College provides successful blend of culture, classes

Edmonton’s Yellowhead Tribal College has a unique technique to lure their students into participating in their annual career fair.  He is about 5’9”, carries around a case of props, and arouses uncontrollable laughter from an audience. He goes by the name of Moccasin Joe.

The Native comedian was the keynote speaker at the First Nations college on March 18.  He put on, what he referred to as his residential cap and glasses, and managed to make the crowd of around 40 students laugh hysterically about a somber topic.

“Go back to school even when you hate it,” said Moccasin Joe, who reminded the students that they have it easy compared to his days spent in Indian residential school.
Encouraging the students to work hard, stay positive and believe in themselves was a recurring message in the comedian’s presentation, along with the philosophy of YTC.

The college offers accredited post-secondary courses, while incorporating Aboriginal cultural teachings into their classrooms.

“It gives them the opportunity to stay balanced, stay whole,” said Arnold Kootenay, YTC’s marketing and communications director.

Kootenay added that the 15th annual career fair is a way to involve the 200 students on their west Edmonton campus, as well as invite students from local high schools, who may be interested in the variety of careers that are showcased.

The career fair offered exhibits from other post-secondary institutes where students could transfer along with several companies who were there to inform them about potential career opportunities.

Mary Collins, project manager for Trade Winds to Success, was one of the industry presenters that stocked her booth with information pamphlets about their Aboriginal apprenticeship training in various trades.
“I basically answer their questions and let them know what level of education they need to enter the program,” said Collins.

Paul Cardinal is confident he knows what he wants to be once he graduates from YTC. The Alexis First Nation member wants to return to his home reserve and be a police officer.  However, he was happy to participate in the career fair.

“It gives me ideas. Maybe if I change my mind,” said Cardinal, who began taking high-school upgrading courses at YTC in February.

Cardinal’s brother, Cory, has been a student at the college for two years in the university studies program. He is confident that he will stay on path to becoming a teacher, but he encourages students to come and learn more about the benefits of YTC.

“The learning environment is much smaller than other post-secondary institutions, so it means a lot of one-on-one time with teachers,” said Cory Cardinal.

In 1977, YTC began to offer their 13 programs with the help of other transfer-friendly Canadian colleges and universities.

The college reserves spots for their five representative bands: Alexander, Enoch, O’Chiese, Sunchild and Alexis First Nations.

Approximately 70 students graduate from YTC each year.  Over 1,000 students have graduated since its inception.