Hands-On Learning and Anishinabek Knowledge Centre Stage During Minister’s Visit to Kenjgewin Teg

M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION, ON—Kenjgewin Teg was honoured to welcome the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, on September 24, 2025, for a tour highlighting the institution’s innovative programs and student experiences. Minister Quinn was joined by Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg for the visit, which included cultural teachings, interactive learning opportunities, and student-led demonstrations.

The visit began with an introduction to Kenjgewin Teg’s guiding philosophies, rooted in Anishinaabe teachings and aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Elder-in-Residence Josh Eshkwakogan led the session, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous worldviews in education.

The tour continued through the Anishinabek Skills, Innovation and Research Centre (ASIRC), where Minister Quinn and MPP Rosenberg engaged in hands-on activities alongside students in the welding shop. The Minister and MPP were guided through basic welding techniques by faculty member Dave Barnes and students before creating personalized nameplate keepsakes. Students also shared their experiences in skilled trades training and the opportunities available through Kenjgewin Teg’s programs.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Kenjgewin Teg President Beverley Roy shared: “Kenjgewin Teg is making a positive impact in the labour market for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners through programs and skills development at our Anishinabek Skilled Trades Centre; and today, we were pleased to host Minister Quinn and MPP Rosenberg to showcase this critical work through the voices of our students. Growing our Northern Ontario economy with northerners and by northerners is an opportunity we have before us, by expanding and scaling our success.”

Minister Quinn also shared his perspective on the visit and the opportunities he witnessed for learners across the region. “Our government is proud to support the nine Indigenous Institutes across Ontario that are preparing students for success and strengthening communities,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “It was a pleasure visiting Kenjgewin Teg to see firsthand how they are equipping students with the hands-on skills they need for rewarding careers in our key sectors in Northern Ontario.”

“It was a privilege to be with you at Kenjgewin Teg; a place that is truly more than just an educational institution,” stated MPP Bill Rosenberg, highlighting the unique role of Kenjgewin Teg in Northern Ontario. “Here, knowledge, culture, language, and identity are lived, honoured, and integrated into every aspect of learning. I want to congratulate Kenjgewin Teg for its journey and the partnerships you’ve built, showing what can be achieved when institutions, communities, and government work together. In my role as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness, and to the President of the Treasury, I look forward to exploring how resources and policy can support rural and Indigenous communities — including those on Manitoulin Island — in ways that respect local priorities and ways of knowing. To all staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, leadership: thank you for your dedication, vision, and care make Kenjgewin Teg what it is.”

The tour concluded with a campus walkthrough and a showcase of Kenjgewin Teg’s nursing lab facilities, further demonstrating the variety of programs available to learners.

Kenjgewin Teg extends gratitude to Minister Quinn, MPP Rosenberg, and all participants who joined the visit, reaffirming its commitment to creating pathways that blend Anishinabek knowledge with educational excellence to strengthen communities across Northern Ontario.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Robin Anderson
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Robinanderson@kenjgewinteg.ca
705-370-4342 ext 214

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