MET Magazine Fall 2014 - Metis Employment & Training
Transcription
MET Magazine Fall 2014 - Metis Employment & Training
1 Metis Manitoba Success through Dynamic Partnerships Fall 2014 Publication Agreement #40027283 ROGER SMITH Class 1 Driver Financial aid provided by Metis Employment & Training youtube.com/user/MMFemployment mmfemployment.ca Contents 4 5 6 9 10 18 25 29 30 33 34 35 36 37 38 greetings from president Chartrand Greetings from Minister Fleury MMF: The proof of power in MET partnerships MET Overview MMF & asets: a focus on partnerships Metis Employment & Training Magazine is published in met success stories MET: Reading and Writing with Riel conjunction with the Manitoba louis riel bursaries & MET Metis Federation’s Metis the MEDO & met Employment & Training weri never tires of rewarding met partnerships At the COR: Safety Certification for Metis Business Riel House National Historic Site department which operates through funds provided by the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Metis Youth: Confidence and Leadership Training Strategy (ASETS) MET & MEDF: Partnerships for prosperity Agreement with Employment & MET & LRCC: Helping Metis business succeed Skills Development Canada (ESDC). 18 Life can be great for these Metis citizens who chose the MET path! 25 Louis Riel Institute scores a cultural triple play as they educate, facilitate and partner. Contributors John Vandale, Ryan Germain, Luke Crofford, Brad McAllister, Scott Taylor, Don Marks, Kerry Smith, Tracey Como, Sharon Parenteau Canadian Postmaster Send address changes and undeliverable copies (covers only) to: Collective Spark Communications 781 Berkley Street Winnipeg, MB R3R 1K2 Printed in Canada ISSN 0715-3651 Postage paid in Winnipeg, MB 4 Metis Employment & Training A message from the Manitoba Metis Federation President, David Chartrand These are momentous times for the Metis Nation. The Metis are a people who occupied the northwest fur trade lands a long time before Canada was born. We were a free and enterprising people then; and we are a free and enterprising and entrepreneurial people today. Never have I been more confident in the future of my people. It must be recognized that there are immense challenges in creating employment, educational and business opportunities for Metis. Both industry and governments have finally begun to recognize what an important human resource Metis represent. In an age of impending labour shortages, it makes sense to draw on the fastest-growing demographic and relatively youthful Metis population for the skills that will be required to grow the Manitoba and Canadian economy five, ten or twenty years from now. We have the solution. The Manitoba Metis Federation’s Metis Employment and Training department, along with our economic development and educational affiliates, are prepared to discuss this matter with anyone and to listen to what industry and other stakeholders may offer by way of solutions. Partnering with industry, post-secondary institutions, governments and other stakeholders is critical to our achieving a successful future for the Metis people of Manitoba. As this publication highlights, we have already accomplished a great deal in this regard within our Metis Employment and Training department and our related affiliates in economic development and education. Fundamentally, what we are seeking is opportunity. Opportunities are opening up for our people everyday. Certain opportunities were promised to us in the past. These promises may not have been lived up to and that is slowly being rectified as we move forward. When it comes to creating opportunity for our people, we are open for business. Others, whether government or industry, are beginning to develop as much of an open door policy towards Metis as we ourselves are prepared to do. Believe in Yourself — Believe in Metis Meeqwetch David Chartrand, L.L. D (Hon.) Metis Employment & Training A message from the MMF ASETS Minister, John Fleury As the Minister of the Aboriginal Skills and Training strategy program, I feel it is important to develop a strong linkage between Metis labour force development and Metis economic development. The one can support the other. Economic development means not just participation in economic growth and development projects driven by corporate and public investment; but fostering the development on a sustainable basis of Metis enterprise and economic development with a capacity to provide employment for our people. Our labour market programs can support skills development for strategic economic goals and foster partnerships with employers to meet labour market needs. Our most successful partnerships to date have been with local and regional employers. Small and medium-sized businesses are a very significant source of jobs and economic growth and we will continue to work with them to help our people find jobs. But larger national employers are also important and we would like to hear from them too. Nor should we neglect the role of Metis enterprise. Metis were the original entrepreneurs of Manitoba and continue to thrive. They are potentially one of the more important sources of sustainable employment for Metis. With good will and a fair playing field, I am sure we will succeed in creating continued opportunities for Metis to prosper within Manitoba and to contribute to the Canadian economy, as we build a brighter future for all Metis. Meeqwetch! John Fleury MMF ASETS Minister 5 6 Metis Employment & Training The Proof of Power in MET Partnerships President David Chartrand looks toward building partnerships that will shape the next generation of Metis Q1: How did the Manitoba Metis Federation decide to develop outside partnerships with industry? David Chartrand: As president, the partnership strategy stems from our minister’s vision. I want to commend John Fleury for his vision, making sure that the majority of our strategy is built on establishing partnerships. He saw the opportunity. We have Metis people, traditionally in trades, [who] have a vast amount of different skill sets. He decided it was wise to create private sector relationships. We started creating these partnerships sometime ago now and they proved to be quite fruitful. We’ve been quite successful in creating the jobs, targets we set in partnership with [the Government of] Canada. We are talking about large investments in individuals. We felt it was wiser to actually create the partnership directly with the private sector and invest in that partnership, which would guarantee a job. That strategy is proving quite fruitful for us. Q2: How do private sector partnerships work? DC: We look at industry as a whole and we look at the growing trends [in] industry. If there is a major need in the trucking industry, then we shift ourselves to meet that particular need. If it’s in the health field—for example, nursing—then we shift direction towards that. We don’t ever abandon people’s dreams of wanting to be plumbers, lawyers or doctors. For example, we had a meeting with Maxim, a large Canadian corporation in the trucking industry, that has its headquarters in Winnipeg. Maxim has actually built its industry based on the principle of developing their people for the long term. We signed an agreement with Maxim as a partner. Maxim has various sectors of employment within the company. I’ve got a person in Maxim’s body shop, for example. We now have to look in our inventory of Metis people [who need jobs] and tie the two together: pre-train, Metis Employment & Training pre-develop and get them ready for those jobs. I applaud our staff for their hard work and, more importantly, I applaud our Metis people, who are quite willing to move, if necessary, to where the jobs are. That is the entrepreneurial style of the Metis people. Q3: Has there been steady growth in the development of small- and medium-sized partnerships? How do you see the trend, and how do you feel this strategy is working? DC: There are partnership opportunities of all sizes. The success of the Metis Federation in our partnerships has really been in small- and medium-sized businesses. They are very flexible to work with. They seem to shift with our needs and also we shift with their needs. It’s proven very successful. I think word gets around. The federation has a strong reputation for its productivity and the private sector trusts our credentials. We don’t have a problem creating partners—that’s one thing for sure. One thing about Manitoba businesses is they are definitely willing to look at partnerships. In Manitoba, there is a big movement [to build] hydro dams and develop bipole lines. We are [looking] at where we fit in that sector. It gets more complicated because [of] unions and [companies have] to make sure they make money. The proponent or the Crown on the other side is trying to get the cheapest deal they can so the profit margins are limited, and ensuring Aboriginal and Metis people, in particular, are [going to] get jobs [is a] challenge. We have got to do a lot of homework. Q4: How comfortable is MMF when you