A rewarding career in public policy
Brosseau Métis Awards 1st Annual Celebration
National program helps parents understand and engage in their kids’ online activities
Nursing: a rewarding profession: Profile Nursing Student Christina Niziol
Chiefs of Ontario to discuss federal education funding clawback
RRC helps train First Nations operators at Manitoba Water and Wastewater School
Northern Lakes College and Ed2go
Manitoba premier pledges $10 million for University of Winnipeg
Westcan Bulk Transport congratulates the 2006 recipients of the Paul Albrechtsen Scholarship
A rewarding career in public policy
By Devon Anderson
I am pleased to have this opportunity to talk to the readers of Native Journal about the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Regina in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) is one of Canada’s newest schools of public policy, offering students a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The MPA is an ideal graduate degree for those who want a rewarding career in the public or non-profit sectors. Our programs provide an excellent foundation of theory, practice and research as preparation for a career in public management, public policy research or a variety of careers in the non-profit sector. It is equally useful for those individuals looking to advance their career with their current employer. The programs are applicable to students who want to work with governments at any level – municipal, provincial, federal or First Nations.
Students attending class at the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Regina.
The GSPP is part of the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, a modern and comprehensive urban University with over 13,000 students. It is located in Regina’s Wascana Centre, North America’s largest urban park - a striking natural setting. The University of Regina provides academic training and research in a variety of fields, and is home to a large research and development park and to the First Nations University of Canada.
The GSPP is a professional graduate school with a strong research profile that welcomes students from across Canada and around the world who are interested in public service, community building and the improvement of public policy and management. Students are offered a high calibre education, frequent faculty interaction and regular guest lectures presented by senior civil servants and internationally renowned policy scholars.
We accept students with any four-year undergraduate degree with an overall average of 70%. Students should have undergraduate courses in introductory economics, statistics, and political science or sociology. Students who lack these courses may be accepted as qualifying students. We have both full-time and part-time students – full-time students can complete the program in as little as 12-months while part-time students have up to six years to complete the program. Limited funding is available and there are often opportunities to assist professors in their research projects by working as their research assistants. We also offer a unique internship program in partnership with the provincial government which allows successful students the opportunity to work for eight months in a mentor relationship with senior provincial government employees, providing students with valuable experience and networking opportunities.
At this time, students can take concentrations in public management or public policy, two important elements of public administration. The public management option provides a strong foundation in the theories and practices of management in the public or non-profit sector – ensuring students develop expertise in government and governance in the public sector as well as gaining management skills. The public policy option provides students with the analytic and quantitative skills, economic and policy theory and practice needed for expert policy development and analysis. Both options have the same core classes which are supplemented by electives that allow students to explore their special interests in a wide variety of areas of public policy or public management.
Our faculty has a strong research focus – interests range across a broad spectrum including public health policy and health systems, health regionalization, provincial policy networks and e-governance, public opinion and public policy, post-secondary education, ethics and leadership, and non-profit management.
Future plans for the GSPP include offering concentrations in health administration, and law and public policy; graduate certificate programs; and on-line courses, allowing students from all over the country access to graduate-level education. As a new school we are committed to continuing to grow and to looking for new and innovative ways to offer a high quality program to our students. Anyone interested in getting more information can check our website or contact us directly.
Brosseau Métis Awards 1st Annual Celebration
“Investing in our future together”
On September 30, 2006, the Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards celebrated its 5th year since inception with a cultural gathering of 300 people in Edmonton. To date, the Awards have provided over $1.3 million to more than 300 students in more than 100 programs of study at educational institutions across Alberta and beyond. In 2006, over $530,000 has been awarded from the interest generated by an endowed fund now at $14.5 million.
This unique event highlighted the accomplishments and the commitment of both award recipients and Award Founders. Students were acknowledged by formal presentations of Métis sashes by Elder Marge Friedel. Dignitaries and Elders offering congratulations included Senator Thelma Chalifoux, Mayor Stephen Mandel, Audrey Poitras President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, and MLA Dave Hancock who delivered a message from the Premier.
