Spring 2014 - Aurora College
Transcription
Spring 2014 - Aurora College
Aurora College Currents Spring 2014 This Issue Features NABE Symposium in Whitehorse, YT Spring Convocations 2014 Aurora College Currents - Spring Summer 2013 HEO Students move earth www.auroracollege.nt.ca Office of the President Contents www.auroracollege.nt.ca 3. Message from the President 4. Board of Governors Update 5. Fourth Annual Indigenizing Psychology Symposium on Education and Healing 5. YK Spring Clean-Up 2014 6-7 NABE Symposium 8. Robotics at Aurora Campus 8. Stories from the Sahtu at Thebacha Campus 9. Environmental Monitor Training at Drum Lake 9. 20th Anniversary of Nursing Program 10-11 Spring Convocations 2014 12. Celebrating Success in Fort Providence 12. Social Work students complete Mental Health First Aid 13. Science Rendezvous at Thebacha Campus 14. NWT Youth Symposium comes to Aurora Campus 15. B.Ed Program Head attends Indigenous Symposium 16. Tuktoyaktuk CLC Students finish Micro-Business class 16. Celebrating 50 Years of research in Inuvik 17. Bachelor of Education Winter Camp 18. RACEPAC visits the Western Arctic Research Institute 18. ARI research database 19. HEO Students move dirt at Thebacha Campus 20-22 Aurora College across the North 23. 2014 Aurora Open Aurora College Currents Student Newsletter This newsletter is published for the students of Aurora College and is produced by the Communications Office. 2 Message from the President It is hard to believe that another academic year has almost come and gone already! It seems like only a few weeks ago I was welcoming you all at fall orientation sessions. The past few months have been a whirlwind for students and staff alike: final assignments, exams, convocations, completion ceremonies, symposiums, planning for next year – the list goes on and on. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our students and learners on the hard work and effort you put into your courses. Your dedication never ceases to amaze me, no matter how years pass or many ceremonies I attend. I’m not ashamed to say that your stories of perseverance and determination touch me deeply when I hear them. I say this every time I speak to a group: “I have the best job in the world.” You are the ones who make it so. Two events I recently attended were the NWT Youth Symposium (May 2630) at Aurora Campus in Inuvik, and the Yellowknife North Slave Campus Developmental Studies Completion Ceremony on June 6. Aurora College has been hosting the NWT Youth Symposium for the past four years, and this is the first time it has been held outside of Fort Smith. I had the good fortune to be able to spend some time with a number of motivated, energetic students from Beaufort-Delta and Sahtu area high schools. Events such as these remind me that our future is in good hands with these young people. The Developmental Studies completion ceremony in Yellowknife was impressive. Learners from ALBE, Access programs and the Literacy Outreach Centre were celebrated, as well as Aurora College and ECE’s first Adult Recognition Model high school graduates. Thank you so much to everyone who worked so hard to put those two events together. As the academic year draws to a close, I am reminded, too, of how much extra work our instructors, faculty and staff do in order to help our students be successful. I am indeed fortunate to work with so many professionals who strive to put the benefit of our students first. In addition to putting in extra hours to assist learners and communities, and volunteering at various charity and fundraising activities, our staff sit on numerous campus, college-wide, territorial and national committees, all for the good of our students. I am proud of the reputation for service that Aurora College faculty and staff have. During the next few weeks, we will be recognizing Aurora College employees who are also Alumni. If you haven’t already done so, please contact the Communications office at [email protected] to receive your Alumni Information Form so that you can be included. Alumni Campus Resources Your contributions and comments are most welcome. Please send them to [email protected] or phone 867-872-7015 Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Jane Arychuk, Aurora College President recognition events will be held: June 11 at Aurora Campus, June 13 at Thebacha Campus, and June 19 at Yellowknife North Slave Campus. As we look forward to 2014-15, there are some exciting anniversaries on the horizon. The fall of 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Inuvik Research Centre, the 20th anniversary of Aurora Research Institute, and the 20th anniversary of Nursing programs at Aurora College. Watch for information and dates about special events that will be happening this fall. For more information on Student Services check out: www.auroracollege.nt.ca and click on Current and Future students. Libraries are located at all three campuses and the Aurora Research Institute’s Inuvik location. They contain more than 25,000 books, periodicals, videos, government documents, and web-based resources. Internet access and inter-library loan services are also available. Students have access to fully-equipped computer labs at all three campuses; most Community Learning Centres have computer labs or work stations. Every student can set up their own “myauroracollege” email account for their academic and personal use. Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 3 Board of Governors Update The Aurora College Board of Governors meets three times per year, and is meeting June 10-11 at the Western Arctic Research Centre in Inuvik. Meetings are open to the public. Two new members - Kathy Tsetso (Deh Cho) and Sheila O’Kane (staff) – will be in attendance, bringing the Board to full membership. At the March 3-5 meeting that was held in Norman Wells, the Board of Governors passed several motions and received a number of reports. • International Students – In follow-up to a differentiated application fee for International Students, the Board moved to create a differential tuition rate of 300 percent the domestic rate for international students. The application fee of $200 for international students was set in November 2013. • Governance Review – Governance processes and procedures, including pertinent legal aspects, will be reviewed, revised as necessary, and formalized. Administration was tasked