Be-Dah-Bin Gamik…Place of New Beginning

Myeengun and Conestoga College President John Tibbits

Conestoga College is thrilled to announce a new initiative. 2010-11 will bring a unique service to the college that will support all Aboriginal students. Be-Dah-Bin Gamik (Place of New Beginning) has been developed and is anxiously waiting to serve students. Our initial year will include strides to have aboriginal representation throughout the campus.We are proud to bring:

• Aboriginal Resource Material (books and videos)
• Workshops
• Aboriginal Relationship Council (ARC)
• Aboriginal Movie Hour
• Link to all College Services

We are located at the Doon Campus Room 1A103 (just below Tim Hortons). Phone (519)748-5220 ext. 2251 or 2470

“We believe that Aboriginal parents and Aboriginal communities must have the opportunity to implement their vision of education. … It is vital that Aboriginal parents and families be able to become involved, articulating and shaping the education they want for their children.”
(RCAP, 1996, pp. 442 – 443).

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As of May 1, 2011 – Please call George Kennedy at EXT 2737

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Aboriginal Services Manager

Myeengun Henry is an elder, Aboriginal Traditional Counselor from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation near London Ontario. He works endlessly to support Aboriginal people using language, ceremonies, healing and medicine. He is a graduate of Canadore College’s Indigenous Wellness and Additions Prevention and has worked as Director of Employment Services, Oshkebewis (Healers Program) and Street Patrol front-line worker for Anishnawbe Health Toronto.

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Aboriginal Services Officer

Roxane Shawana is a graduate of Conestoga College with a three-year Business Administration diploma. In her role as Aboriginal Services Officer, she provides reliable information for current and potential students about programs. Her goal is to assist students to become self-sufficient in using services in the College system. She has worked with many of the Aboriginal organizations in the tri-city area and is knowledgeable about their services and resources.

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Laura Lee Audy is Swampy-Cree, orginally from Sapotawayak First Nations in northern Manitoba.  She has been working with Aboriginal Services since December 2010 as an Administrative Assistant.  Enjoys working with students and being involved in the aboriginal community.  Worked with other organizations such as Anishnabeg Outreach and the Metis Federation, which have given her the appreciation of imbracing her culture and heritage.  Loves to show students and anyone who asks about making dreamcatchers and the meaning behind them.  Excited about the first time “Tee Pee” rising event at Conestoga College this year on Tuesday June 21st. 

Also participates in the annual “Multi-cultural days” event in Victoria Park in Kitchener, which is held the weekend of June 25th.  This year she will be selling her crafts and networking with other vendors.

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Aboriginal Services is extremely please to welcome the new Career & Employment Advisor!

George Kennedy, who started on March 29th, 2011.  He will be on site Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

George Kennedy is of the Oneida Nation, Turtle clan.  George currently is working to complete his Masters in History at Wilfrid Laurier University.  Previous to that George worked as Coordinator of Aboriginal Student Services and Aboriginal Education Projects.  George has over 12 years of experience in Community Development and has volunteered with many local committees, national associations, and boards of directors.  He continues to volunteer as a long standing board member of the Aboriginal Voices National Radio Network.  After graduating from Conestoga College in General Arts and Science he went on to the University of Waterloo where he obtained an Honours History degree.

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We are pleased to announce that Conestoga College Aboriginal Services held its 1st Annual traditional Pow wow on Saturday February 26, 2011!  An extremely sucessful event.

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Click on poster to print:  (Updated Jan 5/11)