Northland School Division

Photo Courtesy of Denis Carnochan, Wabasca Fever Contributor

Principals, teachers and the Associate Superintendent from Area 2 of Northland School Division came together for two days to learn about the Paul Martin Family Initiative and how to teach the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurial Program. Pat Rose, their teacher, explained the reasoning behind the program and curriculum design that will allow Aboriginal kids to understand how a business works and how their own ideas can be translated into their own businesses. Two courses over the high school years encourage students to gain the confidence and knowledge that can lead to becoming entrepreneurs in their own right; teaching them business skills and how to write successful business plans. This program is available to only a few schools across Canada. 

This workshop closed Pat Rose's education career of 50 years. Career Pathways School Principal Angela James noted that the program had tremendous potential to teach students about using their own skills and talents and create sustainable jobs on and off the reserve. If they successfully finish the program of studies they can then apply for a $500 grant from the Martin foundation. 

Photo: l to r, back to front: Gloria Cardinal, Calling Lake Principal, Cindy Moore, Chipewyan Lake School Principal, Sharon Loonskin, Calling Lake School Teacher, Nancy Spencer-Poitras, Area 2 Associate Superintendent, Elizabeth Dunleavy, Career Pathways School Teacher, Angela James, Career Pathways School Principal and Pat Rose (front) Educational Program Coordinator, Martin Family Initiative.

Article written by Denis Carnochan, Wabasca Fever Contributor

For more information visit the Paul Martin Family Initiative website https://www.themfi.ca/.