are looking to negotiate with Manitoba Hydro to implement training or job opportunities when new projects come up, especially in the North? How successful has the MMF been at being able to advocate and develop these opportunities? DC: Dealing with bigger industry presents challenges which we are prepared to meet on a variety of levels. Our staff can manage [but] it can be a challenge because usually contracts are won by massive companies and usually they bring in their own crews from out of province. To deal with this, we are now working directly with our Metis contractors, accessing training or the required certification and bidding on these contracts. In our discussions with Hydro [about] transporting clear-cut fir from The Pas to Cowan, the contract deliverables themselves are simple. Certain sections of land are being cleared for Bipole III. Delivering on the opportunity is where we face considerable challenges. If it’s the Metis government that is given the opportunity to co-ordinate a job such as this, I have to be aware of the short- and longterm impacts of it. If I hire a big company to complete the work, the problem is the same locally. That company would bring in its own crew and only provide very few local jobs with little long-term benefit to the region or the Metis people living there. It would be my preference to use local contractors to do the job, but on the other hand I am challenged by a lack of Metis businesses in Manitoba with the capacity to handle this kind of job. I need to find a way for our Metis government to help businesses build up that capacity whether by helping create a consortium or other form of partnership, or by a capital investment of some kind to make them bigger and more capable. For example, [a small Metis company has] two graders but needs three. If I have the clear-cutting contract I can offer: “I’ll buy you a third clearing machine, but I’ll deduct the cost while you’re doing the work.’ Now I’ve left that company with a larger inventory so they can bid for bigger tenders. I look at it from a bigger context: How does it help our people, how does it help Metis businesses compete in the bigger markets? Right now, we can’t. We just don’t have the infrastructure, the equipment or the bonding to tender at that level. Q5: You’ve developed relationships with Red River College, the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. How successful has the MMF been at putting Metis students in the classroom? DC: We’re investing in our citizens who want to pursue a career. We’ve created our own endowment funds; the Louis Riel Bursaries. The bursaries are given out through these postsecondary institutions in Manitoba: University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, Université de Saint-Boniface and University College of the North. We are at $14 million and growing, and it will keep on going. We’re already seeing the benefit. We are seeing a lot of our people now receiving some of these endowment funds to help offset their high university costs. 7 8 Metis Employment & Training In the past, colleges haven’t approached it from this direction. But now that they have seen [us] investing in long-term endowment funds, they are saying: ‘Why don’t we create our own endowment funds?’” So colleges are changing their planning which means the investment of endowment funds is there in perpetuity. We know that generation after generation can apply for it. There is such a large Metis population here (100,000) so we’ve got to look at all the other variables. It’s essential we push curriculum-driven processes that are more beneficial to our people. Right now we are still behind but we are pushing that agenda. At present, the Louis Riel Institute is talking to Red River College about joining the bursaries program. We have quite a substantial amount invested and we are seeing a great return from our own people, who are taking advantage of these opportunities and are pursuing their careers. Q6: How do you define success when it comes to your private sector partnerships? DC: We can definitely pat ourselves on the back for creating jobs. However, success is when we know that the individual we’ve invested in is now fully trained and has full-time, long-term employment [resulting from an industry partnership]. You need to see the long-term because now the Metis family buys a house and purchases their own assets for the future. Now [those assets are] going to help their children when they want to buy a house [gaining] some stability as a family. We don’t just judge our success by just getting someone a job, we judge it by ensuring we have stability in families. We truly have created a model, a brand. The federation brand is essential to us; it’s our government, our Metis government and people look up to that name. It’s very important that we keep that name brand properly intact. Our vision is to keep advancing partnerships. You can’t see success [in] one or two years; I’m seeing success decades ahead now. [The] person in the body shop for Maxim [now has] a longterm job; they are set for the next 10 to 20 years in that job. But I know this Metis citizen is going to take care of his family and make sure his children are going to have a better chance in the future and be able to support their children in college or university in the event the federation doesn’t have the resources in the future. That family will continue to carry on, no matter what happens. The stability created for that family—that is success. Watch the full video interview at www.mmf.mb.ca/presidentinterview Metis Employment & Training MET Overview M anitoba Metis Federation’s Metis Employment & Training operates through funds provided under the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) Agreement. This is an agreement between Canada and the MMF that provides funding for labour market driven employment and skills training programs. Partnerships with industry employers are a major focus of the ASETS Agreement, and the MMF has always seen partnerships and strategic planning as central to ensuring the best possible outcome for its Metis citizens. Through a variety of successful partnerships, our clients have a history of answering employers’ needs for qualified staff, while securing long-term, quality employment and careers for themselves. Through the ASETS Agreement we are able to design employment and skills training programs & services that best serve the needs of our Metis community and our Metis citizens. Metis Employment & Training provides a wide range of services to clients seeking employment and training assistance. Our friendly staff team is available to provide individual employment needs assessments and to assist clients in the development of career goals and employment action plans. Services Available Who Can Participate? Eligible Training Institutions: • Employment / Career Counseling • Information on: • employment opportunities • Manitoba’s labour market • training & career options/opportunities • bursaries and scholarships • community resources • educational institutions • Job search assistance including resume & cover letter preparation • Computer access for job search purposes • Financial assistance for skills training and employment programs and opportunities • Opportunities with employers to obtain valuable hands-on work experience • Referrals to employers for direct employment opportunities You may be eligible for our employment programs and services if you are: • Recognized and accredited training institutions including: • Colleges and Universities and other public training and education institutions • Private vocational Institutions • Private training organizations • a Metis, Non-Status or Inuit individual and are a resident of Manitoba • unemployed, under-employed or at risk of losing your job and actively seeking employment However, job search support assistance is available to anyone requiring assistance. Eligible Training: • Occupational or Industry recognized skills training • Trades and Apprenticeship training • Co-operative education programs • Final year of study in a first undergraduate degree program • Academic upgrading • Essential skills training linked to a specific skills training program Eligible Employers: • • • • Private sector employers Non-profit and community groups Crown corporations Public health and education institutions • Municipalities, bands and tribal councils Metis Employment & Training 9 10 Metis Employment & Training Met Emp & Tr MMF & ASETS: A Focus on Partnerships T he MMF’s Employment and Training programs operate through funds provided under the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) from Employment & Skills Development Canada (ESDC) and are administered by the Metis Employment & Training Department. Partnerships are a major focus of the ASETS Agreement, and the MMF has always seen partnerships and strategic planning as central to ensuring the best possible outcome for its clients. nerships are developed and managed either through the MMF Home Office or, when regional in scope, through