First Nations Skills and Training

First Nations Skills and Training:

The main organizations that support First Nations education and community education or work in partnership with various community based workers are:

• Northwest Community College: offers many short term training such as mining essentials and interdiscplinary training:NWCC has a campus in the Hazeltons
• UNBC is the university of our region; check their website to see what programs are offered in the community.  There have been many UNBC graduates from our area!
• FNESC - number of initiatives to support quality education: Monica Simms is GWES representative on this large board; most communities also have their own representative on this board as well; see FNESC for a complete listing
• FN School Association: Victor Jim is the local representative. all band schools are affiliated with this Association.
• BC AFN: Jodi Raybould Wilson has committed to supporting communities to improve education outcomes. 
• National AFN: Shawn Atleo has also made First Nations Education/Policy a prioirity - see the national website for more information:

Please note that due to the huge diversity of First Nations there is not consensus on the the education policy priorities set by the National AFN however there is some agreement on the key messages.

Skills and Training:

Aboriginal Specific dollars are available via the new ASETS initiative. PGNAETA is the interim agreement holder at this time (previiously it was SNDS) until April 1, 2012 when TRICORP officials assumes reponsibility for this initiative. The ASET holders work with First Nation communities and band members to access relevant training especially with clients seeking working, job seekers or income assistance clients. As you can see the Northwest has the highest level of income assistance so training and community based services are in high demand! For more information about training supports for First Nations, see below.

There are many more - if you have any suggestions please send the information and will add if suitable! Click on the 'contact us' section and suggest away, thank you! 250.842.2248 or by email, haa'miya!