Taunya Laslo – Community Outreach Officer, AESS

Ahni, my name is Taunya and I graduated from Mohawk College in 1993 from the Early Childhood Education Program. I am proud to be a “First Generation” alumnus and have enjoyed a successful career in Early Learning and Aboriginal Education. I have the privilege of teaching part time in the Early Childhood Education program at Mohawk College and am excited to be part of the Aboriginal Education and Student Services Team as the Community Outreach Officer. Mohawk has and continues to be, an accessible and innovative partner in my life-long learning and I look forward to celebrating the next generation of graduates as my son also graduates in 2011 from Mohawk, Electrical Engineering Technician – Power.

Meegwech

Annabella Gago - PNAC Student

I would like to say that my experience with the PNAC program has been, none the less, everything I would ever want in a course. The atmosphere, the people, and of course the teachers have all been accessories to an amazing program. It is generally a smaller class which leaves more time to discuss problems, or questions with the teachers who have been amazing in terms of the support and help they offer to each and every student. I feel very fortunate to be a part of such an inspirational and cultural course. This is not just a nursing course, this is a course that offers teachings of Aboriginal culture and I have to say that I have learned a lot. The wide variety of cultural teachings alone is a huge benefit and is something you will take with you to clinical placements. In clinical placements, compassion, understanding, dedication, empathy, and sympathy are traits that a nurse must have. These traits have all been touched upon and nurtured through this program. In school, a positive environment is always an important concept in teaching, and Six Nations Polytechnic offers more than a positive environment but a place that offers you computer labs, student lounges, a kitchen and many more. This course is beyond amazing, and I would like to acknowledge that it shows us the true meaning of respect. It teaches us respect, responsibility, time management, and of course love and friendship. I have to say the people in this course is what makes it that much more amazing. Everyone works together as “one” big group, supporting, teaching each other, and striving for success together. In addition, my first semester experience was wonderful beyond words. I have enjoyed placement, I have enjoyed the college, and also the university experience by having some classes at the IAHS campus at McMaster University. In conclusion, I have to say that this is everything one would want in a nursing course.

Johanne McCarthy – Aboriginal Student Counsellor

Johanne McCarthy is Onondaga Nation, Beaver clan from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She is a Mohawk College alumni graduating from the Diagnostic Radiology Program with honours in 1993. She continued her education at McMaster University graduating in 1998 with an Honours Degree in Medical Anthropology and a minor in Psychology. Her dream to become a Naturopathic Doctor became a reality after being awarded a full tuition scholarship to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2001. She graduated from the 4 year doctorate program in 2005 and is currently the owner and operator of the “Healing Journey Naturopathic clinic” in Caledonia, Ontario. Dr. McCarthy has faced many obstacles on her journey to becoming a successful Naturopathic Doctor and attributes her success to the unconditional support she received from her Aboriginal student counselors, her friends, family and all her relations. Dr. McCarthy feels that her experience at Mohawk College provided her with the tools and self confidence necessary to help her achieve her academic goals particularly in the health care field. Johanne’s interests include family medicine, women’s health and improving the health in Aboriginal communities. She is  dedicated and committed to helping people find holistic, nature based solutions to their  health concerns and strongly believes education to be an important positive determinant of health. Dr. McCarthy feels that she has come full circle and is excited to have the opportunity to combine her skills as a Naturopathic doctor and Aboriginal Student Counselor to help students on their own academic and healing journey.

Lacey Hill – Aboriginal Access & Student Recruitment Coordinator

Lacey Hill is Oneida, Wolf clan from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She is a Mohawk College alumni graduating in 2008 from the Child and Youth Workers Program. Lacey recently received her 5 year pin working at Mohawk College starting as a peer tutor within her program. She is now the new Aboriginal Access and Student Recruitment Coordinator. Lacey is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and experience from a student’s perspective. She is committed to varsity sports, college spirit and learning through participating in both the college setting and in her community of Six Nations. Apart from her job as a Student Recruitment Coordinator Lacey volunteers for Six Nation’s Fire Department and Ganokwashra Family Assault Services Youth Lodge. Lacey is dedicated to supporting aboriginal youth and mature applicants throughout the post secondary applications process. If you see Lacey within the community feel free to stop her and ask any questions you may have about why Mohawk is the right school for you!

Steffanie Greene - Tekariwake and Electronics Engineering Technician

My name is Steffanie Greene and I am a two time graduate from Mohawk College –Tekariwake and Electronics Engineering Technician

When I first came to Mohawk College I was unsure what I wanted to do. However, I started with the Two Opportunities-Tekariwake program.  This one year certificate program allowed me to get transferable credits and I had the opportunity to get familiar with the college and research other program options.  I developed lasting friendships and connected with students, staff and faculty.

In the time I spent at Mohawk College, I went through a lot of things in my personal life that affected my ability to keep up with my studies.  I was very fortunate to have the support of the Aboriginal Student Counsellor at Mohawk College, she was able to support, and encourage me and convinced me to reassess and to keep on going till I finished  the program.

The staff in the Aboriginal department are there to help Aboriginal students succeed and do well, they did that for me and that is what they will do for you. No matter what is going on don’t stray too far from your goal of graduating.   Explore all the options available to you to help you keep going and you will get there, I did.