one or more of the MMF’s seven regional offices. The MMF’s partnerships are formed with industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions, as well as internal MMF departments, to combine resources, establish links to meaningful employment and create unique training opportunities. These part- • • • • • • Partnerships are designed to address current and anticipated labour market demands and to enhance the knowledge, skills and employability of our clients. Partnerships can be administered through a variety of program types, including: Project-based Training Programs Targeted Wage Subsidies Job Opportunity Subsidies Job Creation Partnerships Labour Market Partnerships Trades and Apprenticeship Programs • Summer Career Placements Through a variety of successful partnerships, MMF clients have a history of answering employers’ needs for qualified staff, while securing worthwhile careers for themselves. The MMF continues to pursue an expanding range of partnership opportunities, with the goal of effectively meeting the changing needs of the labour market and our clients. Project-Based Training Project-Based Training Programs train clients in a specific trade, occupation or skill, and focus on addressing a specific labour market need. Accurate labour market information is necessary and partnerships with industry employers are essential in identifying available jobs that will exist after the training. Metis Employment & Training Metis Employment & Training Examples of Project Based Training Programs: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Licensed Practical Nursing Program Early Childhood Educator Program Educational Assistant Program Family Support Worker Heavy Equipment Operator Training Oilfield/Oilsands/Pipeline Construction Safety Training Correctional Officer Training Hospitality & Retail Training Class 1 Truck Driver Training Health Care Aide Program Primary Care Paramedic Program Security Guard Training Pre-Construction Program Examples of Project Based Training Partners: • Winnipeg Environmental Remediation Inc. (WERI) • Apprenticeship Manitoba • Manitoba Jobs & the Economy • Manitoba Justice • Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries • Manitoba Hydro • Manitoba Advanced Education & Literacy • Workplace Education Manitoba • City of Winnipeg • Metis Economic Development Organization (MEDO) • Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority • Winnipeg Regional Health Authority • Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) Partnership Profile: Licensed Practical Nursing Program Shortages in health care workers, especially in northern and rural communities, were a driving force behind the creation of an 13-month Licensed Practical Nurse training program that was delivered by Assiniboine Community College in Cranberry Portage and Selkirk in 2010/2011. For this program, the MMF partnered with the federal and provincial governments, the Regional Health Authorities, as well as First Peoples Development Inc. and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, to provide a program that would prepare clients to access employment opportunities within the health care field. This partnership was very successful, with 30 individuals graduating with their Licensed Practical Nursing certification. All are now employed in nursing careers and are working in communities across the province. Building on the success of this partnership, the MMF is currently developing additional partnerships to provide another Licensed Practical Nursing program delivery as well as several Health Care Aide programs. Labour market demand in the health care industry continues to persist throughout Manitoba and the MMF is committed to providing trained individuals to meet these labour market needs. Partnership Profile: Pre-Employment Construction Program The MMF and Winnipeg Environmental Remediation (WERI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a training framework to train Metis people as skilled labourers and heavy equipment operators to meet the huge labour market demand in the heavy construction industry in Manitoba. Partnership Profile: Manitoba Lotteries Hospitality Training Program The Manitoba Lotteries Hospitality Training Program was a partnership between the MMF and Manitoba Lotteries to provide Metis individuals with the specific training and practical on-the-job experience needed for employment with Manitoba Lotteries casinos. Participants received in-class and on-the-job instruction on the essential skills required for working in the casino and earned various industry recognized certificates including Safe Food Handling, First Aid/CPR, and It’s Good Business. This successful program provided an opportunity for MMF to engage in a partnership with a Crown corporation, which happens to be one of the top 100 Employers in Canada. Partnership Profile: Primary Care Paramedic Training The MMF has engaged in a multitiered partnership with the City of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Youth Strategy, the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services, the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, First Peoples Development Inc. and Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs to support an eleven month Primary Care Paramedic Training Program for Aboriginal youth which will prepare them with the skills, knowledge and abilities needed to apply for entry level Paramedic positions with the City of Winnipeg. 11 12 Metis Employment & Training Targeted Wage Subsidies Targeted Wage Subsidies seek to generate long term employment through a combination of training and the provision of wage subsidies to employers. These programs offer clients work experience and skill development, as well as an opportunity to become accustomed to the requirements of the job. Once clients have developed and demonstrated valuable work skills, ongoing employment is the expected result, benefiting both the employee and employer. Targeted Wage Subsidies: • generate long-term employment through training and the provision of wage subsidies to employers • provide an opportunity for new employees to build work experience and skills and become accustomed to the requirements of the job • provide financial assistance to eligible employers to offset the cost associated with the hiring and training of new employees. Partnership Profile: University College of the North An MMF client who was funded to attend Computer Programmer Analyst training successfully graduated and was experiencing difficulty finding work in his field of expertise. University College of the North was in the process of implementing new software and was interested in hiring an individual who could help them with this task. MMF partnered with UCN to employ this client through a Targeted Wage Subsidy for one year. The project was a success, and at its end, the client gained full-time employment with UCN as a Web Portal Clerk. Partnership Profile: Thompson Humane Society Partnership Profile: Budget Electric The Thompson Humane Society has partnered with the MMF to employ several individuals, including a client who, through a Targeted Wage Subsidy, began working as an Assistant Shelter Administrator. The client had limited education and employment skills, but through on-the-job training, gained transferable skills and experience, and an in-depth knowledge of the shelter. This individual was hired into a leadership role with greater responsibility. The MMF has successfully partnered with Budget Electric through the Job Opportunities Subsidy program to provide on-the-job experiences for apprentices to accumulate the practical hours necessary to advance in the Electrical trade. Job Opportunities Subsidy Job Opportunities Subsidies Program focuses on supporting clients experiencing difficulties in getting and maintaining employment. The program assists multi-barriered clients enter the workforce by combining off-the-job skills development training with practical on-the-job work experience. Partnership Profile: Cook Brothers Cartage Utilizing the Job Opportunities Subsidy program, the MMF partnered with Cook Brothers Cartage to provide a recent graduate of the Mature Student High School Diploma program with an on-thejob work experience opportunity as a Receptionist/Assistant Bookkeeper. The project was very successful and the individual was hired full-time. This opportunity enabled this individual to become self-sufficient and improve the quality of life for herself & her family, while providing the employer with a well-trained, knowledgeable staff member. Job Creation Partnerships Job Creation Partnerships focus on helping clients develop work experience and skills through the creation of short-term positions. These programs are intended to benefit both the client and the community. These programs focus on engaging community organizations in projects offering short-term employment to community members on work required to upgrade community structures and facilities and are intended to benefit both the client and the community. Partnership