01/17/2025
Alexandria is enrolled in our ITEP Community-Based Program! Kidan Aanii Alexandria! ❤️
Alexandria of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory first chose to pursue the Early Childhood Education Anishinaabemowin program at Kenjgewin Teg.
Graduating in 2024 with academic honours, she shared that her overall experience at Kenjgewin Teg was excellent, with Kenjgewin Teg’s supportive faculty playing a pivotal role. Alexandria fondly recalls the collective influence of all her instructors, particularly how they advocated for the students, such as herself, when needed.
A significant memory during her program was when she faced personal challenges that made continuing her studies difficult. Kenjgewin Teg provided essential support by offering counsellors to assist her in navigating her challenges. This support was instrumental in her journey and deepened her connection with the school.
Alexandria currently works as a teaching assistant for the Wikwemikong Board of Education, a role she finds fulfilling and exciting. Reflecting on her path, she shared that she has always had a teaching spirit. Her varied background, including training as a chef and pastry chef, fostering, and single motherhood, informs her daily interactions and enriches her teaching approach.
Kenjgewin Teg was pivotal in preparing Alexandria for her future, reconnecting her with her culture and community through the Anishinaabe-aadiziwin program.
“Kenjgewin Teg helped me with reconnecting to my culture and people through the Anishinaabe-aadiziwin program,” said Alexandria. “I loved going to new workshops and meeting people that helped me on my learning journey.”
This experience instilled a love for learning and inspired her to continue her educational journey. Alexandria is currently a student in the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) with Kenjgewin Teg in partnership with Queen's University.
Outside of her professional life, Alexandria cherishes time spent with her family, who are her greatest support. Whether it's enjoying family activities, watching volleyball games at camp, or sharing stories by the fire, her family is central to her happiness.
Alexandria advises current students to prioritize communication in all relationships. Her openness and willingness to seek help during challenging times were crucial in her success, motivated by her desire to be a role model for her daughter and community.
She concluded that her experience at Kenjgewin Teg has profoundly transformed her life, fostering a deep appreciation for education and continuous learning.
“I didn't know it, but I needed this experience in my life,” said Alexandria. “It has changed me immensely. I am grateful that Kenjgewin Teg team helped me get started and stay in the program. I have a new love for school and education again. Never stop learning and always help those when and where you can. Baamaapii- kaawaabmin.”
As an Indigenous or non-Indigenous student/ekinoomaagasijig of Kenjgewin Teg, Anishinaabe-aadiziwin, and debwewin is about learning and connecting students with their own personal, family, community and Nation’s truth. Understanding and gaining insight into the effects of historical trauma and the legacy of colonial policies are critical teachings for all students of Kenjgewin Teg, and we predict it will impact students’ future and how they contribute and make change in the world after graduation. Supporting, encouraging and revealing a new generation of critical, respectful, and solution-oriented thinkers is part of what Kenjgewin Teg’s holistic education philosophy is all about.
To learn more about Kenjgewin Teg’s Early Childhood Educator Anishinaabemowin (ECEA) and Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP), visit https://www.kenjgewinteg.ca/programs/teaching-learning
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