteria to
guide the distribution of post secondary dollars for 24 First Nations.
Eligibility Levels
PSSSP sponsorship is based on the following eligibility levels:


















Priority 1
Continuing successful NNEC students
1st time Grade 12 high school graduates
Priority 2
Continuing successful self-funded students
Continuing successful external party funded students
Priority 3
1st time Grade 12 equivalency (course) students
Sept 2011 Intake Threshold
Working professional Spring/Summer students
Priority 4
*2nd chance Gr. 12 high school graduates
1st time Gr. 12 equivalency (challenge) mature students
Priority 5
*2nd chance Gr.12 equivalency (course) students
Sept 2010 Intake Threshold
Priority 6
*2nd chance Gr. 12 equivalency (challenge) students
Priority 7
3rd chance students who are out of school for a minimum of five years
*


2nd chance students must be out of school for at least the remainder of the academic year plus one
additional year, to be considered for funding.
September 2011 – Student Intake
Projected tuition, travel, materials, and living allowance costs
permitted the approval of all PRIORITY #1 students by midAugust, 2011:
- 331 total students
- 134 FT university students
- 141 FT college students
56 PT college and university students
A select few self-funded PRIORITY #2 students have since been
approved due to FT student deferrals and withdrawals without
penalty.
John Gregg
Native Language Instructor Diploma, 2011
Lakehead University
Kasabonika First Nation
First Nations
College
Certificates
Diplomas
Access
Bearskin Lake 12
4
1
Bachelors
Masters
1
1
Fort Severn 3
1
1
Kasabonika 7
1
1
Keewaywin 5
2
1
1
Kingfisher Lake 5
2
1
1
1
1
Deer Lake 2
KI 5
1
1
Lac Seul 14
1
1
5
1
3
Mishkeegogamang 6
Diplomas
Doctorates
Access
3
Cat Lake 3
University
1
1
1
4
2
3
1
1
2
4
1
2
1
1
1
Muskrat Dam 1
2
North Caribou Lake 2
1
North Spirit Lake 1
2
Pikangikum 2
Sachigo Lake 7
1
1
Sandy Lake 10
2
2
3
1
1
1
2
3
1
Saugeen 1
Wunnumin Lake 4
1
TOTALS
14
90
9
24
9
1
2
10
19
4
1
Archie Mekanak
Bachelor of Arts, 2011
Lakehead University
Wunnumin Lake First Nation
Alec Oombash
Bachelor of Arts, 2011
Lakehead University
Cat Lake First Nation
Mary Laur
Master of Arts, 2011
Laurentian University
Mishkeegogamang First Nation
First Nations
College
Certificate
Diploma
Access
Bearskin Lake 7
University
Certificate
Diploma
1
2
Law
2
Masters
Doctorate
2
1
Cat Lake 1
2
Deer Lake 3
2
Kasabonika 2
1
Keewaywin 2
Kingfisher Lake 5
1
3
Fort Severn 3
1
1
4
KI 4
6
Lac Seul 19
1
1
1
3
2
1
McDowell Lake 1
1
Mishkeegogamang 3
3
1
Muskrat Dam 3
1
North Caribou 11
5
3
1
2
1
Sachigo Lake 10
2
1
1
1
1
6
2
1
6
2
2
1
22
1
Saugeen 1
1
Wunnumin Lake 1
1
Wapekeka 1
1
95
7
1
Pikangikum 1
Sandy Lake 16
1
1
North Spirit Lake 1
TOTALS
Bachelors
Access
4
7
23
4
21
9
3
1
Carrie Lynn Trout
Native Child and Family Services Diploma, 2010
Confederation College
Lac Seul First Nation
It is important that leaders, parents, guardians
and students understand that:
- policies are developed to ensure the
equitable treatment of all students
- policies are intended to secure the safety and
security of all students
- policies are applied to ensure the integrity
and success of NNEC programs



It is important that students understand their
rights:
- to the privacy of information
- to be informed of PSSSP policies and
procedures
- to be treated respectfully by NNEC staff and
students




It is important that students understand their
rights:
- to discuss academic circumstances, without
fear of reprisal
- to have PSSSP issues resolved in a fair,
equitable, and timely manner
- to file a complaint or appeal without fear of
reprisal



It is important that students understand their
responsibilities:
- to be informed of PSSSP policies and
procedures
- to comply with program policies and
procedures
- to treat staff and students with respect
- to provide program/course documentation on
schedule





It is important that students understand their
responsibilities:
- to complete all course work, on schedule
- to attend all required classes and tutorials
- to arrive on time and remain for the duration
of the lesson/tutorial
- to maintain a minimum 2.0 Grade Point
Average (GPA)




It is important that students understand their
responsibilities:
- to consult with NNEC prior to withdrawal
from a course/program
- to refrain from verbal or physical abuse of
NNEC staff or students
- to not enter an NNEC building under the
influence of alcohol/ illicit drugs