Profile: MMF’s It’s My Community Too Program In partnership with the City of Winnipeg, the MMF created the It’s My Community Too Program, an urban beautification project designed to provide training and work experience for multi-barriered clients. The first crew of six ran in 2009, and under the supervision of their coordinator, worked with trucks and equipment to help community organizations and residents with clean-up work and small building projects free of charge. Due to the success of the initial program, both the City of Winnipeg and the MMF expanded their commitments with additional funding to help create two Metis Employment & Training crews per year. The 15-week project begins each spring, with new crew members starting at each intake. In addition to performing community services in the North End and Elmwood, the project is designed to teach workplace essential skills, effective work habits, transferable employment skills, and self-sufficiency. As clients approach the end of their work with the crew, they receive further assistance from the Metis Employment & Training Department to develop employment and training action plans to identify and achieve their employment goals. Trades and Apprenticeship Programs Apprenticeship programs are simultaneously supported by the MMF, the provincial government, and qualified employers. Through our offices our clients can access financial sponsorship to assist with costs associated with the classroom portion of the training. Targeted Wage or Job Opportunity Subsidy partnerships can also be developed with industry employers to support the apprentices in gaining the practical hours needed to progress in the trade. Partnership Profile: Mr. Electric Trades people are in high demand and the MMF continues to support clients in a variety of trades. An example of an ongoing and successful partnership is with Metis-owned, Winnipeg-based electrical service company Mr. Electric who has supported four participants to begin their electrical apprenticeship. Metis Employment & Training Metis Employment & Training Synopsis Number of Staff Positions: 46 staff in 12 service delivery locations throughout the province. Vision: All the MMF’s programs, services and projects are built on a broad array of measures to meet a wide spectrum of employment needs and are flexible enough to encourage participation and create a climate of opportunity in all areas of employment. The objectives of these programs and services are to assist clients in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining employment, and in making successful transitions into the local labour market, thereby resulting in increased employment among Metis people in Manitoba. All programs, services and projects: 1. Optimize individual potential and dignity 2. Provide flexible and innovative approaches to labour market and community needs 3. Provide convenient access to the recipients 4. Provide courteous, empathetic and timely service Partnerships: Partnerships formed with private industry, government, non-profit organizations and educational institutions, as well as internal departments, to combine resources, establish links to meaningful employment and create unique training opportunities. Partnerships are designed to address current and anticipated labour market demands and to enhance the knowledge, skills and employability of our clients. Metis Employment & Training operates through funds provided under the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) Agreement. It is a dynamic five-year partnership between Canada and the MMF that provides funding for labour marketdriven employment and skills training programs. The ASETS Agreement began October 1, 2010 and ends March 31, 2015. For more information on MET, visit www.mmfemployment.ca 13 Metis Employment & Training MET Partnerships Education Sec tor Pa rt ne rs h s ip Public Sector P a r t ner s h ips Private Sector P art ner sh ip s 14 Interlake –Eastern Regional Health Authority Metis Employment & Training Go ver s nme nt Sector Partnership Private Sector Partnerships Government Sector Partnerships Public Sector Partnerships MEDOCare Pharmacy, MEP, Kiewit Infrastructure Group, WERI, Green Water Group, Bison Transport, CLAC, NCSG, Orange Energizing Solutions, LEDCOR Group, Metis Economic Development Organization Correctional Service of Canada, The City of Winnipeg, The Government of Canada, The Government of Manitoba Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Interlake - Eastern Regional Health Authority, RCMP Education Sector Partnerships University of Manitoba, Red River College, The University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, Assiniboine Community College, Louis Riel Institute, University College of the North, Université de St. Boniface Metis Employment & Training 15 Kerry Smith Senior Director, Metis Employment & Training Born and raised in Brandon, MB 16 years in Manitoba Metis Federation MET engages in job creation partnerships that focus on working with community organizations in projects that offer employment to community members on work that’s required to upgrade community structures and facilities, to the ultimate benefit of the whole community. The program, which works closely with employers, assists clients to gain meaningful work experience and relevant skills in order to improve their prospects of securing long-term employment. Tracey Como Director, Metis Employment & Training Born and raised in Cranberry Portage, MB 18 years’ experience in the area of Employment & Training programming MET it’s more than just training. We focus on making connections within government, business and industry. We are strategically building action plans with the aim of employment opportunities. Ultimately our goal for every client is long-term sustainable employment, building successful lives and contributing to society. 16 Metis Employment & Training Post-Secondary Financial Assistance Metis Employment & Training can provide support to Metis, Non-Status Indian & Inuit individuals entering fulltime studies in: • College, Technical Institute or University Diploma or Certificate Programs for up to two years in length • Final year of study in a first undergraduate degree program • Apprenticeship Technical Training • There must be an identified labour market need for the occupation in which the training is being considered • Financial sponsorship for eligible clients may include tuition and mandatory course fees, mandatory books, supplies and equipment, and allowance supports To initiate your application please contact the Metis Employment & Training office in your area or visit our website at www.mmfemployment.ca Metis Employment & Training Office Locations MMF Home Office Metis Employment & Training Thompson Metis Employment & Training Southwest Metis Employment & Training 1st Floor, 150 Henry Avenue Winnipeg, MB Phone: 204-586-8474 Toll Free: 1-800-665-8474 171 Cree Road Thompson, MB Phone: 204-677-1430 Toll Free: 1-866-677-1430 656 – 6th Street Brandon, MB Phone: 204-725-7525 Toll Free: 1-888-627-9663 Winnipeg Metis Employment & Training Northwest Metis Employment & Training The Pas Metis Employment & Training 408 McGregor Street Winnipeg, MB Phone: 204-589-4327 40-1st Avenue NW Dauphin, MB Phone: 204-638-9485 Toll Free: 1-877-542-4925 215 – 2nd Street West The Pas, MB Phone: 204-623-5701 Interlake Metis Employment & Training Southeast Metis Employment & Training Lot 119 St. Laurent Drive St. Laurent, MB Phone: 204-646-4091 Toll Free: 1-866-317-3347 56 Parkview Avenue Grand Marais, MB Phone: 204-754-3112 Toll Free: 1-888-304-2383 Metis Employment & Training 17 Metis Manitoba KRISTY MAJERAN Registered Nurse/BN Graduate, University of Manitoba Financial aid for final year of university provided by Metis Employment & Training youtube.com/user/MMFemployment mmfemployment.ca 18 Metis Employment & Training and growing! Carrie Smith The Pas Region (The Pas) Education: Natural Resource Management Technology – University College of the North, The Pas, Man. Occupation: Park Patrol Officer – Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship “Going to college has provided me with so many different job opportunities and has inspired me to continue my education. I am very interested in fisheries and water quality, and I would love to have a career working in those fields.” Frederick Ledoux The Pas Region (Flin Flon) Education: Pre-Employment Welding Program – Northland College at Creighton, Sask. Occupation: Apprentice Welder “I want to thank MET The Pas Region and the LAC for their sponsorship. Without their help I would not have been able to reach my goal.” Tyler Bourke Northwest Region (Winnipegosis) Education: Bachelor of Geological Sciences in Geophysics Occupation: Junior Geophysicist – Shell Canada “I chose my field of study because I wanted to have an impact on Canada’s future, and I can do that in my career. The MMF funding helped me by letting me concentrate on my studies instead of worrying about how I’d find the money just to attend school.” Amanda Dauphinais Southwest