Niagara College’s My Path of Worthwhile Educational Re-Engagement (MPOWER) program celebrated its latest graduates in an inspiring ceremony held at The Core (Welland Campus) on April 19. This special event marked the achievements of Indigenous youth and young adults in a program dedicated to facilitating their transition to post-secondary education.
Launched in 2022 as a collaborative effort between Niagara College and Indigenous community partners, MPOWER provides learning opportunities for Indigenous individuals of all ages, combining academia and an exploration and sharing of Indigenous cultural knowledge. The program encompasses land-based and classroom learning, empowering students to earn college credits while preparing for further education.
“Graduating from the MPOWER program was bittersweet,” said graduate Sarah-Ann Holmes. “It’s always a great feeling to accomplish something in your life, but to be able to do it with a great group of people, is amazing. I want to give a huge shoutout to the MPOWER staff who taught us in the program. There were many things I didn’t know about myself, and a lot of these classes truly helped me find who I am.”
Graduate Cody Villeneuve delivered a student address, celebrating the collective journey and achievements of his peers.
The ceremony opened with a heartfelt thanksgiving address in the Oneida language by Karl Dockstader, NC’s Indigenous Education Cultural Consultant. Emotions ran high as Dockstader shared a unique teaching, reflecting the uplifting energy in the room. This was followed by another thanksgiving address in English, led by Shanyn Porter, NC’s Community Access Programs Manager/Educator, alongside some of the graduating students.
Graduate Cody Villeneuve delivered a student address, celebrating the collective journey and achievements of his peers.
“Congratulations to everyone here today,” said Villeneuve. “This journey wasn’t easy, but we crossed the finish line, and we all have come so far since our first gathering. I hope you all learned as much as I did from this program and I wish you the best on your future endeavours, big or small. For me, I truly feel like I can do anything now.”
Special recognition was given to Rebecca Nicholls, Associate Dean, Workforce Development and Community Partnerships, Jessica Winger, Indigenous Student Success Leader, and Katherine Gottli, Student Advisor, who joined Porter on stage as graduates were called up one-by-one to receive their graduation certificate. Graduates were also given unique gift bundles, including blankets designed by various artists from Turtle Island and bags featuring artwork from Indigenous artists.
Acknowledgements extended to community partners, including NPAAMB, the local school boards, and the Niagara Regional Native Centre (NRNC) programs for their support. Indigenous Education was given a special shout out for always providing a safe space for students and the Libraries and Learning Commons were also thanked for promoting Indigenous literature and providing the exploratory rooms for hands-on learning.
MPOWER graduates and NC Indigenous alumni shared a cultural song performance honouring the graduates’ triumphant journey.
The ceremony featured a group celebration on stage by the MPOWER class of 2024 and a cultural performance by some MPOWER graduates and NC Indigenous alumni, honouring their triumphant journey.
NC alumna and Executive Director of the NRNC, Dawn Moughtin, shared her personal transformation attributed to one of the programs taught by Porter.
“Shanyn changed my life,” she said. “Before I met her, I was a very angry person, dealing with trauma, and now I want to hug everyone that crosses my path. This is a testament to the incredible staff at Niagara College.”
President Sean Kennedy took the stage to provide closing remarks. He shared his heartfelt pride in the College community and the MPOWER graduates, highlighting their achievements and promising paths ahead.
“What an honour to be here today and to lead Niagara College because of the incredible people that make up our NC family,” said Kennedy. “There is no event that makes me prouder of our NC community than this one. To our graduates, the biggest congratulations, I can not express how inspired I am by your success and energized by the possibilities that lie ahead for each of you.”
He also thanked NC alumnus and Indigenous Elder, Dave Labbé who attended the ceremony, for his ongoing role as a mentor and role model for Indigenous students at NC.
As the ceremony concluded, Porter left the graduates with an important message, highlighting their impact on the Indigenous community and beyond.
“These fine students you see here today are truly special,” said Porter. “I’m excited for our culture of people because when I look at all of you, you’re all at different places in your life, embracing education and sharing your special gifts in a way that I know will make a difference in our community for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. As we often talk about journeys in this program, remember this is not the end of your journey but just the beginning of another one filled with endless possibilities, so continue to Dream Big.”