Student Support Services
NNEC’s Post Secondary Student Support Program offers counselling and
financial support services to students from across the region.
Sioux Lookout Unit
- Director
- 2 Counsellors
- 1 Clerk
Thunder Bay Unit
- 1 Head Counsellor
- 1 Counsellor
- 1 Clerk

Nelson Agustin, BA, BEd
Counsellor, Sioux Lookout
Thomas Cromarty, JD
Law - Osgoode Hall, 2009
Sachigo Lake First Nation
Terrilynn Capay Memorial Award Recipient 2009
Leona Scanlon, BA, BEd
Head Counsellor, Thunder Bay

Counselling Support

Services include, but are not limited to:
- orientation to urban services, including hospital/dental/optical,
transportation, recreation, churches, shopping
- guidance related to college/university programs, admission
requirements, institutional expectations, campus life, and
housing
- assistance with enrolling children in day care and schools
- assistance with budgeting and banking procedures
- guidance on academic and financial responsibilities and legal
rights
- referral to appropriate agencies and professionals for support
- academic counselling, encouragement, and assistance with
tutoring
- career counselling









Financial Support

Financial support for students includes:
Tuition Fees

Partial or full tuition fees are paid for full time and part time
students who are accepted into accredited Canadian and
international programs of study. Tuition fees are calculated at
comparable rates to Ontario post secondary institutions.

International Studies
A student may enroll in an international program of study provided
the minimum academic prerequisites are comparable, the number
of credit hours are equivalent (within 10 per cent) and the program
credits are transferable to a Canadian institution.

Tuition payments are made directly to Canadian institutions
upon receipt of an invoice. International tuition payments are
reimbursed directly to students upon receipt of an invoice.

Student Fees

Full time student fees are paid for by NNEC including, but
not limited to:
- mandatory registration fees
- student activity fees
- testing fees
- transcript related fees
- professional certification fees
- examination fees


Books and Supplies

NNEC will provide funding for books and supplies as required by
the post secondary institution for a full time and part time student.
Travel

Full time students who must move away from a permanent place of
residence to pursue post secondary studies will receive financial aid.

Modular students may be funded to travel on a seasonal basis.

Only full time students receive financial aid for approved
dependents.
Travel Assistance
Travel assistance supports the required costs of return transportation
from the student’s permanent place of residence.
Financial aid is based on the most economically appropriate means of
transportation and subject to NNEC discretion.
Students must contact their counsellors at least 3 weeks prior to
departure to arrange travel.
Travel dollars may not be spent by a student who elects not to travel.
Living Expenses

A monthly living allowance is provided to full time and
working professional students based on available funding to
assist with the costs of living - shelter, utilities, food and
clothing.

A daily living allowance is provided to modular students to
assist with accommodations and meals.

Academic Probation and Suspension

NNEC has the right to place a student on academic probation at
any time, if the student’s social behavior or academic performance
is deemed to be unsatisfactory.
If social behaviour or performance does not improve, upon
advisement, funding will be suspended. Funding is suspended
immediately in extreme cases of misconduct.
A New Post Secondary Student must:



-
be a registered band member of an NNEC area First Nation
apply to university or college and be accepted into the program
provide NNEC with:
a)
 b)


c)

d)
e)
f)
g)
h)





an original copy of the acceptance letter
an original secondary school transcript and a photocopied high
school diploma OR an original high school equivalency transcript and
a photocopied certificate
if applicable, prior original post secondary transcripts and
prior photocopied post secondary certificates and diplomas
a photocopied Status Card
a Letter of Support from the Band Council
an original Educational Assistance (EA) Form
an original Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities Form
a Consent for Release of Information Form
Full-time candidates must apply by May 30th for September funding.
Application Review Process









Education funding applications are reviewed by a panel of
counsellors in consult with the Director of Lifelong Learning.
Reviews are conducted in accordance with criteria prescribed by
the NNEC Board of Directors.
Applications are reviewed on the basis of:
- eligibility
- available funds
- timeliness of applications
- student success history
- academic readiness
- accreditation status of the post secondary institution
Application Review Process

Approved and denied PSSSP applicants are advised of their
status and informed of appropriate next steps.
Appeals Process


A wait-listed or denied applicant who believes policy was not fairly
applied may appeal the decision in writing to the Director of
Lifelong Learning.
The individual case will be reviewed in consultation with PSSSP
staff and the applicant. A final letter to the applicant indicating
NNEC’s final decision concerning the case will be sent within 15
working days.
Program Levels

To be eligible for funding assistance, candidates must be accepted into a
college, university, or educational program that grants an accredited
certificate, diploma, or degree. Credits must be transferable.