Region (Brandon) Education: Health Care Aide – Robertson College, Brandon, Man. Occupation: Health Care Aide – Valleyview Care Centre Metis Employment & Training Monica Davey Thompson Region (Thompson) Education: Bachelor of Nursing – University of Manitoba Occupation: Registered Nurse – Thompson General Hospital “I thank the MMF, Thompson Metis Employment and Training, and everyone who supported me in this journey. Work hard and you will achieve great things!” Jennilee Beaupre Interlake Region (Selkirk) Education: Bachelor of Education – University of Manitoba Occupation: Grade 1 and 2 Teacher – Gillis School, Sunrise School Division “The funding from Interlake Metis Employment and Training allowed me to focus my energy on my educational requirements, participate in various professional development sessions, volunteer in my community, and explore potential job opportunities.” Zachary Roberts Winnipeg Region (Winnipeg) Education: Bachelor of Commerce – Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba Occupation: Staff Accountant II – Deloitte & Touche LLP Derek Klassen Winnipeg Region (Winnipeg) Education: ACCESS Aircraft Maintenance and Manufacturing Program – Red River College Occupation: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer-in-training – Perimeter Air Brennan Scarff and Joshua Klassen Winnipeg Region and Southeast Region (Winnipeg) Education: Fire Protection Program – Manitoba Emergency Services College Occupation: Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services Jenna Matthes Winnipeg Region (Winnipeg) Education: Business Administration – Red River College Occupation: Housing Development Clerk – City of Winnipeg “I will continue my education within the Certified General Account program hoping to obtain my CGA designation and eventually become the accountant I was meant to be!” 19 Thanks to MET, Lilley Goes from Dreaming to Doing A s far back as he can remember, Randy Lilley wanted to be a sportscaster. Or, he’d be a newscaster if he had to, but when he was young, Lilley saw himself as the next Bob Uecker or Bob Costas. In fact, the young Lilley would look up the statistics, do his own play-byplay and often imagine himself as Uecker, the voice of baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers, or Bob Costas, the voice of NBC Sports. But as he grew older, he had to figure out a way to live his passion. It’s one thing to call play-by-play in front of a mirror, it’s quite another to become a professional broadcaster. Fortunately, Lilley heard about the Interactive Media Arts Diploma Program at the Brandon Campus of Assiniboine Community College. “After years of seeing friends go through this course and knowing this is what I wanted to do myself, that this is what I wanted to do for a living, I decided to seek funding through the Metis Employment and Training department,” Lilley said on his biography. “I felt I had the determination and drive to be a successful broadcaster. I only needed a chance to try and I knew I would eventually succeed.” Thanks to MET, Lilley was accepted into the program in September 2011. He worked extremely hard on his twoyear diploma and in May 2013, he graduated. These days, he’s a news reporter with CKLQ in Brandon, a great radio station that launched the careers of Saskatoon Blades play-by-play announcer Les Lazaruk, Winnipeg Goldeyes park announcer Ron Arnst, Fox Sports Soccer Channel anchor Jeremy St. Louis, Hockey Night in Canada playby-play announcer Jim Hughson and SportsNet hockey anchor Darren Millard. “I had a strong passion for broadcasting and grew up pretending to deliver talk radio and sports highlights,” he said. “I often envisioned myself as the next Bob Uecker or Bob Costas. I always loved entertaining, too. I’ve done amateur radio over the past ten years, and had become quite good at it. I just needed a place to learn and develop and now, after two years in the Interactive Media Arts Diploma Program, I’m now a news reporter/on-air personality with CKLQ Radio. Funding for my program was provided by the Local Advisory Committee board of the Metis Employment and Training department.” It might not be surprising to note that on his first day on the job, he was sent out to report on a mysterious death at the Motel 6 in Brandon. Talk about getting your feet wet early in your career. Thanks to MET, Brandon radio listeners have an opportunity to listen to this talented and hard-working broadcaster every day. Metis Employment & Training G Hockey Star Majeran Uses Skills and MMF to Become Nurse rowing up in Thompson, Kristy Majeran knew that eventually her hockey skills would take her places. For the longest time, she didn’t know how that would happen, but she knew that if she kept excelling at the game, she would find an opportunity. A solid all-around athlete, Majeran’s true passion was Canada’s national game. She was so committed to the game that when the prep school, Athol Murray College of Notre Dame—the famous Hounds of Wilcox, Sask.,— offered her an opportunity to study and play the game, she jumped at the chance. team and get the best possible grades, she split her first year at Manitoba into two years. It was the perfect solution. She was accepted into the nursing program and then the real work started. “My entire university experience was one big challenge,” she said. “Being a student athlete at the univerHoning her skills, she improved evesity level is difficult. Being a student ry season and upon graduation, she athlete in an extremely difficult and was given a chance to try out for demanding program such as nursthe University of Manitoba Bisons ing was beyond difficult. A typical women’s team. I would like to take this day would consist of classes or hosopportunity to thank the pital clinical all day, race to the rink “When I was accepted at the UniverManitoba Metis Federation for on-ice practice and work-out, sity of Manitoba, I was still unsure for their financial support arrive at home to at least three of the type of education I wanted,” during my last year. hours of homework or studying at Majeran said. “I knew that I would night and, hopefully, get a decent like to work with people and in the I am extremely grateful. amount of sleep for the next day. medical field. I’d wanted to be a vetI continued this routine for four long erinarian from a young age but the Nurse, Victoria General Hospital years. In my final year of nursing, University of Manitoba did not offer Kristy Majeran I decided that although hockey was the program. But my sister, at that a great passion of mine, I needed to time, was in her final year, completrealize my limitations. I made the extremely difficult deing her Bachelor of Nursing at the U of M. Ultimately, cision to quit my team and focus solely on my education. I believe this is what led me to pursue nursing as a career.” “Today, I am proud to say that I have successfully completed my education at the University of Manitoba. Playing university hockey and keeping up with studies, I have accepted a position at the Victoria General Hosespecially in a program as intense as nursing, isn’t easy. pital on a family medicine unit. I have also applied for Playing in the Canada West Conference, part of Canaa position in Churchill. I still hope to pursue my goal of dian University Sport, is a grueling task that involves working in a northern community. I would like to take daily two-hour practices plus off-ice training and travethis opportunity to thank the Manitoba Metis Federaling to games from Saskatchewan to British Columbia. tion for their financial support during my last year. I am Meanwhile, the registered nursing program takes a full extremely grateful.” four years to complete. In order to play on the hockey 21 22 Metis Employment & Training Wyeth Krauchi: Learning and Teaching L ike most people, it would be difficult to pigeon hole Wyeth Krauchi. He’s a teacher, he’s a designer, he’s still calls himself “a learner” and he’s a proud Metis man. “There to greet me was Cathy Buors welcoming me into her office,” he said. “I sat down, a file folder of information on both myself and the technical communication program in hand, and asked Cathy if there were any avenues I could take for support during school. Cathy looked over my program brochure and saw that the employment statistics were very good after graduation. He’s also a young man who has found the tools to find a job that he loves and now has the education that’s required to continue to better himself for the rest of his life. “After an Employment Manitoba-sponsored seminar, I was introduced to my case worker Liz Dorey who, with Cathy’s partnership at the MMF, would fully support me throughout college. I was allocated a monthly living allowance and full college tuition through the joint efforts of the MMF and Employment Manitoba. “The decision to enroll in college or university shouldn’t be an easy one,” Krauchi said recently. “It takes thought to where you really want to be in life and planning on how to get there. It’s about making yourself better, making your life better, earning