By Rosalind Russell – Kenjgewin Teg proudly celebrated its 2025-2026 Graduation Ceremony late last month at the
Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, recognizing the achievements of its largest graduating class to date.
According to the release, a total of 96 graduates were honoured for completing secondary, post-secondary, and specialized training programs.
The graduation ceremony opened with a prayer from Josh Eshkawkogan, followed by welcoming remarks from Kenjgewin Teg President Dr. Beverley Roy and Board of Directors Chair Robert Beaudin.
The ceremony was emceed by Registrar Andrew Gerhard and Dean of Pathways to Post-Secondary Sherry Moreau.
Several awards were also presented followed by congratulatory messages and good wishes extended to all the graduates as they continue on their career paths.
Awards presented included:
• Martin Bayer Award – Anawahs Migwans
• Brian Bisson-Baa Memorial Award – Raymond Kenneth Wemigwans
• IIC Delbert Horton Award for Students – Madeliene Macleod
• IIC Delbert Horton Award for Staff – Sheila McDermid
• Whitefish River Board Award – Caitlin Pitawanakwat
• Sheguiandah Board Award – Jessica Elliott
• Sheshegwaning Board Award – Gordon Wemigwans
• Aundeck Omni Kaning Board Award – Lindsay Owl
• M’Chigeeng Board Award – Sheila Eshquib
• Zhiibaahaasing Board Award – Kennady Nakogee-Rickard
• Constance Lake Board Award – Lesley Rowe
• Sagamok Board Award – Brendan Abitong
• Student Representative Board Award – Jordan Quesnel
• Kate Roy-Baa Memorial Award – Ngwaagan Eshkibok
• Sarah Peltier Memorial Award for Educational Excellence – Lisa-Ann Ross
• Charles Shawanda Memorial Award – Shannon Rozsa
• Lloyd Debassige Memorial Award – Ace Stella Flamand
• Glen Crawford Memorial Award – Embracing Your Educational Journey – Hunter Candice Cascanette
• Resiliency and Achievement in Indigenous Education Award – Walter Roy
• Resiliency and Achievement in Indigenous Education Award – Stephanie Sutherland
• Lewis Debassige Memorial Award – Kenjgewin Teg Leadership – Justice Manitowabi-Trudeau
• Ryan Jones Memorial Award – Hailey Wolters
• Kim Corbiere Mino Bimaadziwin Memorial Award – Courtenay Peltier
• Kino-Maage Gimaa (President’s) Award – Amy Wheale
Photos provided
1: Kenjgewin Teg’s 2025-2026 graduates gather for a group photo following the graduation ceremony at the Manitoulin
Hotel and Conference Centre on June 25.
Photo by J. Casson Photos
2: The Biisineh Drum Group carries the graduation procession in with song.
Photo by J. Casson Photos
3: Kenjgewin Teg, President, Dr. Beverley Roy delivers her address during the 2025-2026 Graduation Ceremony.
Photo by J. Casson Photos
4: Allanna Macaluso, Director of Student Wellness and Services, presents Ngwaagan Eshkibok with her Anishinaabeaadiziwin Distinction certificate. She is one of 53 graduates recognized with this honour this year.
Photo by J. Casson Photos
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