New Credential Celebrates Indigenous Student Achievement in Access Programs at Lakehead University

Thunder Bay, Ont. – Indigenous students completing one of Lakehead University’s Indigenous Access Programs will be formally recognized with an official credential honouring their educational journey and achievements.

Beginning this year, graduates of the Indigenous Transition Year Program (ITYP), Indigenous STEM Access Program (ISTEM), and Indigenous Nursing Entry Program (INEP) will receive a parchment during convocation, formally acknowledging the academic and personal milestones they have reached as they prepare for further study, employment, or the next steps in life.

“Providing alternate pathways to university is essential for supporting Indigenous learners,” said Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Initiatives. “Through our access programs, we recognize that the traditional route to postsecondary education isn’t the only way, and we are committed to honouring students as they transition into first year in a way that reflects their unique journeys.”

The new credential, approved in April 2025, is titled Gii Gashkatoon Gii Kendaaswin Mazina’igan: Indigenous Access Programs [Gee (hard g sound) – Gush-ka-toon Gee (hard g sound)-Ken-daa-swin Ma-zin-eye-gan]. In Anishinaabemowin, the name means “You completed your education and certificate.” Lakehead University’s Elders Council gifted it the name.

“The name carries deep meaning—it speaks to achievement and the recognition of important milestones,” said Baxter. “When students are acknowledged for completing their first credential, it affirms their success and inspires them to keep moving forward—whether that’s further study, joining the workforce, or continuing their education at Lakehead.”

She added, “When we spoke with students in the program, they shared how proud they were to work toward convocation and be celebrated by their community. It’s more than a credential—it’s a step forward, and a recognition of everything they’ve overcome to get here.”

Malakai Mawageesick, a recent Indigenous Transition Year Program graduate, shared what the credential means to him. “With education being such a primary focus within today’s social climate, it isn’t always accessible. The Indigenous Transition Year Program recognizes Indigenous students’ potential and nurtures excellence and identity.”

“Indigenous students already face unique challenges, systemic barriers, and stigma in daily life. ITYP is more than a pathway to post-secondary—it is a support system, a community that tends to the fire held within Indigenous students. Completing the Indigenous Transition Year Program isn’t just a personal achievement but a step of collective progress,” added Mawageesick.

Lakehead University has offered Indigenous access programming since the 1990s, creating alternative opportunities for Indigenous learners who may not meet conventional entrance requirements. The new credential builds on this legacy by formally recognizing and celebrating student achievement at a pivotal point in their academic journey.

At convocation, Lakehead Indigenous graduates wear a yellow honour cord symbolizing pride, success, and the strength of Indigenous knowledge and culture. This year marks the first time Indigenous Access Program graduates will receive the newly formalized credential as they cross the stage.

Lakehead will honour all graduates during its Thunder Bay convocation ceremonies on May 29 and 30 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.

For more information about Lakehead University’s Indigenous Access Programs, visit lakeheadu.ca/indigenous. For details about convocation, visit lakeheadu.ca/convocation.

NT5