a living doing something you enjoy doing. It took a few years before I finally decided what career path I wanted to travel.” “During my second year of school, Employment Manitoba was unable to give the same amount for tuition as I received from the previous year. The MMF stepped up and offered to bear the total cost of my final year’s tuition including books and supplies.” Krauchi made sure he got to travel. In fact, he taught English in Japan where he discovered that teaching and learning “go hand in hand.” When he returned to Winnipeg he started to look for professions that would allow him to continue to do both. Thanks to hours of research, he found a program hosted by Red River College that interested him: technical communication. It’s a versatile profession that ranges from technical document and manual writing to online training development. And it also provided an environment that would lead to continuous learning. “I made up my mind,” Krauchi said. “And enrolled as quickly as I could.” Having committed to the program, he needed financial support for tuition and living expenses. He had heard that there was student aid for Metis people and so he made the smartest move of his life: he talked to someone at the Manitoba Metis Federation’s Winnipeg Region office. Krauchi worked hard at Red River, achieved a 4.29 GPA in his program and not only graduated with honours, but was also awarded the Gold Medal in technical communication. “At the Aboriginal Graduation Ceremony, I was honoured with a Metis sash presented by the MMF,” he said. “It was the biggest accomplishment I ever achieved, and it was one of the best times of my life.” These days, Krauchi is the lead instructional designer for Fire Plan Strategies in Winnipeg. And yes, he’s still learning while teaching. “This success couldn’t be possible without people who truly want to help and support those who want to better themselves,” said Krauchi. “People like Cathy Buors and Liz Dorey and organizations like the MMF provide the support to help students along their way. To them I say, with the utmost gratitude, ‘Thank you.’” Stay Up-to-date with the Metis News Across the Province and Find Employment and Training Opportunities Online! Announcing the launch of the new MMF website (www.mmf.mb.ca) The sites have been designed as a growing resource of practical information for Metis citizens, the general public, as well as, its public and private stakeholders. Interested parties are kept updated and informed of MMF’s work and its related services, initiatives and on-going developments. The MMF Regional websites feature information in English and include specific, detailed sections dedicated to MMF governance, social programs, financial services, MMF educational and health affiliates, news and events, as well as, membership and harvesters information for registration. Visitors will find: MMF Regional Websites • • • • • • • • • • • • • • updated news releases updated photos media releases video coverage future plans registration The sites also include downloadable informational materials that are being developed regularly, there is also the option for visitors to register and be informed of any updates on a timely basis. MAIN SITE OW NT FL E T N CO www.interlake.mmf.mb.ca www.northwest.mmf.mb.ca www.southeast.mmf.mb.ca www.southwest.mmf.mb.ca www.thepas.mmf.mb.ca www.thompson.mmf.mb.ca www.winnipeg.mmf.mb.ca www.mmf.mb.ca CONT ENT FLOW SE REGION SW REGION NW REGION THOMPSON REGION THE PAS REGION INTERLAKE REGION WINNIPEG REGION LOCALS LOCALS LOCALS LOCALS LOCALS LOCALS LOCALS Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. Phone: 204-586-8474 Fax: 204-947-1816 3rd Floor, 150 Henry Avenue Web: mmf.mb.ca Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0J7 facebook.com/ManitobaMetisFederationOfficial twitter.com/MBMetis_MMF Metis Employment & Training MET Affiliate Partnership Participation s bli nd Pu c Partne a rsh ate v i ip Pr M MMF MMF 24 an MET Affiliate Partnership Participation MEDO MET Corporate and Industry Alignment Corporate Engagement and Contracting Client Placement and Training Private Sector Access to Management Contracts Access to Joint Ventures Direct Client Employment LRCC MET Private Business Alignment Client Financing Opportunities Client Business Development Client Placement and Training Client Grant and Loan Access MEDF itob a Metis C en z i t i MET Private Industry Alignment Corporate Industry Engagement Client Training Management Contracts LRI MET Education Facilitation Public Sector Alignment Client Alignment and Training Client Placement and Assessment Access to Educational Institutions MMF MET Public Sector Alignment Private Industry Alignment Alignment to Affiliates Access to Departments Program Management s MET Manitoba Metis Employment and Career Counseling Client Training Partnership Access Financial Assistance Job Search Assistance Access to Resources Provincial Reach Access to Computers Information on: • • • • • • Employment Opportunities Labour Market, Training Options Job Opportunities Career Options Educational Institutions Metis Employment & Training MET: Reading and Writing with Riel W hen Louis Riel Institute (LRI) opens its doors for its 2015 session, it will have been operating for two decades. Created by an Act of provincial legislation in 1995, LRI has assumed responsibility for the education and cultural awareness of the Metis people in Manitoba. This is no small undertaking, and certainly no small task when one considers that Manitoba is the traditional homeland of the Metis who trace their origins to the Red River Settlements in the 1800s. Sharon Parenteau is the General Manager of the Institute, overseeing the inclusion of the Metis historical legacy into LRI’s educational services. “Ensuring our fellow Metis are educated with the credentials necessary to participate in our society and compete for employment opportunities is a driving force behind what we do,” she says. “But that is only part of the story. For Metis history and culture to continue, it must be passed on to future generations. What it means to be Metis in the 21st century is something we are all working to define. Fortunately, our cultural identity is strong enough to inform our developing definition.” That sense of history is highly prominent at the Riel House National Historic Site in Winnipeg. In May 2013, LRI began providing school programming to elementary school groups from kindergarten to grade 6. Interpreters dressed in period garb from the late 1800s provide tours to the general public, answering questions and providing information in both English and French 25 26 Metis Employment & Training LRI - MET Partnership Overview LRI is the mandated authority responsible for Metis education. MET provides labour market development programs. They are able to design employment and skills training programs & services that best serve the needs of the Metis community and Metis citizens. These programs aim to enable unemployed or underemployed clients (Metis, NonStatus and Inuit) to better engage in the workforce, and therefore improve their families’ quality of life. The MET-LRI partnership has also led to a number of successful workshops that have served to provide many individuals the skills to increase their employability. LRI General Manager, Sharon Parenteau languages. Following the Social Studies curriculum, the Riel House program works to stay as historically accurate as possible. With over 500 students touring the site, the LRI’s ability to preserve and promote Metis culture is certainly evident. But Metis culture, while important, is only one part of LRI. The other part of its activities focuses on education of Metis people. LRI has a full complement of instructors that are providing course work in a number of practical areas offering direct hands-on experience through the Metis Training Centre of Excellence. “Some of our students face educational barriers that need to be overcome,” Parenteau says. “This means ensuring a solid foundation in essential skills for numeracy, writing and computer usage among others.” With that basis in place, students have the potential to excel in courses for: • Financial management • Microsoft Office applications • WHMIS • Report writing “The basics open opportunities for more specialized training programs we undertake in areas offering potential employment for our graduates,” Sharon explains. Some of the successful programming that has run through the institute includes: employment counsellor certification, and training for construction trades, community support workers and health care aides. “The versatility of our program development allows us to create customized training to meet the organizational needs of nearly any partner that we engage with.” Post-secondary education is also a significant factor in what LRI does. Metis students can apply for scholarships, bursaries and other funding to assist them in their quest Partnerships are a major focus of the ASETS Strategy. The partnership between LRI and MET was formed to combine resources and create