Anishinabek learners from Shawanaga First Nation had the opportunity to explore higher education through a collaboration between Gezhtoojig Employment and Training and Canadore College.
Four participants completed the customized pre-college training program which divided into cultural teachings, financial literacy, essential skills, employability skills and TOWES assessment modules.
Gezhtoojig and Canadore launched a 12-week ‘Choose Your Path’ training program aimed at providing participants with new skills to plan the next steps in their career development.
Frontline workers from the various Highway 69 First Nations wanted to address the barriers that exist for those who want to participate in training, education, or enter the workforce says Sandra Martin, employment services officer at Gezhtoojig Employment and Training.
Canadore provided the training in a community-based setting in Shawanaga First Nation.
“We couldn’t be happier with this initial program intake,” said Judy Manitowabi, Canadore College’s manager of community-based and contract training within the First Peoples’ Centre. “Of the four graduates, two have chosen to study full-time at Canadore in North Bay in September 2019.”
Manitowabi credits this intention to further education to the campus visits planned within the 180-hour curriculum, during which time participants were able to meet faculty, see the learning spaces and meet the First Peoples’ Centre team.
The completion ceremony took place in early May.
“At the graduation, we had one of the parents extend her gratitude for this type of training and she shared her excitement related to the changes she witnessed in her daughter,” said Manitowabi. “Over the 12-week period, she indicated that her daughter exhibited more confidence in her academic skills and a keen interest in furthering her education at the college level.”
The ‘Choose Your Path’ program supports the efforts of Canadore College’s five-year Indigenous education and services strategy and the College’s commitment to reconciliation.