Indigenous Training Program Series

Over the past several years, the Indigenous Training Program has made a difference in communities managing the impact of COVID-19. To boost the recovery process, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills has invested $15 million in Indigenous educational institutions and businesses. Indigenous Skills Training Programs (IST) used some of this funding to support and develop diverse training programs across the province. 

As part of the initiative, individuals' experiences with these different programs were captured — specifically, the impact it made on their lives and in their communities. To highlight their successes, WorkBC will share one news story each week for the next seven weeks. Check back every Tuesday to read the latest personal experience. You’re sure to be inspired! 

Week Seven

Environmental Site Assessment Technician Program: Healing the Land

As a Fort Nelson First Nation Land Guardian, it was a natural choice for Wyatt Adair to register for the Environmental Site Assessment Technician program. Created in partnership between Northern Lights College and B.C. Oil and Gas Commission, it was developed out of the desire to build capacity in their environmental work. 

“My grandma always taught me to take care of [the land]. [She’d say] the land is still here and still looks great, the river is still flowing, the trees are growing – and you can keep coming here as long as you take care of it.”

Wyatt Adair, Fort Nelson First Nation

Learn how Wyatt and other graduates contribute to environmental restoration projects within the Fort Nelson First Nation territory.

Week Six

Kitselas Five Tier (K5T): Reclaiming Food Sovereignty

Even when food chain disruptions impacted grocery store shelves in Terrace, the Kitselas First Nation was able to fall back on tried-and-true community gardening practices – thanks to the Kitselas Five Tier (K5T) food sovereignty program.

“So, there was not only awareness of food insecurity and the cost of food, but also inspiration to re-connect with this idea of being more self-sufficient.” 

David Hansen, Kitselas First Nation

Find out how K5T training programs are preserving cultural community gardening practices.  

Week Five

Tea Creek: Trades Training and Nourishing Our Roots

When Jessica Ouellette and Jacob Beaton founded Tea Creek Farm, their goal was clear from the beginning: to create an Indigenous-led, land-based Indigenous food sovereignty and training initiative. 

“In our time now, we’re all online and on our phones and we don’t have that connection to the earth. When you come here you definitely feel some connection with the earth and planting in general. Our ancestors did it and it’s important that we do it as well.”

Sam Gosnell, Gitlaxt'aamiks (formerly New Aiyansh) 

Find out how the founders and trainees at Tea Creek go back to their roots to preserve Indigenous farming practices .  

Week Four

Peace Warriors Providing Compassion, Love and Land Medicine

Velma Sutherland, Band Manager for the Glen Vowell First Nation (also known as Sik-E Dakh), tells the Peace Warriors’ story — and the lifesaving impact they make on their community.

“[People’s] bodies will tell us where they are. We might sit on the land by the river and talk…and pick up a rock and ask them to place it on their throat as land medicine to pull out the barrier and help verbalize their pain.”

Nevada Pakka, Glen Vowell First Nation 

Learn how an eclectic mix of training — from non-violent communication to wilderness first aid — provides the necessary tools for the Peace Warriors to support their community. 

Week Three

Supportive Care Assistant Program: Caring for Community

For Christine Garbitt, Saulteau First Nation, the Supportive Care Assistant Program (developed by the North East Native Advancing Society (NENAS) and Northern Lights College) supported her ongoing goal to work in health care.

“I know there is a lot to learn, but this course has helped me to not only better my life but to give knowledge to those around me who may need it.” 

Christine Garbitt, Saulteau First Nation

Learn what inspired Christine to pursue a new career in health care — and how she made it happen . 

Week Two

Information Technology Training Offers Power and Possibilities 

Learn how the Information Technology Technician Training Program, in partnership with the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS), used remote learning to help Ruby-Ann Hughan, Haida Nation, and Sidney Wallace, Tla'amin Nation, upgrade their skills and find new careers in tech.

“I have long argued that geography should not be a limiter to opportunity. Working from home allows employers to pull from a much larger talent pool. Talent should be the determinant, not where you live.” 

Chris Gillen, CEO, Total Support Solutions (TSS)

Discover how skills training helped Ruby-Ann and Sidney find new opportunities during the height of the pandemic.

Week One

St’át’imc Economic Recovery: Preserving Our History 

Hear from Yvonne LaRochelle, Program Manager of the Lillooet Tribal Council’s Community Adult Learning Centre, and Marie Patrick, Xaxli’p Nation, as they discuss how training funding made it possible to host an archeological dig of a prehistoric pit-house village in the Keatley Creek region.

“Archeology work definitely gives me a greater sense of connection to my culture and history. It’s awesome that they were able to bring those kinds of courses right to us.” 

Marie Patrick, Xaxli’p Nation

Learn more about the purpose behind this archaeological project.