with preparing a review plan for discussion at the June meeting. • Student Input – A commitment was made to review relationships and communication with the three Students Associations/ Councils to determine how to better receive information about student concerns and issues. In addition, President Jane Arychuk agreed to arrange informal “coffee meetings” with students at the three campuses prior to the June meeting in order to provide another venue for student input. • Business and Office Administration Program Reviews – Terms of reference and a project plan for a review of the Business Administration and Office Administration Programs were approved. • Student Records System Update – Work continues on researching a replacement Student Records System. Aurora College and Education, Culture and Employment staff are developing a Capital Project Plan in order to access IT funding through the GNWT. • Student Services Review Update – The Request for Proposals for this review was approved. The review should be completed by the end of the 2013-14 academic year, then recommendations will be acted upon. • Student Accommodation Review – Members were updated on this GNWT review. It is focused solely on financial aspects of student accommodation at Aurora College, and is a regularly scheduled review led by the GNWT. • Access Programs Review – A comprehensive review of all Aurora College Access programs was undertaken in 2013. The data is being analyzed, and work is underway to implement a number of recommendations. Fourth Annual Indigenizing Psychology Symposium on Education and Healing The Fourth Annual Indigenizing Psychology Symposium, Education and Healing was held at Yellowknife North Slave Campus May 22-23 in partnership with the Indigenous Education Network of the University of Toronto. Seventy-five people, mostly Northerners from the fields of Education, Health and Social Work, attended lectures by Dr. Suzanne Stewart, University of Toronto; Dr. Raven Sinclair, University of Regina; and Dr. Rod McCormick, Thompson Rivers University; on the topics of healing and education from an indigenous world view. As well, two of Dr. Stewart’s graduate students, Nicole Elliot and Theresa Beaulieu, presented research papers while our own Dr. Lia Ruttan shared a poster on her research in the area of homelessness. It was a great two days with an opportunity to listen to speakers, reflect on the topics and network with other GNWT staff in the helping fields. Spring Clean-Up attracts volunteers from YK Campus The Board Members thank you again for choosing Aurora College and wish both staff and students a good summer with lots of happy times with family. The Yellowknife North Slave Campus Student Association raised an impressive $833.33 during the annual Spring Clean- Up. The money will go to the Food Bank which is on the third floor of the campus. A big thank you to all who participated and organized. The Aurora College Board of Governors met March 3-5, 2015. Pictured are the Aurora College Board of Governors, senior managers and administrative staff. 4 Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 5 The Spirit of the NABE Symposium • • • • • • By Bonita Nowell The spirit of the first-ever Northern Adult Basic Education (NABE) Symposium was plentiful, and connected our northern communities of learning from the three Northern Colleges through a variety of events and exchanges, including dialogue panels, experiential learning, information sessions, student panels, presentations, table talks, roundtable discussions, learning reflection, hands-on sessions, focus groups, group work, practitioners and workshops. The symposium also provided the stage for strengthening our appreciation for the arts and cultural values of other people, including our Aboriginal, First Nations and Inuit neighbors, who all generously shared themselves, their prayers, their songs, their laughter and their heartfelt story-telling. In the distance, Mount Logan, the highest summit of the Saint Elias Mountain Range, in the foreground, our Adult Educators standing tall. Delegates were also treated to a rich blend of artistic and cultural expressions and symbols, including: 6 • • • • • School of Developmental Studies Chair Sharon Miron, Community Adult Educators and Instructors. • The contexts of Adult Basic Education across the three northern territories are each unique, but share commonality as represented visually through the NABE logo which incorporates all three territorial flowers: mountain aven, fireweed, and purple saxifrage. The many Aboriginal, First Nations and Inuit groups in the territories are vibrantly distinct, the local languages and cultures are richly varied, and the environments contrast across the lands. The different colors of these flowers evoke a dynamic mosaic of ABE, as the background against which the three territories find common ground; Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 • • Spruce Boughs are a sign of welcome by Yukon First Nations. There were 14 boughs, one on each table, representing each of the fourteen Yukon First Nations; A traditional Slavey song was shared by our Master of Ceremonies, Paul Andrew; Diverse languages were spoken and heard; A traditional opening prayer by Elder in Norman Wells CLC team. Residence, Randall Tetlichi; A Yukon First Nation welcome song by traditional drummer and singer Starr Drynock; Beaded key chains with each territorial flower were hand made by artisans Sandra Mangelana, Christina Barrett and Sarah McHugh, and provided to all delegates Hay River and Fort Resolution CLC team. Beaufort Delta region team. with their NABE backpacks; Graphic Artist, Lisa Edwards completed live graphic recordings on each day; Diyet, classically trained in Opera, now an alternative Folk Artist, shared her life story. Later that evening, Diyet and her band entertained delegates at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre and her CD sold out; Sharon Shorty, voted one of the Top 10 Yukoner’s to meet (Up Here Magazine, 1999), enlightened us all about life and love, through her popular character “Gramma Susie”; The youth group, Dakawada Dancers, NABE Symposium Tri-Territorial Working Group – Bonita Nowell (centre) with Josh Cuppage, received a standing ovation for their Erica Bourdan, Gabriel Ellis and Dan Page. traditional musical performance at the Feast in Haines Junction; NCES is a non-profit