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December 8, 2010 -
The Vancouver
launch of the new book of
author Calvin Helin,
The
Economic Dependency Trap: Breaking Free to Self-Reliance,
included the attendance of
a very
special
delegation 
from the
Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI). Their purpose in attending the
event was to sign a first-of-its-kind Protocol Agreement with author Helin.
The institute was formed in 1985 to address the educational needs of the Anishinaabe communities in the Rainy Lake Tribal Area located in northern Ontario. The ten First Nations in the Rainy Lake Tribal Area comprise the Board of Directors which governs SGEI.
The institute is dedicated to excellence in lifelong learning and empowerment through Anishinaabemowin, by providing community-based and student-centred learning opportunities. SGEI provides local access to post-secondary education which has increased the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal students. The learner friendly environment, small class sizes, community role models, familiar staff, personal attention and focus on student success, all contribute to instilling an "I can do it" attitude in students.
SGEI is a prime model of a First Nations
institute that responds to community needs through the development of programs
that utilize
traditional practices for decision-making. With modest resources it
has consistently produced impressive results now boasting a distinguished
alumnus of graduates.
In 2010 SGEI celebrated its 25th
Anniversary--a major milestone in its storied and
eminent
history.
SGEI also has partnerships with other
institutions such as Lakehead
University,
Laurentian University, Queen's University and Canadore
College. As of 2008, the institution holds the further unique distinction of being the first institution
in North America accredited through the
World Indigenous Higher Education Consortium (the
accreditation body for indigenous education initiatives and
systems that identify common practices, criteria and
principles by which indigenous people live). The prestigious
award of full accreditation rights and privileges was
granted to SGEI as both an education institute and for its post-graduate program Andaa Wiinjigewin.
SGEI is truly a testament to the vision and leadership of the 10 community leaders, and Delbert Horton, Chief Executive Officer. The institute's hardworking and dedicated staff and administration must also share in the recognition of its significant accomplishments.
In Vancouver SGEI signed the first-of-its-kind Protocol Agreement to work with renowned indigenous author Calvin Helin to promote self-reliance throughout the curriculum and administration of the institute. In addressing the large audience, CEO, Delbert Horton, explained the history of the Seven Generations Education Institute through a specially prepared collage of photographs that was subsequently presented as a special gift to the author. After the presentation, Mr. Horton signed the ground breaking Protocol Agreement with author Helin which committed the parties to working together to introduce his self-reliance message into the administration and curriculum of this leading institution. (To access the Protocol Agreement click on the image to the right.)
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