Post secondary levels of study funded by NNEC include:

Level 0
Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
Level 4

College access / university access programs (1 year of full time
funding)
College certificate / diploma programs (1 – 3 years of full time
funding)
University diploma / undergraduate degree programs (3 – 5
years of full time funding)
University graduate degree (2 – 3 years of full time funding)
University post graduate degree (1 year of full time funding and
partial support to completion)
Program Levels
Students may continue to receive funding assistance if graduating
from:
- an access program to a college or university program
- a college to a university program
- an undergraduate to a graduate program
- a graduate to a post graduate program
Students are expected to complete the program in the normal time
frame. Eligible students may receive support funding for one full
time program per year and for one program at each level.
Eligibility
Priority 1 applicants are most often approved for funding without
delay. NNEC encourages candidates who are declined funding to
commence or continue through self-funded or external means.
Students may then earn Priority 2 continuing successful
student status to improve the likelihood of sponsorship.
Students may receive one additional year of support to
complete a program provided: the program can be completed
within the additional year, the student demonstrates adequate
progress, and the counsellor recommends the student for support.


Governance

Post Secondary funding assistance is an investment in the future
of First Nations. Professionals are needed across the spectrum to
advance governance at local, regional, provincial, national, and
international levels.





Post secondary students are expected to conduct themselves as
responsible adults, and demonstrate:
- self-initiative and organization
- respect and responsibility
- diligence and reliability
Student Responsibilities

Students are accountable for their actions. Inappropriate
conduct may result in failure or termination of sponsorship.
New students sign a Charter of Student Rights and
Responsibilities acknowledging their contractual rights and
responsibilities with Northern Nishnawbe Education Council.
It is the responsibility of students and staff to ensure that limited
funds are expended in the best interests of participating First
Nations.





“I keep having to remind myself,
yes, I am Dr. Cutfeet now.”
I kee
Chief Donny Morris, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation
Barry McLoughlin, Director of Lifelong Learning, NNEC, Sioux Lookout
Leona Scanlon, Head Post Secondary Counsellor, NNEC, Thunder Bay
James Daniel Cutfeet, M.D., Lakehead University – Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation Terrilynn Capay Memorial Award Recipient 2010

Counsellor Intervention Process

Step One
Upon becoming aware of a problem, the counsellor will:
- discuss the situation
- provide assistance as possible
- clarify NNEC expectations
- assist in planning for change
- arrange for additional help such as tutoring
- refer the student, if appropriate, to an agency for
additional help







Step Two

If the problem situation persists (i.e. repeated truancy) or there is a
more serious incident (i.e. verbal abuse), the counsellor will
consult with his or her supervisor and an appropriate course of
action will be determined.

Depending on the degree of misconduct, the following may occur:
- further counselling with ongoing monitoring
- referral to an external agency
- being placed on academic probation
- termination of financial sponsorship
- a combination of the above




Confidential File

NNEC retains an up to date confidential file for each student
sponsored by the organization. Student files include, but are not
limited to, completed copies of:
- acceptance letters
- high school transcripts
- high school diplomas
- high school equivalency transcripts
- high school equivalency certificates
- post secondary school transcripts
- post secondary school certificates
- post secondary school diplomas
- post secondary school degrees










Confidential File

Student files include:
- copies of status cards
- letters of support
- educational assistance forms
- release of information forms
- charters of students rights and responsibilities
- progress reports
- letters of appeal
- student incident reports
- other relevant information










Confidential File

Students sign a Consent for Release of Information that authorizes
PSSSP staff to access their files and post secondary institutions to
share information.
Student consent grants NNEC the right to release vital information
to the NNEC Board approved auditor and affiliated Government of
Canada officials.
Financial information may be released from the date of
sponsorship through seven years after completion of the student’s
post secondary studies.


Students may access their files upon request.
Anita Olsen Harper, PhD
Doctorate of Philosophy – Education
University of Ottawa, 2011
Lac Seul First Nation
Terrilynn Capay Memorial Award Recipient 2011
. . . to be presented by Chief Clifford Bull
at the October 2011
Annual General Meeting of Chiefs
to recognize NNEC’s most prestigious graduate
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council offers a
REGIONAL FIRST NATIONS’ MODEL OF POST SECONDARY STUDENT SUPPORT
The NNEC Board of Directors endorses continued
ADMINISTRATION BY REGIONAL FIRST NATIONS’ EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS
as the viable First Nations controlled option in PSSSP administration for 2013
Board of Directors Resolution 2009
PSSSP Logo
Designed by Kevin Belmore
The logo features a male and female standing side by side facing a bright and whole future. They walk the
red earth path of lifelong learning amidst the boreal forest. The knowledge seeking wolf and
introspective bear serve as spirit guides along the journey to self-actualization.
For further information contact:
Barry McLoughlin
Director of Lifelong Learning
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council
[email protected]