George Brosseau, Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards Panel Chair, in his opening address provided a challenge to Business and Industry. ”We are hopeful that other public and private funders will step forward and join with us to expand upon the legacy of the Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards Fund.” Some key sponsors came out to enjoy the event; Suncor Energy, Imperial Equities Inc, and Atco representatives were at tables where students could network with them. Dan Calhoon, award recipient from 2002 and now an Engineer at Suncor in Fort MacMurray, joined the Suncor table to enjoy the evening.
The vision for our gathering was “Investing in Our Future Together”. The achievements in education and careers of award recipients demonstrate the impact Métis people can have on the future of Alberta.
Boosting Aboriginal literacy
Although Aboriginal cultures throughout Canada follow a strict oral tradition, increasing literacy is becoming more and more important in First Nations communities right across the country. Schools in every community are stepping up to ensure Aboriginal children are reading and writing to their fullest potential; and literacy organizations are enforcing schools and children with educational materials.
Ningwakwe Learning Press (NLP) is one of these vital literacy resources. NLP’s primary mandate is to “develop, publish and distribute learning materials that contribute to a holistic approach to achieving adult Native literacy learning outcomes in Ontario,” the organization does so based on a hallowed cultural base through successful contemporary business methods. Established in 1996, Ningwakwe has published a wide array of educational materials, including novels, workbooks, CD-ROMs, teacher’s guides, and historical references, among many others.
With a solid reputation for distributing resources to Native communities across Ontario and the rest of Canada, Ningwakwe can proudly and adequately call itself the “most unique and culture-based resource centre for the purchase of Native learning materials.” By responding to the holistic needs and traits of Canada’s First Nations communities, it “contributes to community development and personal empowerment, recognizing the contemporary realities” of the communities it serves.
But boosting literacy through the production of such valuable resources is not Ningwakwe’s only strong selling point. With access to stellar printing and publishing equipment, the organization also carries out a number of professional practices. From graphics work to publishing annual reports, and from brochures to posters and catalogues, Ningwakwe runs the gamut of printing expertise.
Ningwakwe is a true innovator in that sense. By running independently, it has carved out a niche in the relatively new field of Aboriginal educational publishing. NLP stays true to a set vision and principles, and “is guided by the “Principle of Seven Generations”, which states that every word spoken today and every action undertaken today impacts on seven generations.” NLP’s principles statement continues: “As an organization committed to the reclamation of Aboriginal culture and traditions, NLP also abides by the Seven Grandfather teachings of humility, wisdom, truth, honesty, bravery, love and respect. Within this context, NLP is focused on developing, publishing, marketing and distributing learning materials and curriculum that meet the needs of adult Native learners in a holistic, culturally relevant way, consistent with literacy and basic skills guidelines.”
By adhering so strictly to culture and the needs of the people, Ningwakwe is a beacon in the diverse field of education and literacy. And by having the tools to keep the flames of learning going, the organization can further increase its role not only in that field, but also bolster Aboriginal presence in printing and publishing right across Canada.
National program helps parents understand and engage in their kids’ online activities
On November 23rd Media Awareness Network and the Canadian Home and School Federation announced a partnership to present a national school-based Internet literacy and safety program designed to help parents deal with their children’s online activities. The program, Parenting the Net Generation, addresses issues that arise when young people go online and provides tools and solutions to help parents positively manage Internet use in the home.
Through this partnership, which was made possible with the support of Bell Canada, Parenting the Net Generation workshops are available to parent councils in every province until July 31, 2007.
“We are very proud of the leadership role that the provincial home and school associations are playing in helping parents become more Internet literate,” said Georgina Allen, President of the Canadian Home and School Federation. “We invite parents to come out to these workshops and discover the practical parenting tips that Media Awareness Network has developed to help them understand what their children are doing online and develop a proactive approach to managing the Internet at home. “
“Kids have now completely integrated the Internet into their daily lives,” said Cathy Wing, Acting Director of Education at Media Awareness Network. “This workshop will help educate parents who are feeling ill-equipped to guide their children’s online activities. Kids are generally more adept than adults when it comes to using the Internet and other technologies; this program provides easy and practical ways for parents to become active in their kids online lives.”
Research conducted by the Media Awareness Network in 2005, found that:
- ninety-four per cent of kids go online from home, most through a high-speed connection;
- almost one-third of the 50 favourite Web sites listed by kids incorporate material that is violent (28 percent) or highly sexualized (32 per cent);
- rules about specific Internet activities make a considerable difference, especially for younger children. And while rules are less effective with older students, they still have an impact.
