BC REGION
2006-2007
FNIYES PARTICIPANT STORIES
STUDENT SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM
CAMPBELL RIVER INDIAN BAND
"I enjoyed working at the Weiwaikum House of Treasures. I met people from all over the world and learned about art and culture. I also learned about retail sales, gift wrapping, and Point of Sale machinery. It was my very first job and it was a great learning experience. One day I hope to own my own store." - Youth Participant
HAGWILGET VILLAGE COUNCIL
"I really enjoyed working with the children who attended the Day Camp and the Hagwilget Village Council staff. Working with the public was something I was comfortable with, especially working with people of all ages in the community. The SSEOP was a great opportunity for me to enhance my work experience." - Youth Participant
HALALT FIRST NATION
"I am one semester away from completing my Child and Youth Care degree. I found that my employment position as a supervisor of the summer students gave me a wonderful opportunity to use my skills and knowledge. I enjoyed working with the students, children and youth of Halalt. It was great to have the support of parents who volunteered to drive on field trips. It was a very successful day camp." - Youth Participant
HEILTSUK NATION
"I am a recent graduate of the Bella Bella Community School's class of 2006. I am accepted into the Malaspina University College's Bachelor of Art's Program. In January of 2007, I begin my studies to become a teacher. This summer, I was employed at the QQS Projects Society's Kvai River Cultural/Science Camp as their Childcare Planner. The new experiences and challenges this summer has been an important part of inspiring me to become a stronger leader and a stronger person." - Youth Participant
KITASOO BAND COUNCIL
"One participant in his 5th year with Klemtu Tourism became an integral part of the company. Because of his great work over the years, he was awarded a Youth Leadership Award from the Aboriginal Tourism of BC. With the efforts of this participant and the rest of the team, Klemtu Tourism was able to grow in the ecotourism marketplace, and established itself as a quality tourism operation controlled 100% by a First Nations community. We received great reviews from our guests this summer particularly with respect to the knowledge level and ambassadorship of this participant." - Manager, Klemtu Tourism
KLAHOOSE FIRST NATION
"I was very happy to hear that I was chosen for an Office Assistant position during the summer. I will be going to school in Campbell River in September and I hope to complete my Grade 11 studies. As of yet, I have not chosen my career, but while working in an office, I may be interested in working with people. In the past, I have struggled with school, however this year I really hope to pass. The support I received was tremendous from the Klahoose First Nation. My work experience has made me think really hard about what I want to do in the future. It has given me the encouragement and insight as to what the possibilities are if you make the extra effort." - Youth Participant
SONGHEES FIRST NATION
"I was able to work short-term in the kind of environment that I aspired to work in. My education goal is to first enter Business Access, which then leads to Business Administration. My work experience affirmed my already strong motivation to complete the Business Administration Program." - Youth Participant
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
CAMPBELL RIVER INDIAN BAND
"It was great to learn about what sciences are involved in various occupations, such as a Fisheries Guardian or Biologist. I spent each day with a different guest speaker. I enjoyed learning what a Biologist does and want to pursue this career field when I graduate. I hope to continue on with science once I enter into high school.” – Youth Participant, Grade 9
CHUNTOH EDUCATION SOCIETY
"Four schools provided services and programs to Aboriginal students through the implementation of curriculum, which was an exciting and meaningful way to capture local scientific knowledge. Local Aboriginal culture captures a variety of meaningful scientific concepts that aligned well with BC Science curriculum. A variety of indicators continually remind us, that Aboriginal students are not achieving similar levels of success in schools as their non-Aboriginal counterparts. Although, there are a variety of contributing factors, we know that the absence of meaningful curriculum incorporating the world view of local First Nations helped." - School Principal
COOK’S FERRY INDIAN BAND
"I am a parent of two-school aged sons who participated in the Science and Technology Environ-Careers program hosted by the Cook's Ferry Indian Band. The program activities offered numerous opportunities for my sons to explore different science and technology careers. My sons acquired useful information and knowledge that wasn't offered at their school.” - Parent
KITASOO COMMUNITY SCHOOL
"I overcame my shyness, met other people, and worked at a Blood Lab. I listened to many presentations by graduating students of the UBC Science Program. I was so inspired that I hope to pursue a career in the science field. I highly recommend this program to other youth." - Youth Participant, Grade 8
SECHELT FIRST NATION
"I loved participating in the STP because it was a great learning experience. I remembered how much I really enjoyed learning about science and technology. My dream is to become a nurse." – Youth Participant.
SNUNEYMUXW FIRST NATION
"The best part of the program was visiting Science World in Vancouver, BC. I was so excited about learning through viewing science and technology exhibits. I realized how many science and technology career options are available. I will pay more attention to Science classes next year." - Youth Worker, 16 years old
UPPER SIMILKAMEEN INDIAN BAND
"On a scale of 1 to 10, I rated the project activities as a 10. I now have an increased level of understanding about science and technology careers. The science and technology project activities influenced me in considering a career option in one of the related science and technology fields." – Youth Participant
CAREER PROMOTION AND AWARENESS PROGRAM
BELLA BELLA COMMUNITY SCHOOL
"I gained confidence and was able to obtain and maintain a job. It was a very satisfying experience and I was pleased with the opportunities provided. I applied to a few colleges and hope to secure accommodation in Vancouver, BC" - Youth Participant
“Working at the Daycare Center was a definite learning experience. I supervised the children and watched how they interacted with each other. After I graduate from high school I have made plans to work for one year and then continue my education at a college and/or university." - Youth Participant
CHALO SCHOOL
"Today I am very thankful that I could save another's life. I learned and understood the immediate dangers of the workplace. I successfully achieved my First Aid Level One and Transportation Endorsement certificates. I was taught the proper way to wear and use oxygen tanks. It was my first time going for my H2S, and I scored 96% on my test Going for my certification was the best thing I've done for myself in a long time. I have this feeling of completing something and hope that it will help me obtain a job." - Youth Participant
GITWANGAK ADULT SCHOOL
"The courses in the CPAP were a great way to ease your way to the working world. Most importantly, I now have the right attitude to offer any employer. I am working towards graduating and proceeding onto college" -Youth Participant
NISGA’A ELEMENTARY SECONDARY SCHOOL
"My experience in the classroom was awesome and I loved working with the children. I am interested in teaching or obtaining my Early Childhood Education credential." - Youth Participant
PENTICTON INDIAN BAND CENTRE
"Prior to the program I was in trouble with the Law. The CPAP helped me to focus on my goals and take responsibility for myself. I am also now one of the best community mappers" - Youth Participant
YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
COWICHAN TRIBES
"I learned about my future career choices, self awareness, and healing. I will finish my schooling with the support of my family using new tools that will help me succeed in my education." – Youth Participant
DITADAHT FIRST NATION
"I learned how to become more independent. I have been accepted to Malaspina University in September" - Youth Participant
NISGA’A LISIMS GOVERNMENT
"My work placement was at a Dental office and it was the best experience I've ever had! I plan to become a Dental Assistant after I complete my school and move onto pursue my dream." - Youth Participant