society dedicated to • Photographs by Mieke Cameron, The Dakhka Khwaan Dancers were re-connecting at-risk First Nation youth to who so kindly captured this featured at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural their cultures through the traditional art of journey, are now being published Centre; carving. Connections to culture, language into a digital photo book. Dr. Michael Marker provided an and the land bring about a natural healing impromptu performance, playing a few process that brings together generations, Our staff summarized our journey of his favorite songs on his guitar, and cultures and communities in the hope of best through their feedback: “It was so received several tokens for his efforts; being a catalyst in the process of healing; exciting to share ideas and resources with The Northern Cultural Expressions • Particularly touching were the six all three territories. What a wonderful Society (NCES) carved miniature Student Success Videos from all three exchange of ideas.” It is this authors paddles and painted traditional symbols colleges, featured for Aurora College belief that all delegates were inspired in on them for presenters and each of the were Robert Voudrach and Lillian some way and that we have all returned 2014 Outstanding Adult Educators. Kanayok; and all the richer for this experience. Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 7 The Robot Invasion Has Begun Aurora Research Institute is once again supporting a Robotics Club at the East Three Secondary School in Inuvik. Three high school students are learning basic robotics and electronics concepts using Lego Mindstorms. The program is running through May-June and has one returning student from the 20122013 school year. In partnership with the school, ARI is hoping to run a full year program next year open to grades 7-12. Staff is exploring the possibility of working with the elementary school as well. Environmental Monitor Training Program at Drum Lake Students from the Sahtu region took part in the Environmental Training Program at Drum Lake, NT. The program enables community members to take an active approach to monitoring industrial development in their community and traditional lands. The program was a partnership between the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board (SRRB), the GNWT and Aurora College. Lawrence Jackson, Charles Oudzi, John Tobac, Natanda Oudzi, instructors Adam Bathe and Geneviève Coté, Daniel Masuzumi and Louise Yukon get ready to head out to Tets’ehxe (Drum Lake) for environmental monitoring training. Stories from the Sahtu at Thebacha Campus The Shúhtagot’ine, or Mountain Dene, have used mooseskin boats for more than a century, and in that time these boats have become an important cultural icon. On March 27, as part of the Aurora College Speaker Series, Territorial Archaeologist Tom Andrews and Shúhtagot’ine elder Leon Andrew visited Thebacha campus to share their knowledge of the history of the mooseskin boat and its traditional use by Shútagot’ine. In the summer of 2013, Tom and Leon participated in a community boat-building project in Tulita where elders and community members (nearly 50 in total) reproduced one of the traditional vessels. The speakers shared their experience stretching the fresh moose hides over the frame, stitching the seams, and the emotional moment when the boat touched the water. In addition to his work on mooseskin boats, Tom shared a unique documentary with strong northern significance. Shot in 1957 by French anthropologist Jean Michéa, the 25-minute silent film shows several Shútagot’ine families in their traditional lifestyle against a background of breathtaking mountain scenery. It also includes footage of people building and traveling in a moose-skin boat. In the 1990s, Tom was approached by elders in the Sahtu region who remembered the French anthropologist and his video camera. They asked him to find the footage, 8 Student John Tobac and instructor Genevieve Coté. Caribou tracks on Drum Lake. Celebrating 20 Years of the Nursing Program [Top] Territorial Archaeologist Tom Andrews and Shúhtagot’ine elder Leon Andrew. [Right]Shúhtagot’ine men build a mooseskin boat on the shore of the Keele RiverCREDIT: NWT Archives/Norm Simmons/N-1992-098: 0015 since they had never seen it. Andrews spent two decades searching for Mr. Michéa before finally making contact in December 2013. He is now 95 years old and living in Paris. The repatriation of the film was important to the communities of Norman Wells and Tulita, as many families and community members had been featured in the film. It was a special treat to see our guest, Leon Andrew, in the film as a young boy playing with a toy boat. The Aurora College Speaker Series is generously funded by Conoco Phillips. Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 This fall marks twenty years since the nursing program began at Aurora College. To mark this momentous milestone, an alumni dinner is being planned for October 2014. A Facebook page is currently under development for this event and will be available soon. All alumni, current and former faculty and staff are invited to attend this celebration. Please help spread the word. For additional information, please contact Denise Bowen at (867) 920-3043 or [email protected]. Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 9 Bachelor Of Education Degree Drybones, Victoria Lafferty, Aleda Mantla, Krista McDonald, Paige Norris, Cassandra Ricketts, Norris Behchoko Fort Resolution Behchoko Yellowknife Fort Smith Jamaica Field, Jessica McSwain, Maria Edwards, Gladys Yellowknife Certificate in Adult Education MacDonald, Angela van Kessel, Janna Yellowknife Whitehorse, YT Teacher Education Diploma Amos, Twyla Inuvik Francis, Joanne Fort McPherson Inuvik Lennie, Alecia Pokiak, Maribeth Inuvik Environment & Natural Resources Technology Diploma Beck, Heather Elaine Berube, Pierre-Luc Hudson, Loren Krutko, Laura Reid, Graeme Davidson Robinson, Craig Daniel White, Kathleen Yellowknife Yellowknife Fort Smith Tulita Hay River North Sydney, NS Sechelt, BC Office Administration Diploma Amos, Bambi Clark, Shoneen Firth, Mary Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Degree Aho, Valisa Sara Yellowknife Apps, Jocelyn Yellowknife Budd, Sasha Lee Chilliwack, BC Cooper, Merrill Yellowknife Gall, Kendall Brooke Wasa, BC Kearnan, Axelle Yellowknife King, Lori-Ann