unique training opportunities. These partnerships are designed to address current and anticipated labour market demands and to enhance the knowledge, skills and employability of our clients. The Louis Riel Institute’s Metis Training Centre of Excellence has partnered with the MET department on various projects to deliver a number of workshops. Each workshop presented has built the capacity of the individuals, providing them with various tools to increase their employability skills. By actively identifying needed training and by providing unique educational and capacity-building workshop opportunities, we assist in preparing people for the challenges in the workforce. The partnership with LRI also provides additional resources to students. LRI has an Adult Learning Centre program and our Financial Aid & Awards service assists students with identifying funding options for continuing education. We also have a large lending library for research on Metis culture and history. Metis Employment & Training for higher learning. “This service is in high demand among our Metis youth,” reports Joan Ledoux, Minister of Louis Riel Institute. “Providing this assistance is fundamental to our mission, and has resulted in nearly 300 applications this year alone.” Major bursary programs are in place and administered by LRI at all major universities in Manitoba. Brandon University, Université de Saint-Boniface, University College of the North, University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg are all part of the program. Eligible Metis students may access bursaries to assist with school-related expenses. Metis Employment and Training (MET) under the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) endows funds to these universities, with matching contributions from the Province of Manitoba. Interest generated from these funds is then disbursed to the students under the program. Since 1999, the total amount donated, plus interest, totals $14,439,634.00. “We have provided bursaries to over 1,700 students over the years,” Parenteau says. “To assist students in achieving their educational goals, we have disbursed in excess of $2.5 million. That success was made possible by our long-standing partnership with MET.” The MET department provides considerable funding support to LRI, with $185,000 in annual core funding, $700,000 to the endowment funds every year and $2,000 for the Mary Guilbault Metis Bursary. The Mary Guilbault Metis Bursary has supported students with studies in education, social work, business 27 Funding Funds from the MMF’s Metis Education & Training (MET) are endowed to the universities and matched by the universities. The interest from these endowments is then delivered to students as bursaries. Contributions to this endowment from Participants of Professional Security Guard Training Program all partners from 1999 to March 2013: • Donations plus interest: $14,439,634 • Number of applicants: 3,205 • Number of awards given: 1,717 • Total dollar value of awards given: $2,555,142 administration and nursing. MET also provided the initial endowment amounts for the MMF Vickar Award ($10,000) for Metis students enrolled in automotive programs at Red River College, and the $100,000 Audreen Hourie Indigenous Governance Graduate Fellowship. The fellowship is open to Metis students in the Masters of Indigenous Governance or the Masters of Development Practice programs at the University of Winnipeg. “MET designs employment and skills training programs and services that best serve the needs of the Metis community and its citizens,“ explains Parenteau. “These programs aim to enable unemployed or under-employed clients to better engage in the workforce, thereby opening opportunities to improve their quality of life and their families as well.” The customization capacity in LRI means that when MET has industry partners looking to design or “It’s my community too” class graduates Hospitality Training Program Graduates Instructor Shane Bostrom with Hospitality Training graduate Margie McConaghy 28 Metis Employment & Training implement specific training programs for Metis candidates, LRI can be the first stop when looking for program delivery. The MET website describes the purpose of their partnership: “to combine resources and create unique training opportunities. MET is looking to address current and anticipated labour market demands and to enhance the knowledge, skills and employability of our clients.” To assist students in achieving their educational goals, we have disbursed in excess of $2.5 million. That success was made possible by our long-standing partnership with MET. LRI General Manager, Sharon Parenteau The MET-LRI partnership has also led to a number of successful workshops that have served to provide many individuals the skills to increase their employability. Active identification of training needs among client/students combined with training workshops has led many of them to be better prepared for tackling many challenges of today’s working world. “Education and workforce skills go hand-in-hand,” Parenteau concludes. “Our partnership with MET keeps them connected and help us make certain we will continue to help our Metis students meet those challenges head on.” Louis Riel Institute Synopsis Established: Created by an act of the Manitoba Legislature, the Louis Riel Institute Act, Chapter 15 came into law on November 3, 1995. Mission: The Louis Riel Institute (LRI) is the mandated authority responsible for Metis education and culture in Manitoba. Mandate: The LRI advances the education of Metis people. It is responsible for promoting the values, culture, heritage and history of Metis in Manitoba. Vision: The LRI will serve the Metis Nation of Manitoba through the advancement of education and culture. Number of Staff: 24 Financial Aid & Awards Louis Riel Bursary - The Louis Riel Institute administers major bursary programs at: • • • • • Brandon University Université de Saint-Boniface University College of the North University of Manitoba University of Winnipeg Metis students at these institutions are eligible to apply each year for the Louis Riel Bursary to assist them with school-related expenses. Our bursary applications have now been updated to include a skills questionnaire that will be used by MET to capture applicants’ information in order to assist them with career placement and to add them to our skills inventory database. Summer Students MET provides funding for summer students to supplement our administrative staff in the office from May through August, as well as to serve as interpreters for the Riel House programming. MET Funding • $185,000 core funding yearly • $700,000 endowment funds yearly • $2,000 Mary Guilbault Metis Bursary yearly • Initial gifts to establish endowment funds for: • MMF Vickar Award - $10,000 • Audreen Hourie Fellowship$100,000 • Training programs through MTCE and LRVC in future For more information on Louis Riel Institute, visit www.louisrielinstitute.com Endowment Information as of February 21, 2014 29 Metis Manitoba MMF Contribution $7,419,548 Leveraged Amount $7,020,087 Balance of Fund $14,030,884 Number of Awards 1,718 Louis Riel Bursaries & MET: Helping Create a Stronger Metis Nation through Education T he Louis Riel Bursary program began with an initiative from the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) in 1999. The Federation’s Metis Employment and Training (MET) department fully supports the Bursaries program through coordinated funding. The partnering post-secondary institutions include the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Brandon University and the Université de Saint-Boniface. Through the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative, these partners are able to match the contributions of the MMF, resulting in a rapid growth to the endowment fund to make it easier for Metis students to get an education. Today, the total contribution from all parties to the endowment fund is over $14.5 million, with $2.5 million disbursed since inception. The awards come from the interest on the capital contributions to the fund, creating a legacy for future generations. The University College of the North joined the team in 2007, and Red River College came on board in 2014, further strengthening the partnership. The Louis Riel Institute (LRI) – the MMF Affiliate that administers the bursaries recognizes the need for Metis students to compete effectively in today’s job market alongside other Canadians, and continually works to ensure that support will be available. Bursary applications often begin with a student’s initial contact with the MMF, eventually reaching LRI. The Institute will often advocate for students should they get stuck in the system, or if they are initially denied bursaries from one of LRI’s partner universities. their applications on time. However, the overwhelming majority of applicants were denied a bursary because they did not finish the verification process. LRI is working with the partnering post-secondary institutions to redefine eligibility