The one hour Parenting the Net Generation workshop addresses a number of issues including:
- Internet safety, including cyber bullying, the use of social networking sites and exposure to inappropriate material;
- privacy issues and disclosure of personal information;
- marketing and how companies build brand loyalty on the Web;
- credibility of online information
Parents are also provided with statistical information on how kids use various Internet technologies, including: instant messaging, chat rooms, Webcams, online games and social networking sites. Workshop participants will be better equipped to help their children develop the critical thinking skills they need to make safe, wise and responsible online decisions.
The workshops will be presented by home and school associations across the country leading up to and during Canada’s first ever National Media Education Week, taking place on November 19-24, 2006. For a list of upcoming Parenting the Net Generation workshops, visit the National Media Education Week Web site at: http://www.mediaeducationweek.ca/involved_events.htm
For information about attending or organising a workshop, contact provincial representatives of the Canadian Home and School Federation listed at: http://www.canadianhomeandschool.com/federation/members.htm.
For more information about Parenting the Net Generation, contact Media Awareness Network at: licensing@media-awareness.ca.
Nursing: a rewarding profession
Profile of Aurora College Nursing Student Christina Niziol – Part I
By Dene Skylar
Nursing is one health and wellness career that is exciting, enjoyable and rewarding. Professionals such as nurses play an important role when it comes to promoting and practicing health and wellness. With nursing shortages becoming more common in today’s society, especially in remote communities, it is comforting to see Aboriginal peoples successfully entering and completing educational programs in the Nursing profession. Christina Niziol is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Aurora College, Yellowknife Campus. Christina shares her path toward her career goal with Native Journal.
Nursing Student Christina Niziol.
Christina is originally from Pehdzeh Ki First Nation (Wrigley) Northwest Territories. She is of Dene ancestry. “My grandparents and mom taught me our language. Going to school here in the north keeps me in touch with my people and culture. There is no nurse in Pehdzeh Ki so I would like to work there some day… Maybe for a summer. It would be fun,” states Christina as we begin to discuss the importance of nursing in the north while seated in Stanton General Hospital’s main entrance waiting room. Christina is very passionate about her nursing training and recognizes the value of its importance to the north. She entered Aurora College’s nursing program to work in promoting health and wellness as well as to help people.
Aurora College’s calendar states that their Bachelor in the Science of Nursing program’s “overall purpose… is to educate nurses to work with individuals, families, groups and communities in a variety of settings guided by a health promotion perspective with an ethic of caring. The program will assist students to develop a sensitivity to people’s experiences of health, healing and health promotion. By being cognizant of nurse’s professional roles, students will learn to work as partners with clients and other health care providers.” This fits well with Christina as she states, “Not only are you helping your people but you are helping yourself. It is very rewarding because you help your people and other people and it teaches you to value life. It makes you want to live a better lifestyle.”
Christina has gained considerable learning and experience in her first two years of intense theory and studies. She is also gaining lots of great skills by working with professionals in practicum’s as she states, “As a first year professional you learn about extended care so you learn a lot of basic care. In the second year you learn about more acute care and you learn to become more independent by doing a lot of practical work. Your studies will prepare you for communication, code of ethics, expectations, appropriate and inappropriate behaviour as well as practitioner nursing skills for assisting with patient’s medical care.”
Patient care is front and center when it comes to nursing. This can be a very rewarding part of one’s nursing career. “We respect patients and they respect you in return. In nursing you have to be open to other people’s cultures because we live in a very multi-cultural society. You have to build trust then you see the mutual respect develop…it makes me feel good to be working in a career that helps others.”
Christina’s dedication to her goal of becoming a nurse is paying off. She made the honor role for her class. She won a Bursary from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation as well as a Health and Social Services, GNWT Bursary which will definitely help her pay for her education. As far as being a role model, her dedication is already demonstrating results as her sister has decided to enroll in nursing this year. In the next part of this profile we will follow Christina into her classroom and ask her more about the benefits of her practicum experiences. Until then, remember that Nursing is a career that is rewarding and highly valued across the country. Native Journal wishes all students well as they work toward their important career goals.
