Oshki students look forward to challenge

Mishkeegogamang’s Tanya Bottle is studying Native Early Childhood Education at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win with the goal of eventually developing an Aboriginal Headstart program for children in her community.
“It’s going to be hard because I have a three-year-old (daughter), a full-time job, school,” Bottle said about the five-semester program. “So it’s going to be a hard two years, stressful. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Bottle was one of about 60 students from across northwestern Ontario who took part in student orientation week Aug. 17-19 at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute in Thunder Bay.
“The orientation was great,” Bottle said, noting the atmosphere was very friendly at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win. “I just can’t wait until classes begin on Saturday (Aug. 20).”
Students in Oshki-Pimache-O-Win’s programs can study for most of their required courses at home, with just one or two on-campus sessions required per semester at the Thunder Bay campus.
Bottle brought her partner and daughter with her for the opening two-week session at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win. Her partner and daughter stayed at a hotel while she was on campus.
“I think I might change my routine next time I come back down,” Bottle said. “That way I don’t have to worry about what they are doing or their needs. I can just focus on myself while I am out here.”
The Native Early Childhood Education (NECE) program provides students with an opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to organize and maintain a safe, stimulating learning environment that ensures the total development of the young child. Students examine the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of the child through academic studies as well as practical experiences.
A group of NECE students from Sandy Lake are also looking to develop an Aboriginal Headstart program in their community.
“It will help us get licensed in our new Headstart building,” said Jennifer Meekis. “Right now it’s not licensed, (but once) we get our diplomas we can work on getting a licensed Headstart program.”
Meekis appreciates the way Oshki-Pimache-O-Win’s programs are set up.
“I get to keep my job, go to school, come out here, go back home and work again,” Meekis said. “I have my kids here with me right now, and they’ll be coming out here to school anyways, so I get to see them here too.”
Margaret Kakepetum has always wanted to go back to school because she didn’t have an opportunity to finish high school when she was younger.
“I haven’t gone to school for a long time, so it’s kind of scary and exciting at the same time,” Kakepetum said. “I miss (the family) already. It’ll be good to go back home but it’s nice to come out here too.”
Denise Stoney is looking forward to a full-time job once she finishes the NECE program.
“It’s going to be hard because I am never away from my family,” Stoney said, explaining she appreciates only having to attend classes on campus for two weeks at a time. “I don’t think I could make it out here for the whole year.”