Cambrian College announces nominees for Colleges Ontario Premier’s Awards

SUDBURY – A pioneer in the field of powerline construction and maintenance, and a trailblazer in the field of Indigenous entrepreneurship, health, and wellness are the Cambrian College nominees this year for the Premier’s Awards.

The Premier’s Awards honour college graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their chosen professions and society in general.

The winners of this year’s Premier’s Awards will be announced at the Colleges Ontario Higher Education Summit, November 25, in Toronto.

Cambrian’s nominees this year are Dean Gatien and Randi Ray.

“Dean and Randi are the epitome of leadership, hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and community service, and we are in awe of what they have accomplished,” says Melanie Cacciotti, Cambrian’s executive director of alumni and development. “We are proud to put forward their names for the Premier’s Awards. They are outstanding ambassadors for the college system, not just in northeastern Ontario but across the entire province.”

Gatien graduated from Cambrian’s Electrical Engineering Technology program in 1986 and earned a Business Administration certificate in 1991. He is the founder of DGG5 Advising and was the long-time owner and vice-president for PowerTel. During a career spanning more than fourty years, Gatien has worked closely with many notable companies in the energy, construction and utilities sectors. Gatien has created and implemented management and safety processes for every aspect of the power industry and served for two decades on a provincial power line advisory committee. He is a founding member and developer of the Powerline Technician course at Cambrian College and aided in the development of Cambrian’s Line Crew Ground Support Course for Indigenous students.

Randi Ray graduated from Cambrian’s Physical Fitness and Leisure Management program in 2008.
A proud Anishinaabe Kwe, Ray is the Founder of the Aazhoganike Group of Companies: Miikana Consulting and Noojimo Health. Miikana Consulting integrates Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in its collaborations with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. Under Ray’s leadership, Miikana has significantly contributed to capacity building, economic development, strategy, governance, finance, and community programs. Noojimo Health is a leading Indigenous mental health provider in Canada. Noojimo has rapidly expanded its virtual services across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, reaching more than 130 communities.

“I am continually amazed at the success our graduates have earned and how they have made such a significant, positive impact on society,” says President Kristine Morrissey. “Randi and Dean set an example for all of us to strive for. They have made our world safer and healthier. I am proud to have them represent Cambrian at this year’s Premier’s Awards.”

For more information about Cambrian College and its alumni visit cambriancollege.ca/alumni.