Education Update – September 2024
A Successful Summer Work Experience
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our 2024 Summer Work Experience crew for their hard work and dedication!
This year’s crew included: Austin, Chase, Chanelle, Kaiya, Kaleb, Kenneth, Logan, Ryder, Serenity, Tristan, and Xavier, supervised by Leon Chipesia and supported by Laureen Harrold. Their efforts contributed to maintaining the Nation’s facilities while also embarking on new and exciting experiences.
Some highlights from this summer include:
- Trades Discovery Workshops: Held in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson, the students created copper bracelets, concrete planters, and worked with an electrician to build extension cords and wire lights.
- Elder Accompaniment: The crew accompanied Elders to the Doig River Rodeo, a meaningful experience for all involved.
- Indigenous Science Camp: Students participated in this camp at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.
- Artist Youth Camp: Held at Sikanni River Ranch, this camp offered the crew a chance to explore their artistic talents.
This program was made possible thanks to the generous support from NENAS, FNESC, and the Construction Foundation. We are truly grateful for the contributions of everyone involved and look forward to an even better summer next year!
Wellness Through Education Series
Mark your calendars for two upcoming events that focus on wellness and personal development through education:
- Equine Therapy with Tammy Thielmann
This therapeutic program will be held in Salmon Arm from September 22-27, 2024, offering participants a chance to explore equine-assisted therapy. - Co-Regulation Workshops with Natascha Lawrence
These workshops will take place in Vancouver, providing tools to help participants manage stress and build emotional resilience.
Call for Participants: Class 4 Driver’s Training
We are seeking two PRFN members and two FNFN members to participate in Class 4 Driver’s Training, facilitated by the Association of School Transportation Services of BC (ASTSBC). This is a valuable opportunity to gain the skills needed for professional driving positions within our communities.
Supporting Lifelong Learning: Adult Education Program
Our Education Department is committed to providing flexible education options for community members through the Connected Classrooms platform. We offer support in the following areas:
- Completing the Adult Dogwood Diploma
- Upgrading and completing prerequisites for post-secondary education
- Providing ongoing support throughout community members’ learning journeys
- Offering Indigenous-focused educational content to enrich personal and academic growth
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, reach out to our team to discuss flexible scheduling options and how we can assist in achieving your educational goals.
Upcoming Trades Discovery Workshop
From September 16-18, we are hosting a 3-day Carving and Self-Discovery Workshop in collaboration with Good Talk. This hands-on workshop will offer participants the chance to complete a personal carving project while learning more about local woodwork and its cultural significance. Join us for an immersive experience in self-discovery and craftsmanship.
Building Strong Partnerships
We are proud of our ongoing collaborations with the following organizations, all working together to enhance educational opportunities for our community:
- First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) – Leah Asher, Director
- First Nations Schools Association (FNSA) – Leah Asher, Authorized Representative
- School District 81 – Leah Asher, Chair of the Indigenous Education Council
- Construction Foundation
- NENAS
- Northern Lights College
Meet the Education Team
- Leah Asher – Director of Education
- Penny St. Pierre – Education Coordinator
- Sarah Lamouche – Student Support Coordinator
- Matthew Small – Virtual Head Teacher
- Leon Chipesia – Summer Work Experience Supervisor/Potential Education Assistant
We look forward to continuing our work with the community and building on the successes of this summer. Let’s keep growing together!
