Aboriginal/First Nation Students

Are the skilled trades right for you?

Employers expect an increased demand for experienced trades people! First Nations/Aboriginal youth represent one of the fastest growing resources for skilled workers in British Columbia. The oil and gas industry acknowledge that First Nations/Aboriginal people will be an essential source of skillful trades people as industry moves northward. In the next ten years, up to 5% of First Nations/Aboriginal people will be employed in the apprenticeable trades.

The apprenticeship model bears similarity to traditional knowledge sharing in the First Nations/Aboriginal culture. Many First Nations/Aboriginal youth have shown interest, ability, and a natural aptitude in trades and technology careers.

 

Follow these links to find out more about Aboriginal resources for people interested in pursuing a career in the trades

• North East Native Advancing Society – Administers, coordinates and facilitates training programs and services according to the terms and conditions of the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement
• Aboriginal Trades – A resource for Aboriginal persons and organizations involved in the trades.
• Think Trades- Alberta Aboriginal Apprenticeship project – Assists Aboriginal people interested in learning a trade to become apprentices
• Aboriginal Youth Network – Provides a place where aboriginal youth can find information on employment opportunities, educational options
• Spirit of Aboriginal Youth Magazine - Lifestyle and career information magazine for Aboriginal youth
• First People on School Net – Teachers, parents and students can find learning resources and youth web sites
• Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society – A variety of employment and training tools to enhance the participation of aboriginal people in the labor market
• Aboriginal Employment programs- Indian Affairs and northern Development Canada – Variety of employment programs
• The Aboriginal Inclusion network – Links Canadian employers to aboriginal job seekers
• Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative – Provides an Awareness Kit and Employer Tool Kit to educate and inform employers about the advantages of hiring, promoting and retaining Aboriginal employees
• First Nations Employment and Training Centre – Coordinating agency for First Nations employment and training initiatives: a clearinghouse for information relating to employment in the oil and gas sector
• Oteenow-Employment and training Society

Check the drop down box to discover programs available in your area.

Some First Nations/Aboriginal initiatives

A group of students from Chalo School visit Slocan as part of a career exploration activity.

 

Aboriginal Academic Support program at the North Peace Secondary School

This program celebrates the Aboriginal culture and provides an environment for selected students in both Grade 11 and 12 to successfully complete Foundation courses required for graduation and to receive support for a smooth transition to post -secondary opportunities. It instills a sense of belonging by providing a community setting with regular course integration.

Check with your high school counselor about the selection process.

Chalo School

Chalo School’s goal is to support the Fort Nelson First Nation’s vision by creating opportunities for the intellectual, social, emotional, cultural and physical development of its students. Visit www.fnnation.ca for more information.

NENAS (North East Native Advancing Society)

A founding Northern Opportunities Partner provides “Hollistic human resource development for First Nation and Inuit people of Northeast BC.” Their vision is to create opportunities for First Nation and Inuit people to realize their full potential while supporting the unity and cohesiveness of First Nations in Northeast BC. Visit their web site at www.nenas.org

Metis Association of BC

Métis Provincial Council of BC represents the political, legal, social and economic interests of the Métis people in BC to local, provincial and federal levels of governments, funding agencies and other related bodies. In addition, the MPCBC undertakes an advocacy, coordination and policy-making role on behalf of Métis Citizens on BC. For local Northeast BC representatives, visit www.mpcbc.bc.ca/contact/locals.html .

School District 59

This year the School District 59 (Peace River South ) formed a new District Leadership Team focused on Aboriginal Education. One of the first things the team developed as crucial to improving aboriginal students success is parent involvement. To facilitate communication between the District and parents, an advocacy program is being set up in partnership with the District Parent Advisory Council, with training through BC CPAC.

Parents can call a 24hr toll free number and a trained volunteer advocate will help them navigate the school system to resolve any problems or challenges.

School District 60

North Peace Senior Secondary Aboriginal Academic Support program celebrates the Aboriginal culture and provides an environment for selected students in both Grade 11 and 12 to successfully complete Foundation courses required for graduation and to receive support for a smooth transition to post -secondary opportunities.

School District 81

Fort Nelson Secondary School offers additional social/emotional and academic support to all aboriginal students. The Aboriginal Support Program provides supervised Lunch Study and facilitates additional home contact to help students to be successful in high school and in their transition to post-secondary opportunities and the work world.

Talk to your school counselor to get information about all of the programs available to you

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