Marie Yellowknife Memedi, Violca Yellowknife Ohrling, Lindsay Yellowknife Paul, Megan Yellowknife Ridgley, Carolyn Torbay, NL Silke, Tanya Yellowknife Social Work Diploma Cleary, CherylDeline McLeod, Lidya Camillia Yellowknife Wray, Fiona Yellowknife Personal Support Worker Certificate Firth, Susie Yellowknife Foley, Tara Yellowknife Landry, Nicholas Yellowknife Liske, Eileen Dettah Menacho, HelenDeline Moses, MinaWrigley Mustafa, Elham Yellowknife Stewart, Shirley Fort McPherson Vital, HelenDeline 10 Fort Providence Fort McPherson Aklavik Business Administration Diploma Champagne, Naomi Fort Smith Chocolate, Gerald Gameti Edji, Violet Fort Good Hope Fergusson, Dana Fort Smith Pierrot, Janelle Fort Good Hope Stewart, Martha Colville Lake Tuckey, Brad Fort Smith Gillingham, Derek Yellowknife Goodliffe, Diane Yellowknife Li Wing Nam, Joey Yellowknife Rix, Coral Yellowknife Sah, Claris Yellowknife Smith, Maggie Yellowknife Yakeleya, Sheryl Tulita Grigoryan, Melanya Yellowknife Rodgers, Tylor Yellowknife Ciboci, Shannon Inuvik Dillon, Debbie Inuvik Lennie, Crystal Dawn Inuvik Early Childhood Development Certificate Zorn, Shauna Marie Aurora College Spring Graduates 2014 Community Health Representative Certificate Sachs Harbour Aklavik Inuvik Business Administration Certificate Desjarlais, D’Vonne Fort Smith Durrant-Hinkson, Brenda Jamaica Johns, Melissa Fort Smith Lefoin, Dori-Ann Fort Providence Loreen, Dolly Tuktoyaktuk Robert, Denise Fort McPherson Thom-Gargan, Destiny Fort Providence Vermilion, Vallery Fort Chipewyan Broadhead, Gwen Yellowknife Hazenberg, Sasha Yellowknife Kogiak, Nathan Yellowknife Rusike, Sharon Montreal, QC Tinqui-Simpson, Timerin Behchoko Wrigley, Christine Yellowknife Green, Sharon Sachs Harbour McGee, Glenda Inuvik Minakis, Nicolinea Inuvik Neyando, Amy Fort McPherson Noksana, Agnes Inuvik Rogers, Lisa Inuvik Ruben, Lauren Paulatuk Storr, Terilyn Aklavik Thrasher, Alice Inuvik Wolki, Patrick Inuvik Office Administration Certificate Clement, Sylvia Grenier, Amanda Powder, Mary Takazo, Robin Wanderingspirit, Stacey Norman Wells Fort Smith Grise Fiord, NU Deline Fort Smith Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Message to Aurora College Graduates from the President It is with great pleasure that I offer my congratulations to the Aurora College Graduating Class of 2014. Aurora College University partners: In studying for the parchment you received, you have applied your talents and skills, you’ve pushed yourselves further than you probably thought possible, and I hope you have grown in unexpected ways. As an advocate of lifelong learning, I know that education is a journey, and the milestone we celebrate at these convocation ceremonies is one of the most important markers on that journey. As graduates, you are now prepared for a new phase in your lives. Equipped with knowledge and skills from certificate, diploma and degree programs, you will soon take your place in the workforce, helping to build a stronger territory to pass on to the next generation. I applaud your courage to pursue your dreams and I congratulate you on your tremendous accomplishments. I also thank you for choosing Aurora College. We have been honoured to share this journey with you. Sincerely, Jane Arychuk President, Aurora College Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 11 Celebrating Success in Fort Providence Science Rendezvous at Thebacha Campus On March 28, students and staff at the Fort Providence Community Learning Centre celebrated the completion of two new programs – Building Trades Helper and Introduction to Office Skills. The students’ achievements were acknowledged in a certificate presentation ceremony followed by a lunch. They were joined in celebration by Jane Ayrchuk, President of Aurora College; Heather McCagg-Nystrom, Vice President of Communities and Extensions; Rosemary Gill, Program Head Dehcho Region; Chief Joachim Bonnetrouge of Dehgáh Got’ie First Nation; Scott Carle, Executive Director of Dehgáh Got’ie First Nation; Shirley Gargan, Employment Development Coordinator with Dehgáh Got’ie First Nation, and Alice Bouvier, Assistant Employment Development Coordinator with Dehgáh Got’ie First Nation. The celebrations marked the end of a very busy period for Fort Providence CLC. In addition to the Building Trades Helper and Introduction to Office Skills programs, they have also delivered a sixweek Introduction to the Underground Mine training program and full-time Developmental Studies courses have been delivered since the new year. Nine participants successfully completed the six-week Office Skills program, developed by the NWT Literacy Council, funded by NABE and piloted by Aurora College. As well as learning about skills for the job, such as numeracy, communication, computing, time management, and professionalism, the course included job shadowing and work placement elements, both supported by businesses and organizations in the community. The participants particularly enjoyed this part of the course, as it gave them the opportunity to work in and experience a real office environment. The twelve-week Building Trades Helper program was funded by the Mine Training Society and it began with a two-week Ready to Work North course. On May 6, Aurora College and the South Slave Research Centre invited PW Kaeser high school science students (Fort Smith) to challenge themselves with science activities as part of Science Rendezvous 2014. Science Rendezvous is a national event that takes place each year on university and college campuses across Canada. The event aims to promote interest in science among youth through fun, hands-on, science-based activities. The science challenge was put on by College staff and local science professionals representing several branches of science: physics, environmental sciences, astronomy, and health sciences. Instructors George Peterson and Linh Nguyen from the Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program (ENTRP) showed students how physics is used to spear a bear using an atlatl, a traditional dart-thrower. Mike Couvrette of the Thebacha and Wood Buffalo Astronomy Society challenged students to identify different spectrums of light and shoot air rockets as far as they could. Melanie Morse, occupational therapist, had students complete a wheelchair obstacle course that ended with drinking a thickened liquid that is usually prescribed to speech