Pilot project in Whitecourt seeks to empower young Indigenous youth

 

Whitecourt was recently chosen to take part in a pilot project for Indigenous students. Careers: The Next Generation worked closely with both local high schools and local support agencies to create a program that would help students gain experience and training to become work ready. Students will receive credits from their work in the program which will go towards their high school diplomas.

Alberta Works, Community Futures, Wellspring Family Resources, Rupertsland, Alberta Labour, Northern Gateway School Division, Hilltop High School, Gateway Academy Whitecourt, and St. Joseph School joined forces to give students this unique opportunity. On completion of the program students will also receive a certificate to help them in their search for employment.

A special ceremony started things off on Tuesday, February 13 in the Hilltop High School auditorium. Special guest Elder Annabelle Kootenay was on hand to share her well wishes, prayers, and support to students. She spoke about the importance of seeking spiritual guidance from the Creator and respecting all living things, and all of mankind. “We’re given a life and a purpose for life, and we have the abilities and capacities to learn, and that’s what we are going to pray about today.”

The success of this type of program would enable Indigenous youth in other corners of the province and outwards into the country to be able to reach their full potential. “I come from the Alexis Band and I think there should be a program where students in grade 10 can start thinking about trades. I think there are a lot of things that can be done to help people rise up from poverty,” explained Annabelle.

She also touched base on how the law has changed for Aboriginal youth and the level of education they can reach. “Aboriginal law regarding Treaty Indians used to be that if you were educated beyond grade seven and not grade 12, you lost all your Treaty status, but that law changed in the 1970s. So, it’s no wonder that our forefathers, grandfathers, or parents didn’t pressure us to be educated. But, now, we’re striving towards the best that we can be in whatever field. I appreciate how much it means to have an education.”

Shortly after the opening ceremony several students began learning about the driving test by playing a version of Family Feud which featured questions related to driving. Taya Burke, Careers: The Next Generation Field Director, said she’s excited that different organizations in Whitecourt want to be part of the program and see the need for it. One of those areas is the forestry industry. “We have a wonderful relationship with the different forestry players that are out here, and they have come together to provide tours, exposure to mentorship, and the potential for work this summer. There are real experiences behind this encouragement.”

The Work Readiness Program will help students with their resume writing, interview skills, understanding customer service, banking, practice for taking their driver’s licence exam, and an understanding of different camps from trades, health, and forestry. “We’re hoping to provide a way through mentorship and guidance where young people can fumble a little bit, figure it out, and come out with a better set of work skills. The end goal is for them to be work ready by the summertime and not for a job that’s just labour related or where there are no skills attached to it. We want young people to be working in a field of interest where they could see themselves in the future.”

At Hilltop, roughly 20 per cent of the student population is Indigenous. “Just under 100 students are of First Nations, Metis, or Inuit descent,” explained principal Brent Northcott. “We’re honoured to have an Elder open a ceremony like this. One thing we strive for is bringing the community into our school and these kinds of programs do that.”