Inspiring Chapleau grad stands out

Celena Farrell is a member of Brunswick House First Nation

Article content The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is drawing attention to Celena Farrell, a graduating student from École secondaire catholique Trillium (ÉSC Trillium) in Chapleau. “She stands out for her strong cultural commitment and her remarkable contribution to community life,” read a recent press release. Recommended Videos The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon is a French-language school board in northern Ontario operating 25 elementary schools, nine secondary schools, and continuing education programs.

It covers the counties of Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Espanola, Greater Sudbury, Hornepayne, Michipicoten, North Shore, Sault Ste. Marie, and the East Sudbury region. Farrell has demonstrated respect and leadership throughout high school, the council said.

“A diligent and helpful student, she actively participates in school life whether in her classes or as a member of the ÉSC Trillium Coyotes volleyball team,” the statement read. A member of Brunswick House First Nation, Farrell is very engaged within the Indigenous community. She takes part in numerous activities with Brunswick House First Nation and Wahkohtowin Development Inc.

Wahkohtowin Development is a social enterprise in Chapleau that supports the Chapleau Cree, Missanabie Cree and Brunswick House First Nations to practice sustainable forestry. Every year, they organize the Indigenous Lands Symposium in Timmins at the former Ramada Inn. The three-day event brings together Indigenous lands and resources departments across northern Ontario to talk about key issues in the sustainable forestry sector.

Farrell is also a member of the Kebsquaheshing River Drummers. She actively raises awareness within the school community about the richness of her culture. Among her notable contributions, Farrell has led activities such as ribbon skirt making, promoting inclusion and respect with her peers.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to explore and share my Indigenous culture with my friends and teachers throughout high school,” says Farrell, a graduate of ÉSC Trillium. Next year, Farrell will pursue post-secondary studies in the hairstyling program at Georgian College in Barrie. In a statement the ÉSC Trillium Coyotes warmly congratulated her for her inspiring journey and wished her every success in the next chapter of her life.