language 12 Jessica Dutton, ARI South Slave, B.Ed student Heather Burch and B.Ed instructor Peter Kikkert. pathology patients. Students also engineered “unsinkable” tin foil boats as well as raw egg “catchers”. The afternoon was a huge success and it was great to see the college so full of young people enjoying themselves. We look forward to running an even bigger and better Science Rendezvous next year. Social Work Students: Mental Health First Aid It provided introductions to carpentry, plumbing and electrics in a combination of theoretical, classroom-based learning and hands-on practical projects. Projects included the construction of two sheds and a gazebo; the gazebo is to be donated to Dehgáh Got’ie First Nation and will be sited close to the river for members of the community to use and enjoy. Of the initial eleven participants (ten men and one woman), ten successfully completed the course. One had to withdraw in the early stages due to relocation issues. The students worked hard on their theory lessons and exams but have all said that they especially enjoyed the course’s practical aspects and the satisfaction they gained from seeing their projects through from initial planning to completed products. Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Back row (left to right): Michelle Bourke, Kassandra Spoelder, Kyla Cerwaty, Alice Mawdsley, Stephanie Rabesca. Middle row (left to right): Jolene Donovan, Cheryl Mandeville. Front row (left to right): Kathy Ross, Gerri Hunter, Alyssa Carpenter, Leslie Marie Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Keeping track of our mental health and well-being is just as important as monitoring our physical health. The sooner we receive medical help for a physical concern, the more likely we are to recover. This is also true of concerns with our mental health. However, many people do not seek the help they need due to a lack of education, lack of support or fear of judgment. Basic Mental Health First Aid is a 12-hour course that teaches individuals how to identify the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, and provides the knowledge and confidence needed to assist anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. In late winter and spring 2014, 11 Social Work students and ten Personal Support Worker students received this valuable training and are now certified Mental Health First Aiders. 13 The 2014 Youth Symposium Comes to Aurora Campus B.Ed Program Head Attends Indigenous Symposium The end of May brought students from the Beaufort Delta and Sahtu Regions to Aurora Campus in Inuvik for the fourth annual NWT Youth Symposium – an initiative to get high school students familiar with college life and Aurora College. The students had a full schedule of presentations, demonstrations, tours, and activities from Monday, May 26 to Friday, May 30. During their stay, the students occupied the college’s single residence and a handful of the family units. Thirty students and their chaperones attended the symposium. Instructors and community members alike came out to help and guide the students through their week-long journey into post-secondary education. On the day of arrival, the group was given a bus tour of Inuvik, which included the Community Greenhouse, the Igloo Church, the Riverfront, the beginnings of the Tuk-Inuvik Highway, and the Aurora Research Institute. The students, chaperones, and coordinators gathered back at the campus for a BBQ where they took part in a feeding the fire ceremony, played games and were welcomed to the College. Throughout the week, students were given a taste of several programs by way of hands-on activities. This included: building iPad stands with the School of Trades, Apprenticeship & Industrial Training; demonstrations on basic first aid from the School of Health and Human Services; creating iPhone apps with the School of Business & Leadership; getting a riveting lecture from Saeed Sheshehgar at the Inuvik Learning Centre, School of Developmental Studies; an Amazing Race led by the School of Education; and traditional Dene dart throwing and radio triangulation with the Environment and Natural Resources Technology program. In addition, they took in presentations on Trades and Apprenticeship Programs, Student Financial Assistance and the GNWT’s Education Renewal Initiative. Thursday evening, they attended a closing BBQ at Campbell Creek. It was On February 28, Bachelor of Education Program Head Mike Pickles attended the Indigenous Symposium at the University of Calgary, which focused on weaving indigenous perspectives into various Schools of Education. Specific table discussions centered around the following two topics: What is standing in the way of change, and, What needs to be done to overcome these obstacles? Approximately 300 participants from colleges, universities and the business sector were present. Also in attendance were three well-known speakers, Dr. Gregory Cajete, Dr. Allen Luke and Dr. Jean Phillip. Dr. Gregory Cajete is a Native American educator whose work is dedicated to honouring the foundations of indigenous knowledge in education. Dr. Cajete is a Tewa Indian from Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. He has lectured at colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy, Japan and Russia. Currently, he is Director of Native American Studies and an Associate Professor in the Division of Language, Literacy and Socio Cultural Studies, in the College of Education at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Allen Luke grew up in the Chinese American community in Los Angeles, and studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara, before migrating to British Columbia in 1973. He completed his teacher training and PhD at Simon Fraser, where he later was awarded an Honourary Doctor of Laws for contributions to international education in 2005. He has since been Dean of Education at the University of Queensland, Deputy Director General of Education and Ministerial Advisor for the Queensland Government, and Foundation Dean of Research at the National Institute of Education, Singapore. In 2013, he was chief investigator on a major Australian 14 The Youth Symposium is focused on helping youth prepare for post-secondary education, as well as learning about opportunities at Aurora College. While the focus is on experiential learning through handson opportunities and cultural activities, students also learn about the processes of NWT’s Student Financial Assistance Program and other student support systems in place to facilitate post-secondary learning. an evening of food, games, traditional knowledge, and parting words. The 2014 NWT Youth Symposium was a roaring success. The event is designed to familiarize high school students with post-secondary education, and to showcase the programs and facilities available at Aurora College. Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Bachelor of Education Program Head Mike Pickles attending the Indigenous Symposium at the University of Calgary. federal government evaluation of Indigenous school reform, the most comprehensive empirical study of Indigenous education to date. Dr. Jean Phillip is a Murri woman (Wakka Wakka) from south-east Queensland, Australia. Originally trained as a primary school teacher, she now researches and teaches in Indigenous education. Her PhD examined how resistance was articulated, rationalised and managed by non-Aboriginal students in a mandatory Indigenous studies program for pre-service teachers. She is particularly interested in the interaction between Indigenous knowledge systems and western colonial traditions with regard to colonial identity construction and intellectual authority, and teaching for optimal learning in contested spaces. “As educators, it was extremely valuable to hear the knowledge they had to share with us. A common theme mentioned throughout the symposium was that forgiveness does not change the past, but it does change the future,” said Mike Pickles. Aurora College Currents - Staff and Student Newsletter! We’re always looking for story ideas and pictures. If you attend an event where Aurora College is represented, please don`t hesitate to share your story or photographs with us. Email: [email protected] Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 15 Tuktoyaktuk CLC students finish Micro-Business class Congratulations are in order for MeaganShayne Cockney and Gerald Rees for receiving their completion certificates for the Micro Business Class from Aurora College. Both completed a business plan as part of their curriculum which they were able to present to the Economic Development Officer of their community of Tuktoyaktuk. Celebrating 50 years of research in Inuvik In 2014, we’re celebrating 50 years of research in Inuvik! In 1964, Indian and Northern Affairs built and opened the Scientific Research Laboratory in Inuvik. When it first opened, community members and funders weren’t sure whether the facility (commonly called “the Lab”) would be successful, but any doubts were soon put to rest. Almost immediately, university, government and industry researchers came to the Lab to do research and field studies both in Inuvik and in the surrounding regions. Over the past 50 years, the Inuvik Lab has served as the home base for many research projects that investigated the physical, biological, and social environments of the western Arctic. In February 1964, less than a month after the building opened, a neutron monitor that counts particles released by the sun was installed at the Lab. For the first few decades, a staff member had to come in to the Lab each day to take monitor readings and record them in log books, which were periodically mailed to the project leads at the University of Delaware. The Inuvik neutron 16 monitors are still in operation today, and are our longest-running active research program - although the invention of the internet means that we no longer need to go in to work to take readings on weekends and holidays! It wasn’t just scientists and researchers who used the Lab; the residents of Inuvik also enjoyed many community events in the building. There were no TVs or theatres in Inuvik when the building opened, so Fridays became Movie Night at the Lab, and everyone enjoyed it very much. The Lab was also the venue for some of the first Inuvik town hall sessions, where the development of other town facilities, such as the library and arena, were proposed and discussed. After 20 years, the Lab was turned over to the GNWT, and became the “Science Institute of the Northwest Territories,” also known as SINT. Ten years later, in 1994, SINT merged with Aurora College and became the Aurora Research Institute. In 2011, the original building was torn down and replaced with the Western Arctic Research Centre, which was designed to meet the needs of both the research and local communities. Although both the name and the building itself have changed over the years, the goals of the facility and its staff remain the same: to support research and discovery in the western Arctic, to help answer northern research questions and priorities, and to help communicate research results to northern residents. The research centre could not have grown into the institution it is today without the support of local residents, Aurora College and its staff, and the scientific community. On behalf of all of us, we would like to say thanks to everyone who’s supported us over the years. We look forward to many more years of research in Inuvik! Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Bachelor of Education Winter Camp 2014 This year’s winter camp ran March 19-21 at the Salt River Metis Settlement, about 30 km west of Fort Smith. Five students - Theresa Kakfwi, Treeva Richardson, Tim Beahen, Alexa Linaker and Carly Gon - were joined by Elder/ Territorial guide Archie Smith. In preparation for camp, students took part in “a day in the life of a trapper” activity, in which they simulated a situation where their snowmobile broke down on the trap line. In this activity, the students’ objective was to build a survival shelter and make a fire within one hour. The purpose of the simulation was to give the students training on how to avoid exposure, and how to make an effective shelter and a small fire positioned to maximize warmth and effectiveness. The students completed the task in less than 45 minutes. The second training activity was a snowmobiling course facilitated by Terrance Campbell and Cheyenne Paulette, officers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This activity was essential to get the students oriented and familiarized with the machines they would be using on the land. A big ‘thank you’ to Terrance and Cheyenne for making it a great and action-packed day for us. Day 1 – The students met at the college, loaded their gear and were on the road by 9:20am. In the same efficient manner, the students were unloaded, had their gear put way, and their snowmobiles warming up by 11:15 am. After a quick lunch, Archie Smith led seven snowmobiles breaking trail on route to Grande De Tour to set rabbit snares. Throughout the day trip, we saw much “sign” (tracks) including Martin, Lynx, Wolf and Rabbit. After setting snares, The students were motivated, hard-working and respectful. we headed back to camp, got settled in and cooked supper. Tim Beahen, our student/survival expert, spent time with the other students showing them the different constellations and ways to mark direction. Theresa Kakfwi showed the students how she cuts and prepares caribou for making dry meat. By 10:30 it was lights out. Day 2 – Overnight, the temperature dropped down to -27C with a wind chill of about -35C. First thing, the students headed out to check their rabbit snares. Unfortunately, there were no rabbits. However, Theresa Kakfwi brought enough caribou for everyone and there was a sufficient food supply. After a return to camp and a hearty lunch, Murray Scott, Certified Fire Arm Safety Course Instructor, arrived to put on a fire arm safety lesson. Then, Murray and Archie took the students out on the land to put their the newly acquired knowledge to the test. Using a high powered rifle, they had a combined target accuracy rate of 71 percent. Next, Environment &Natural Resources Technology Program Instructor George Peterson discussed tree identification and how to find direction using white poplars. He also showed the students how to identify trees that were used by black bears to mark their territory. Due to some overflow, night ice fishing for losh (ling cod) was cancelled. After a late supper and loading two of the six sleds onto the trailer, the evening was spent playing cards, cutting wood and drying caribou meat. Lights out by 11:00pm. Day 3 - Morning brought two early runs to Fort Smith with loads of snowmobiles, then breakfast, breaking camp, cleaning teh site and loading gear, and back to Fort Smith. Throughout the camp experience, the students were motivated, hard-working and respectful. Special thanks to elder Archie Smith, the presenters and the students and staff involved. Like us on Facebook! Keep in the loop with Aurora College events, photos and general information: www.facebook.com/pages/Aurora-College Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 17 RACEPAC visits the Western Arctic Research Centre HEO students move dirt at Thebacha Campus For one month this spring, the Western Arctic Research Centre (WARC) hosted a group of 30 European researchers who traveled to Inuvik to collect data on atmospheric aerosols and polar clouds. Their campaign was called the RadiationAerosol-Cloud Experiment in the Arctic Circle, or RACEPAC for short. Their objective was to better characterize the effects of Arctic clouds on local heat budgets. Cloud cover can reflect incoming sunlight back into space, but can also act as a blanket that holds warm air close to the earth’s surface. In other words, clouds can either cool or warm the ground lying beneath them. Due to these competing effects, clouds are a complex and poorly understood factor in global climate models, particularly in the rapidly-warming polar regions. The RACEPAC team used a very unique approach to collect their data – they attached a variety of instruments to two DC-3 planes, and then flew them on daily missions over the Mackenzie Delta and Beaufort Sea. One plane would fly through the clouds, collecting information on the types and sizes of particles in the cloud droplets, while the other plane would fly above the clouds and take measurements of both the incoming (from the sun) and reflected (by the clouds) solar radiation. Although the RACEPAC team could have visited any number of Arctic research stations to conduct their work, they chose Inuvik as their field site. Many members of the RACEPAC team had participated in a previous 2012 research campaign out of Inuvik, and they were eager to come Aurora College Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) students at Thebacha Campus practice their trade as part of their curriculum. Over the years HEO students have developed roads, quarries and other infrastructure around the NWT. Top:Lead researcher Dr. Stephan Borrmann explains the goals and methods of the RACEPAC campaign to Premier McLeod and his colleagues. Right: The two RACEPAC research aircraft parked on the runway at the Inuvik airport. back and work at WARC again. While in Inuvik, they gave two public presentations about their research, and toured many people around their planes – including Premier Bob McLeod and MP Dennis Bevington. Also, they arranged a special tour for our staff and the students in the Aurora Campus Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program, who had the opportunity to go inside each plane to check out the data stations and instrument controls. Their outreach to the community was appreciated and well-received, and we’re looking forward to their next field campaign in the western Arctic! You can find out more about the RACEPAC Campaign and their research at:http://www.uni-leipzig.de/~racepac/ index.html. www.nwtresearch.com The Aurora Research Institute (ARI) maintains a collection of scientific research licence information for studies conducted within the NWT. ARI has developed the NWT Research Database to make this research licensing data publicly available. Currently there is information online about licences issued between 1991-2014, including the locations of work done. The database is updated monthly with information on newly issued licences. ARI is also working through a backlog of data on research done from 1974-1991 which is being made available incrementally. ARI is also digitizing our backlog of submitted reports and other correspondence relevant to these licences which will also be available through this site sometime in the next 6-12 months. 