Chiefs of Ontario to discuss federal education funding clawback
Garden River First Nation, ON – Veronica Copenace had the day off school Wednesday, November 15th. In fact, the school board in her Kenora-area elementary school has given her every day off this school year.
She's not allowed back until funding is returned for a full-time education assistant to accompany her.
Copenace, 12, was one of a handful of First Nations students with behavioural issues or learning disabilities who travelled to this northern Ontario First Nation to take their concerns to a special assembly of the Chiefs of Ontario.
They say Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has clawed back $3.2 million from the ``high-cost special education allocation'' program, which subsidizes school boards for additional costs such as EAs, special programs and computers, leaving moderate-to-severe students falling through the cracks.
``Where's my daughter's future? I don't understand our system,'' said Vernon Copenace.
The single father described the woes of trying to explain to his daughter, who is on medication for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and functions at a Grade 4-5 level, ``why she can't be part of the system.''
He tries to supplement her education with books and CD-ROMs, but it's far from the intensive, hands-on assistance she's been getting for the past four years.
Cody Smith was somewhat more fortunate, in that his Fort Frances-area band, Stanjikoming, kicked in enough to allow him to go to school for one hour a day.
But mother Pat Smith said that's just not enough – and the onus for educational services lies with the government, not the First Nation.
Angus Toulouse, Ontario regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations, agreed Ottawa ultimately has fiduciary responsibility for delivering education, ``but for some reason for First Nations students there's a distinction. All we're saying is, we just want what everybody else is getting, which is basic education, with an appropriate level of services.''
To cry poor, with an expected $13-billion surplus, is a ``farce,'' he said. ``It really does speak to the lack of respect for us as a people.''
Arnold Gardner, grand chief for the Treaty 3 region in northwestern Ontario, pledged to put the issue on the agenda.
RRC helps train First Nations operators at Manitoba Water and Wastewater School
Much has changed since Red River College began operating the Manitoba Water and Wastewater School, which was originally established more than fifty years ago to address operator training needs for water and sewage systems across the province. Since RRC took over the program in 1994, program enrollment has ranged from 120 to 150 students each year, compared to less than a dozen in the inaugural class of 1955.
Another major initiative occurred in 2001, when Red River College partnered with the Manitoba First Nations Water and Wastewater Instruction Program to deliver certified training to First Nations operators. Since it began, more than 125 First Nations operators have gone through the program, and approximately 90% of Manitoba First Nations communities now have certified operators in their plants.
The First Nations initiative is carried out in conjunction with the Manitoba Operator Training program at Red River College, which consists of refresher courses for existing operators, the Manitoba Water and Wastewater School for new operators, seminars and workshops, plus a day technician program.
“The partnership with Red River College is very important because of the credibility associated with the College’s name throughout Manitoba,” said Ken Mattes, Senior Instructor with the Manitoba First Nations Water and Wastewater Instruction Program. “Supervisors and Band Chiefs have no problem sending operators to RRC because they know that the training received will be excellent.”
The Manitoba First Nations Waste and Wastewater Instruction Program is federally funded by Indian and Northern Affairs, and facilitated by the West Region Tribal Council. It is part of the nationally funded Circuit Rider Training Program that operates in all ten provinces. Operators take a variety of intensive courses and exams in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and wastewater collection. Most spend upwards of two years in training, and achieve certification as a Level 3 Operator. On-the-job training comprises the bulk of the program, and operators spend up to 12 weeks at RRC for classroom lectures and exams.
To assist operators who have been out of school for some time, RRC’s Continuing Education Department developed an exam preparatory course. In March, twenty-five students took the pilot version of this program, which is expected to further increase student pass rates.
As an indication of the program’s success, three First Nations operators recently received the peer-selected Manitoba Wastewater Operator of the Year Award: Wesley Roulette and Patrick Richard in Sandy Bay, as well as Philip Beardy in York Landing.
“We are very proud to be a part of this important initiative,” said Ken Webb, Vice-President Academic and Research for Red River College. “Safe water supplies are critical for First Nations people and communities throughout Manitoba. RRC is dedicated to helping Aboriginal students excel in their chosen careers.”
Northern Lakes College and Ed2go
By Nancy Giese
My name is Nancy, and I have an addiction. I have an insatiable desire for information! Almost anything will feed my horrific habit: headlines, radio news, CNN, or the National Enquirer. I love it all!
