As Chair of the First Nations Community Partnership Committee, Birgit Wartenberg was pleased to introduce Andrew Brant from Tyendinaga as this year's bursary recipient (pictured left to right, President Kelly McKinney, Birgit Wartenberg and Andrew Brant). Andrew is married to Renee, a guest at the Club today and they have a two year old daughter. Andrew has a diploma in the Mohawk language through Trent University and Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawenna Language and Culture Circle (TTO).
He graduated from the course in 2010 and began teaching at Ohahase Education Centre that same year, teaching a wide range of subjects including Mohawk language, Indigenous studies, drama, physical education, Canadian history, careers and civics. Andrew wants to gain his accreditation through Queen's University Aboriginal Teacher Education Program where he can acquire a good foundation in the curriculum and teaching methods and can take pride in his ancestors and gain a better understanding of the land where we all live together.
To take this program, Andrew has to travel to M'Cheeging, Mindemoya, Manitoulin Island, an eight hour drive. He will need to rent a vehicle and stay at a local hotel, buy groceries and fuel. Andrew has been diligently saving his money, but applied for this bursary in the hopes of getting one step closer to becoming a qualified educator in the job he loves best, teaching. The Rotary Club of Belleville was pleased to present this bursary to Andrew and wish him all the best in his endeavours!
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