2010-2011: PGUAS Project Summaries

GOAL: To increase by 5% the number of students staying in school between 2009 and 2012 (With students being defined to include junior and senior high school students and people enrolled in adult upgrading) by delivering programming in each of our four priority areas of Elders, Youth, Trades and Training, and Health and Wellness.

Programmatic Goal: TRADES AND TRAINING

Métis Nation of BC ($36,036):
BladeRunners – provides classroom and experiential based learning to assist urban Aboriginals in overcoming numerous barriers to employment. Participants also gain the certification necessary to obtain employment in the trades, while developing a variety of life skills and knowledge in safety, health and wellness.

Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association (PGNAETA)/Lheidli T’enneh Band ($45,483):
Trades and Upgrading Program – provides support counselling to high school students who want to pursue a career in the trades and to adults who want to pursue a career in the trades but require upgrading or continuing education programs.

Programmatic Goal: HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Carrier Sekani Family Services:
Community Linkages ($32,313) – nutritious meals, support, education and referrals are provided to Aboriginal individuals and their families. The program will target the children and youth to assist with the nutrition necessary to be successful in their daily school activities.

Walk Tall Youth Life Skills Program ($24,695) – a prevention program designed to deter at-risk youth from negative influences by engaging them in positive activities that will build their self-confidence and life skills. Walk Tall is helping youth to develop positive identities and relationships, increasing their attachment to school, and providing them with access to recreational programming, cultural traditions and community services.

Positive Living North: No kheyoh t’sih’en t’sehena Society ($25,203):
The Fire Pit Cultural Drop-In Centre - a HIV/AIDS and HVC prevention and support program intended to reduce the risk of infection, while providing the necessary supports for those who are infected. The Fire Pit is a supportive and holistic healing environment that provides for the development of life skills and knowledge in health and wellness.

Programmatic Goal: YOUTH

Prince George Native Friendship Centre ($55,537):
Learning Circle Literacy Program: Youth Tutoring Program – junior and senior high school students are provided with tutoring services in core subjects. Program delivery is built around each individual student and the teaching approach fosters personal empowerment and self-determination. Parents and families are encouraged to become involved in the learning process, which is based in a holistic and cultural manner.

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council ($68,948):
Youth Programming – seeks to increase the involvement of youth in school sports and supports the involvement of families in the school system, their youth’s public school education, in making career choices, and in understanding the importance of post-secondary education.

School District No. 57 ($50,000):
Restorative Practice Project (Aboriginal Choice School) – will focus on implementing the first stage of a Restitution and Restorative Justice Program through the delivery of capacity training workshops for staff, students and families. The end goal is the creation of a safe school environment where students have increased involvement through self-monitoring their behaviour, increased levels of family involvement in the educational process, and participation in an alternative disciplining process.

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (CSTC)/Aboriginal Education Board (AEB)($35,579):
Youth Programming – The CSTC will work in partnership with the AEB to identify the areas from the Aboriginal Education Task Force Report that the PGUAS can help implement. Short term goals include identifying the challenges and needs of the Aboriginal community and staff, increase the number of parents involved in local education committee’s, and developing and strengthening the partnership between the AEB and the PGUAS. With long term goals being to have Aboriginal representation on the School Board of Education and increasing the overall graduation rate of Aboriginal students with a diploma.

Programmatic Goal: ELDERS

Prince George Métis Elders Society ($7,213):
Elders Programming – Elders are provided with the necessary training to enter into the schools in order to mentor and teach the youth about the importance of a good education and the benefits of staying in school. The Elders have developed a cultural kit that they use to teach youth about their history and cultural traditions.

Dakehl Elders Society ($8,113):
Elders Programming – the self-esteem and self-worth of Elders is increased through mentoring and teaching youth about cultural traditions, the importance of staying in school and the value of living a balanced lifestyle. Elders also help the youth the youth to develop life skills.

All Nations Elders/Aboriginal Business Development Association ($43,857):
Elders Programming – unites the Elders in a positive and cohesive group, within which they receive training to develop their skills and build their self-confidence. After which they will enter into the classrooms and the community where they will interact with and mentor youth on a variety of levels. With the skills the Elders have gained, they will be able to teach and guide Aboriginal youth in building life skills, encouraging educational pursuits and increase their self-esteem through cultural teachings