It all began when I worked at The Edmonton Journal in the Business Office. When we went for morning coffee, we would discuss the day’s headlines. More often than not we discussed the Oilers and their playoff chances, but we also discussed some of the more sensational headlines.
I left The Edmonton Journal in 1991, but I found myself scanning newspaper headlines. Not only did I read about the lives of celebrities and the latest movie reviews, but I also discovered that I enjoyed learning about world events, alternative medicine, and {gasp!} politics.
Sometimes, though, learning is an expensive addiction. One accounting course that I took cost just under $1,000. Although I was able to deduct it on my income tax return, it was still a lot of money to shell out.
Then Northern Lakes College met Ed2go, a California company that developed hundreds of short courses specifically for the Internet. A beautiful relationship blossomed into a partnership, and I have been one of the lucky bystanders that has benefited.
What impresses me the most about Ed2go?
The variety? The diverse offerings from ed2go floor me sometimes. There are dozens of categories, and each category has several courses to choose from. But this is not what has impressed me the most.
The service? In my personal experience, the instructors have been supportive and encouraging. They have given me good advice, and they have encouraged me to reach for my goals. So, yes, the service is great, but still that’s not what impresses me the most.
Is it the knowledge? A great deal of information is crammed into these six-week courses. But, no, the thing that impresses me the most is the peer interaction and support.
I have classmates from New York to California, from Florida to Alaska. Some are stay-at-home moms, and some are retired, but they are all supportive. The comments and suggestions from fellow classmates are rewarding, and their insights are invaluable. I have made some wonderful friends through Ed2go, and we keep in touch via e-mail.
Not only will I be able to thank ed2go and Northern Lakes College for starting me on my post-retirement career, but I’ll thank them for introducing me to such wonderful new friends.
For more information, go to www.northernlakescollege.ca and under the E-Learning tab, click on Ed2go.
Manitoba premier pledges $10 million for University of Winnipeg
Premier Gary Doer has pledged a minimum $10 million of provincial money for a new $30 million University of Winnipeg science complex.
Doer said the province will contribute $10 million outright, and will further pledge $1 for every $2 the university raises in future private fundraising. The new science complex will be built two blocks west of the main campus.
It is expected to open for classes in the fall of 2009. The province has previously given the university $14 million in capital funding. Doer received a standing ovation Thursday when he made the pledge.
``This environmental science complex . . . will draw some of the brightest minds from across Canada,'' Doer said.
University president Lloyd Axworthy said the project will combine traditional Aboriginal science with western science, and will reach out to the community, particularly inner-city public school students.
Westcan Bulk Transport congratulates the 2006 recipients of the Paul Albrechtsen Scholarship
Westcan believes in driving for excellence. It’s what makes Westcan Canada’s leader in bulk transportation. It is the reason we established the Paul Albrechtsen Scholarship Fund.
Edmonton
Daniel Hernandez
Jenny Luong
Keith Martin
Riley Martin
Amber Peters
Stephanie Peters
Sandra Starmans
Saskatoon
Dana Aubin
Rheannon Akister
Jason Dennis Gillies
Kacie Guse
Adam Hawryliw
Sarah Hawryliw
Brandon Hodge
Natalie Lindsey
Moose Jaw
Cody Farrar
Alis Lynch
Alysa Lynch
Jeffrey Smith
Maegan Smith
Wesley Roussin
Loren Charles Wog
Amanada Woroschuk
Calgary
Marigona Gashi
Johnathan MacBeth
Michael MacBeth
Trail
Jillian Merlo
Kelsey Merlo
Milissa Milligan
Tony Sukkau
Prince George
Milissa Ronan
Carrie Smith
At Westcan, we feel that it is important to help our employees’ children obtain a post-secondary education. It is our belief that investing in today’s youth will have a profound impact on the vitality of our communities tomorrow.
The Scholarship was introduced in 1982 and has grown each year. In the last four years over $400,000 in funding has been awarded to children of the employees of Westcan. This year’s Scholarship is providing funding totaling over $120,000. Students are eligible to receive up to $4,500 per school year for four years depending on the amount of their tuition.
This year Westcan is proud to help 33 students achieve their dreams. On their behalf, we would like to thank the owner, Paul Albrechtsen, for his support and sponsorship of the Scholarship Fund.