Graduate and Go Through the Door
Eleven hardworking young people just graduated from the Aboriginal Youth Work Experience
Program.
“This program matches the students’ best aspects to a job where they’ll have success,” said Chief
Larry Casper Jr. (Seton Lake Indian Band). Its value was evident in the words of the students and
employers on graduation night.
Leah Fortier (Simpcw) worked at Kamloops Funeral Homes. At graduation, she told the crowd,
“I’m going to continue in this career. I’ve been given the chance to step in the door, and, to go
through it.”
She isn’t the only graduate who’ll stay on with her program employer. Cody Greyeyes (Muskeg
Lake) impressed at Bob Puff Painting. “It worked out really well and we’re just going to keep
going,” said Mr. Puff.
According to Geri Collins, Director of Operations at Community Futures of Central Interior First
Nations, “It’s the employers who really make this program work.”
For example, Tom Goode of The Horse Barn gave Wacey Gottfriedson (Tk’emlups) a chance to
gain some workplace experience. As he would with any employee, he assigned Wacey a variety
of tasks. For his part, Wacey liked that the job “wasn’t routine.” He enjoyed working with the
customers too.
The result: “I’ll keep him on,” said Tom.
From the start to finish the community supported the young workers. No detail was too small.
“I’d like to thank Jordan [George] for driving me to my interview,” said Christopher Mitchell
(Tk’emlups) as he received his certificate.
The Program was facilitated by Jackie Bandura of CFDC.
For an impromptu photo of the new grads, visit “Recent News and Photos” at the SNTC media
page:
http://www.shuswapnation.org/news-and-meetings/media.html
Congratulations and good luck to all.
Aboriginal Environmental Technician Certificate Program
This “hands on,” course has produced 600 graduates province-wide, many who now work as
Environmental Monitors for industry and First Nations. It will run from April 26th to May 28th in
Lillooet.
For information: Tel.: 250.740.6492, email: nrep@viu.ca , web: www. viu.ca/nrep
SNTC on Facebook
James A. Teit was the Scottish ethnographer who translated and wrote the words of the interior
chiefs in the 1910 Memorial to Sir Wilfrid Laurier.
It’s also the name of SNTC’s page on Facebook. Look for James and get regular news about
events, accomplishments and stories of interest from Secwepemc life.
Events
April 7
Dream Catcher Workshop
Contact Sharon at 250.314.9669, or, culture@secwepemc.org
April 11
6th Annual Jazzman Memorial Native Fishing Derby
Register at Tk'emlups Petroleum
Contact Ed at 250.819.3343
April 17
Youth Lahal Tourney
Little Shuswap Indian Band
Contact Andrea at 250.679.3702, or, astelter@skwlaxwellness.com
May 7 - 8
Chief Atahm School Language Conference
Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops
Info: http://www.chiefatahm.com/Conference.html
June 11
Interior Tribes Memorial to Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Spence’s Bridge
June 20 - 21
Stsmamlt Reconciliation Ceremony
Tk'emlups
Contact Doreen at stsmamlt@shuswapnation.org
July 13 - 15
B.C. Elders Gathering
Salmon Arm
Contact Susan at smatthew@alib.ca
July 23 - 25
Shuswap Gathering
Tk’emlups
Contact Kelley at kogrady@kib.ca
August 25
100th Anniversary of the Memorial to Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Event details to come.