Nipissing First Nation celebrates graduating class of 2010

Nipissing First Nation
News Release

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NIPISSING FIRST NATION – Nipissing First Nation is celebrating the graduates of the Indigenous Community Worker Certificate & Social Service Worker Diploma Program from the FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute) in partnership with St. Lawrence College Friday evening.

The program is designed to meet the learning needs of those already employed in the human service field but lacking formal accreditation. Some of the graduates are currently employed with Nipissing First Nation, and their completion of the program only emphasises Nipissing First Nation’s desire to offer its membership the best possible service in the Social Services field.

“This is a very proud day for Nipissing First Nation as we witness the graduation of staff members who have completed a two year program in Social Services Worker Diploma Program offered by the First Nation Technical Institute (FNTI). This has been a difficult and demanding program and we are happy to see their training program completed, as this will only improve the quality of services offered to clients of their respective areas of work.” said Nipissing First Nation Chief Marianna Couchie

The program is usually offered in six semesters over two years with travel to a delivery sites six times per year for five days. This is the first time that Nipissing First Nation has hosted the 2-year program; with 11 of the 13 graduating being Nipissing First Nation members

“It was important for all of us (graduates), that we came together from the 4-directions and discovered the 7 Grandfather Teachings within ourselves. Those are two of the main reasons we are standing here today, as graduates.” states Vera Coulombe, Class Valedictorian.

Those completing the program will receive a two-year Social Service Worker Diploma from St. Lawrence College and an Indigenous Community Worker Certificate from FNTI. Graduates are eligible to register with the College of Social Service Workers and Social Workers.

“Nipissing Nation is proud of the accomplishments and we say ‘congratulations and all the best’ as the graduates continue to provide excellent service to their clients.” added Couchie.

Nipissing First Nation services more than 2,000 on and off-reserve citizens and is located between the Municipality of West Nipissing and the City of North Bay. Established before European settlement, Nipissing First Nation is a signatory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty, and a nation of the Union of Ontario Indians.

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