18 Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 19 Aurora College Across the North Aurora College is comprised of three campuses, 23 Community Learning Centres and the Aurora Research Institute, spread across 1.1 million square kilometres. Here is quick glimpse at some of the events that have taken place since our last newsletter. Tuktoyaktuk Community Learning Centre Introduction to Office completion April 2014. Jane Arychuk, President of Aurora College (right back) and Heather McCagg-Nystrom, Vice President, Community and Extensions (left back) are pictured with graduates Robert Voudrach and Michelle Bourke. Aklavik Introduction to Construction course. Wekweeti Introdution to Office Skills completion ceremony February 2014. New initiative will help NWT adults achieve high school diploma Aurora College and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) are celebrating two of the first Northern adult learners to receive their NWT Secondary School Diploma through the Adult Recognition Model (ARM). ARM is a process that allows adult learners to receive high school credits for learning that occurred either inside or outside of a classroom. Aurora College is offering a new course, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Portfolio Development, that helps learners assemble the proof needed to submit a portfolio for review. If the review by ECE is successful, learners will receive high school 20 credits. The ARM process is open to Aurora College Adult Literacy and Basic Education (ALBE) learners at “We are very pleased to see this new initiative is leading to success for our adult learners seeking to further their education.” Thebacha and Yellowknife North Slave Campuses. Jane Arychuk, President with Aurora College said, “We are excited today to honour two adult learners receiving their NWT Secondary School Diplomas. The ARM process offers yet another opportunity for adult learners to complete their high school education and meet the academic pre-requisites to enter Aurora College programs.” Gabriela Eggenhofer, Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Employment adds, “We are very pleased to see this new initiative is leading to success for our adult learners seeking to further their education. The ARM process is providing another pathway for adults to obtain their high school diploma, opening the door to further education and employment opportunities in the North.” Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Youth gathered in Fort McPherson for the Youth Education Forum on Mar. 13-16, organized by the Gwich’in Tribal Council. Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 21 Aurora Open 2014 Introduction to Office Skills completion in Fort Providence. Aurora College Master of Nursing Practitioner student Rachel Mundy (left) along with AC grad Lianne Mantla (not pictured) were the 2014 recipients of Health Canada’s 12th Annual First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Award of Excellence in Nursing. The 16th Annual Aurora Open took place June 7-8 and featured more than 60 golfers. The event took place at the Pelican Rapids Golf Club which overlooks the beautiful Slave River. Staff at the Pelican Rapids Golf Club in Fort Smith did an amazing job preparing the course for participants. Mid-swing at the first tee. Premier Bob McLeod was on hand for the Aurora Open Golf Tournament. Introduction to Office Skills at the Whati Community Learning Centre. In uvik resident and former Aurora College student Tamara Voudrach is working with the Communications Office and Aurora Research Institute this summer. Tamara is currently studying Indigenous Independent Digital Film at Capilano University in Vancouver, BC, and will be helping to create promotional materials for ARI’s 50th anniversary, the Aurora College Alumni program and for college recruitment, among other duties. Based out of Inuvik, Tamara will be travelling to Yellowknife North Slave Campus June 16-19 and Thebacha Campus June 20, 24-26 to work on student success stories and alumni profiles. If you have any ideas for interviews or would like to become involved, please contact the Communications Office at [email protected] . 22 Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 Group ready to tee off at the first hole. Golfers finish putting on the 8th green. Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014 23 Alumni Recognition Program As part of the Aurora College Alumni Recognition Program, events will be held at each campus during the month of June to acknowledge Aurora College faculty and staff who are also alumni. Dates are: Aurora Campus – June 11, Thebacha Campus – June 13, and Yellowknife North Slave Campus – June 19. The Thebacha and Yellowknife events will be held in conjunction with year-end activities. To qualify for the alumni program, individuals must have received a certificate, diploma or degree from Aurora College, or successfully completed one of: Underground Miner Training Program (12 weeks), the full Heavy Equipment Operator Program (15 weeks), or the highest level of apprenticeship that Aurora College offers (in any trade.) Any Aurora College employees who would like to be recognize can contact [email protected] to receive an Alumni Data Form. Sahtu representative on the Board of Governors Ethel Blondin-Andrew receives her Alumni placard from President Jane Arychuk. Special activities and events to celebrate graduates of our many programs will continue to be held throughout the year. Developmental Studies Completions June 6 was a day of celebration in Yellowknife for students in the School of Developmental Studies, which honoured those completing Adult Literacy and Basic Education courses, Access programs, and classes and programs at the Literacy Outreach Centre. Students received participation and achievement certificates. In addtion, Aurora College’s first-ever NWT secondary school diplomas were awarded through the Adult Recognition Model.. Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Gabriela Eggenhofer, addressed the group on behalf of the Minister of Education. Former Nursing Access Program student and recent Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate Tanya Silke was the guest speaker. A total of 64 learners were recognized from the Business Administration Access, Social Work Access, Nursing Access, ALBE and Literacy Outreach programs. 24 Aurora College’s School of Developmental Studies celebrated a completion ceremony for students at Yk North Slave Campus. Those in attendance were treated to three video testimonials by learners about what their experience at Aurora College has meant to their lives. A number of student and staff awards were also presented. Aurora College Currents - Spring 2014