MLTC and NWRC ‘thankful’ for partnership

A partnership between a local college and a tribal council has been heralded as a successful agreement for all of those involved.

Hundreds of First Nation students have benefitted over the years from a partnership between the North West Regional College (NWRC) and Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC).

Dr. Willow Brown, director for the NWRC northern region said last year 107 MLTC members successfully completed adult basic education or skills programs with the college.

MLTC members are sponsored to attend the college for adult basic education (ABE) courses, skills and trades training and other post-secondary courses. The majority of students attend ABE training, however, any course the college offers is eligible for funding through the MLTC. Sometimes, Brown added, the MLTC contracts the college to offer a course strictly for its members.

Employment and training services manager with the economic development branch of MLTC, Joelle Norman said the college is a big supporter of what the MLTC is trying to do.

Missing Girl

UPDATE: Have you seen Savannah?

Apr 24, 2024

Missing person

Spiritwood RCMP searching for missing woman

Apr 24, 2024

Riding boundaries changing

MP Gary Vidal announces he won't seek re-election

Apr 23, 2024

“Which is get people from our communities educated so they can find employment,” Norman added.

Each year the MLTC receives government funding, which in turn is used to fund as many of its members as it can who want to explore post-secondary training opportunities.

“We’re hoping with the ones we are putting through that they’ll have jobs already once they get out of school,” Norman said. “Unfortunately we don’t have enough funds to pay for everyone who is looking for funding from our nine nations, but we do the best we can.”

Norman said the partnership is beneficial as it allows band members to find a job and become contributing members of their community and role models.

Members from any of the nine First Nations MLTC serves are eligible to be sponsored. To apply, members apply for the training they’re interested in then go to the MLTC who determined if they’re eligible for funding.

In the last year MLTC has funded 400 people for post-secondary education. That number includes students attending schools in Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Saskatoon and other locations which aren’t the North West Regional College.

The MLTC services the Birch Narrows Dene Nation; Buffalo River Dene Nation; Canoe Lake Cree Nation; Clearwater River Dene Nation; English River First Nation; Flying Dust First Nation; Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation; Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation and Waterhen Lake First Nation.

According to its information page, the MLTC works as an advocate for the nine First Nations to reach their full potential by delivering programs and services.

Email: colton.swiderski@jpbg.ca              

On Twitter @coltonswiderski