Cambrian Native Alumni Reception

The Cambrian College Alumni Association hosted the first ever 'Native Alumni Reception' on March 13th, 2003 in conjunction with Cambrian's Native Awareness Days. This inaugural event took place in the Wabnode Institute at the main campus and was attended by members ranging from the Class of 1983 to the Class of 2002!

Martin Bayer, Business Administration 1984 and the 2002 Premier's Award recipient of the Business category, was the guest speaker at this reception.

Kerri Chevrier, Cambrian Native Student Association President, presented Martin with a 'In the Footsteps of our Ancestors' print in recognition of his commitment to the betterment of the First Nation's Communities

Mr. Bayer continuously strives for the betterment of the First Nation's communities and relayed this message to our members that evening. Mr. Bayer addressed five main challenges that the First Nation communities are faced with and need to consider to continue progressing in a forward motion. These challenges include: health, housing, infrastructures, job creation and education. The main resource that the First Nations can focus their energy toward is the development of their people.

Martin stated that "our people are our most important resource" and "Education is on of the most important pillars in our communities and our society."

There were close to 60 members that were able to attend this reception, Mr. Bayer was pleasantly surprised to hear that close to 700 native graduates were identified by the Alumni Office. (Including any native 'Lost Sheep' and unidentifiable graduates, there are likely more Native Cambrian graduates then that!)