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Edmonton Briefs - May 2012

Article Origin

Author

Compiled by Shari Narine

Volume

19

Issue

6

Year

2012

The Apprenticeship Prep pilot program supports NorQuest College’s mandate to provide workforce relevant programming. An outstanding 95 per cent of NorQuest graduates find employment or continue their education.

Pilot program prepares students for pipe-trades

NorQuest College is offering a new, innovative and workplace-relevant training program that will provide Aboriginal people with the skills needed to work in the growing trades industries. The Apprenticeship Prep pilot program, a partnership between NorQuest and the Alberta Pipe Trades College, focuses on attracting, retaining and preparing young Aboriginal adults and immigrants for careers in the trades. The program helps students complete their academic training at NorQuest and their on-the-job training at Alberta Pipe Trades College, leveraging the expertise of the two organizations. As an added bonus, pipe-trades students who successfully pass their apprenticeship exam and complete the training session are eligible to become union members. The union will in turn help graduates find work placements. “It’s a great opportunity for people who may not currently have the skills or the connections to get into the trades. People going into this program have excellent opportunities for work experience, better job prospects and a healthy future as the Alberta economy continues to boom,” said Elaine McPhee, chair of Literacy and Essential Skills at NorQuest College in a news release.


Homeward Trust recognized for leadership excellence

Homeward Trust Edmonton was recognized recently with the 2011 Leadership Excellence Award by the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. The Leadership Excellence Award recognizes local organizations that both engage the community and act as a catalyst for change. These organizations demonstrate a proactive leadership approach, resulting in a sustained impact on the community or industry. “We are so honoured to be recognized with the Leadership Excellence Award,” said Susan McGee, executive director of Homeward Trust Edmonton, in a news release. “We are fortunate to have the support of a passionate community. Everything we do is through partnerships. This is not just our award; it’s the community’s award.” Homeward Trust coordinates initiatives to end homelessness in Edmonton through a 10-year plan identified by the provincial government and City of Edmonton.


Friendship centre returns to more central location

The Canadian Native Friendship Centre opened its doors in a more easily accessible location on April 30. Finding a central location was one of the priorities set by Adam North Peigan when he began as new executive director last July. The centre moved from its central location because of rent issues to the west-end industrial park area. The centre is now located at 11728 95 street. “Once we’re moved into a new facility, I’m looking at program development and enhancement. We have a few things running already through a partnership with REACH Edmonton to deliver cultural programs throughout the school calendar year,” North Peigan told Sweetgrass in an interview late last year.


AMPIA nominations recognize Aboriginal work
BearPaw Media Productions, a video production company and department of the Native Counselling Services of Alberta, has three productions nominated in two categories in the Alberta Media Production Industry Association awards. Just Cause-Police Interaction Video, a comedic parody that follows the adventures of a fugitive grandma and her well-meaning grandson, is nominated for Best Musical or Variety Program. Hidden-Elder Abuse in Aboriginal Communities, which focuses on Elders as they talk about their role in traditional Aboriginal communities and how their abuse impacts the entire community, and Gladue Pre-Sentence Reports – The Songs of Our People, about Karl Giroux and how outlining his life prior to his crime impacts what the court does, are both nominated for Best Educational Production. “The NCSA mandate is to ensure fair and equitable access to justice for Aboriginal people. The BearPaw Legal Education and Resource Centre enhances our ability to do that by promoting awareness of the legal rights and obligations of Aboriginal people living in Alberta. To be nominated for these awards is tremendous,” said NCSA CEO Allen Benson, in a news release.


Homesteader one of 10 finalists in Canada-wide competition

Homesteader elementary school, in northeast Edmonton, is hoping to win $20,000 to get its outdoor classroom
with vegetable planters, a berry patch, wild flowers, a sunflower garden, trees, shrubs, boulders, benches and stepping-stones finished faster. Twenty per cent of the school’s 250 students are First Nations, MÈtis or Inuit. The outdoor classroom will promote healthy eating and physical activity, school health facilitator Lauren Robb, who is posted at Homesteader school through the Apple Schools program, told the Edmonton Journal. Apple Schools a University of Alberta research project promoting active living and healthy eating. The Homesteader’s outside garden is one of 10 Canada-wide finalists, the only one in Alberta, in the Majesta Trees of Knowledge Competition.

Compiled by Shari Narine