A post-secondary institution designed to foster knowledge and education of Indigenous culture is celebrating 35 years in 2020.

Virtual anniversary festivities for the Indigenous-owned First Nations Technical Institute on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory were held this week over Facebook Live.

FNTI offers 49 college and university level diploma programs, including Aviation Flight Technology, Early Childhood Education, Mental Health and Addictions Worker and Social Service Worker and has been responsible for launching the careers of several Indigenous graduates.

The event featured a list of testimonials from several graduates who have gone on to great success in their chosen fields, many of them working in aviation in some form.

One of those people who credited his career success to FNTI was OPP aviation services commander Inspector Gary Maracle, who graduated First Peoples’ Aviation Technology – Flight program in 1993.

"Just consider the impact you've made throughout Ontario, in the last five years, I've been part of a crew directly responsible for locating more than 700 lost and missing people throughout Ontario," he explained.

"That couldn't have happened without the education, guidance, and experience I gained throughout my time at FNTI."

Another graduate, Raven Beardy, who is now a commercial pilot, said her time at FNTI was a very important part of her life.

"There were certainly challenges, but FNTI was always there for me," she said.

"I've even had the opportunity to fly with a fellow FNTI graduate as my first officer."

Public Administration & Governance and Professional Master of Public Administration graduate Steve Teekins, who is also a part-time FNTI cultural advisor, stated the educational experience he gathered at FNTI has given him more confidence in the work that he does.

"I've been able to fulfill my current role far more effectively. It's given me the tools I need to know to do my job well, as well as understand the functions of federal, municipal and provincial governments."

Greetings and congratulations also came from local dignitaries, including Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Chief R. Don Maracle, FNTI Board of Directors Chair Suzanne Brandt, MP Neil Ellis, MPPs Todd Smith, and Daryl Kramp, and federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller.

Ellis highlighted that, from its early days as a training facility for the Canadian Royal Flying Corps in 1985 to its full-fledged post-secondary lineup, education has always been a part of FNTI’s history.

“The focus on a community-based model of education is one of the many qualities that distinguish FNTI from the rest,” Ellis remarked.

“Through programs like social work, restorative justice, midwifery, sustainable food systems, leaderships, language training, and more, FNTI is equipping people to bring Indigenous knowledge into the world and to create the bridges that will help us reach a brighter future.”

Ellis further noted that collaborations between the federal government and programs like the local food initiative and Indigenous aviation program are great examples of what can be achieved when everyone works together.

Noting all of the testimonials from individuals coast-to-coast who got their start thanks to FNTI, Kramp said the institution is fast becoming a provincial and national leader in fostering successful futures.

“With alumni across the country, from sea to sea, FNTI has provided a unique and valuable service to our Indigenous community in Hastings-Lennox and Addington and nationwide.”

Miller stated in his remarks that FNTI's unique way of teaching has led to the institution becoming a "living tribute" to the foresight of the Chief's Council and the hard work, innovation and dedication of staff.

"By involving your communities, you're creating unique and user-friendly learning experiences and environments," he said.

Noting the institution's high graduation rate, at 98-percent, Miller stated those successful results can only be achieved by helping students find and define their own futures.

FNTI welcomes an average of 300 students a year and has graduated more than 4,000 students.

If you missed this week's celebrations, you can catch up with them on FNTI's Facebook page.