criteria so that more students will receive bursaries. Often, the results are two-fold. In order to access funds, the students must complete a genealogy or provide some other verification of Metis heritage. This is an important factor for the MMF, in that it adds to the Metis demographic profile in Manitoba. Meanwhile, the students receive money to help them through school. The universities and the MMF want to award every available dollar each year. The post-secondary institutions have had an annual surplus of money for the awards for several years in a row. To combat this, the schools have marketed heavily toward the Metis members of their student bodies. The number of applicants at U of W has tripled since 2012 due to these efforts. The Financial Aid and Awards offices are also proposing to change some of the qualification criteria, including funding to part time students reducing the financial need threshold. Funding for education is the main reason most students contact LRI; and yet it brings an added benefit in creating a greater awareness of Metis family history. Sometimes without even meaning to, students will find themselves connected to something greater than them as part of a wider Aboriginal world. The challenge however, is getting students to complete the process. There were 295 applicants for the Louis Riel Bursaries in 2013. In the end, 189 of them received awards. Since 1999, 3,243 students have applied for bursaries, with 1,716 of them receiving an award. Of those that did not receive a bursary, some were declared ineligible because they did not meet the academic requirements, while others failed to submit Meanwhile, seminars on campus highlight the bursaries with the message that all Metis students are eligible. The schools are incredibly supportive and generous, and will wait as long as possible to enable Metis students to complete their applications. The Louis Riel Bursary program is one of LRI’s greatest success stories, and they want more people to know about it. Bursaries are available to Metis students every year, and LRI wants to give the money away. Disbursement is the goal, and students should not hesitate to go to LRI and seek it out. 30 Metis Employment & Training The MEDO & MET work towards improving the quality of life of the Metis of Manitoba B ring up the subject of partnerships, and MEDO CEO Blake Russell becomes emphatic. “Partnership development is at the heart of this organization,” he says. The Metis Economic Development Organization, or MEDO, has its origins in the Metis Economic Development Strategy. “That strategy was created through a partnership with the provincial and federal governments back in 2008,” Russell recounts. “The goal was to create better opportunities for Metis people in Manitoba to im- The Metis Economic Development Organization works toward improving the quality of life of the Metis of Manitoba prove their quality of life. We believe that improvement is accomplished through greater business growth for Metis entrepreneurs and by creating better conditions for workforce development for the Metis people.” referring to Peter Kiewit Infrastructure, the general contractor on the Pointe du Bois Spillway Replacement Project. “Our assistance supported their effort to secure the contract,” Russell says. When founded in 2009, MEDO targeted Manitoba Hydro projects in particular. “One of our first big partnerships was with Kiewit,” Russell says, “We [Metis and First Nations] presented ourselves to Hydro and Kiewit as a united group to assist our partner with their bid for Pointe du Bois,” Rus- Metis Employment & Training sell says. “For the most part, this was unheard of up to that point. It isn’t often that Metis and First Nations are able to easily work together, but in this case, there was a common cause.” Both groups wanted to compete for subcontracts and jobs. “This is where MET has become so important.” Metis Employment and Training (or MET) is the successful development program for the Manitoba Metis workforce. “MET and its predecessors have been directing Metis training and employment in this province for over 15 years. MEDO’s focus on partnering with the private sector lets us present MET as a benefit to those companies. “We learned a tremendous amount from MET about partnerships. They can be focused specifically on job training, or can be formal joint ventures and marketing agreements with clear outcomes and expectations by all parties.” “This year we signed an agreement with NCSG,” Russell says. NCSG is the largest majority-Canadian-owned crane and heavy haul company in Canada. In business for more than 25 years, NCSG has over 660 employees with a large fleet of cranes, tractors, trailers, specialty cranes and other capabilities. “Major partners like this are good examples of multinationals looking to partner with the Metis,” notes Russell. As Aboriginals and their representative bodies play more important roles in major projects, the private sector is realizing it must come to grips with Aboriginal and Metis participation. “Our politicians will tell you the Metis and their indigenous status in this country are enshrined in Cana- da’s constitution,” Russell points out. “That is the political argument. The question we have to ask is what does that participation look like to industry leaders? Our challenge is to determine how we can be the solution for them when seeking to resolve the required Aboriginal inclusion.” MEDO also works on creating publicprivate partnerships (or P3s). “MEDO is the perfect P3 partner for municipalities and the province,” says Russell. “These governments are looking for solutions to deal with the increasing cost of some services.” What we’ll do when a company is looking to engage in a partnership with us is to determine what it is that they need. MEDO CEO, Blake Russell For example, a private sector company may develop facilities then lease them back to the government. “MEDO can position itself as a solution to government,” says Russell. MEDO could bring in the right private-sector partner, based on their relationship with MEDO. It could also mean that MEDO would build up its capacity over time to become that private sector partner. “In any event, Aboriginal inclusion—specifically the Metis—is a requirement.” MEDO strives to provide access to good people. “I’m the first one to admit our corporation has its own mo- tives behind this,” Russell says. “The better we are at creating partnerships that can help MET do its job, the more success we have and the more business will come our way.” “We need to bear in mind that at times MET is the most important partner we have.” Russell positions MET as a cost offset for Metis recruitment. While some of the wage subsidy programs do offer that possibility, it is only one part of what might be described as a “holistic” approach to economic development. Cost offsets can mean reduced operating expenses for MEDO’s partners during the training period. In return, they gain a qualified employee. “What we get are Metis people that have learned valuable skills, can fully participate in the workforce, provide for their families, have less reliance on social supports and, ultimately, become participants in our economy.” How exactly does MEDO find partners? “Profile certainly helps,” Russell points out. “We [can] engage multiple levels of government, chambers of commerce and Crown corporations.” It doesn’t take long to create a considerable network because MEDO works on behalf of the largely untapped Metis market. “What we’ll do when a company is looking to engage in a partnership with us is to determine what they need. Does the potential partner recognize the value in bringing real opportunities to the Metis in this province? What are [the partner’s] long-term goals? You hear a lot about corporate social responsibility. It’s almost a cliché now, but it still has meaning. Our partners must align their interests with what benefits our people.” 31 32 Metis Employment & Training Metis Capital Trust Community Governance Metis Employment & Training Professional Management Divisions Financial Services Partnerships Joint Venture Purchasing & Procurement Services Community Focused, Reward Based Loyalty Program METIS GENERATION FUND METIS GENERATION FUND For Resource and Energy Development For Resource and Energy Development Investment & Business Development Property Management & Community Development Pharmaceutical & Health Services IT Services & Mobile Communications The flowchart above outlines MEDO’s key function as the “For Profit” or “Crown Corporation” of the MMF. Metis Employment & Training WERI Never Tires of Rewarding MET Partnerships achieving real outcomes for people, rather than pursuing involvement merely to secure contracts under procurement rules. “We recognize the importance of providing opportunities for the Metis to improve their lives,” adds Dennis. “We could not have succeeded in business without being conscious of our employees’ needs to better themselves. It’s pretty obvious that for business to succeed, you need successful employees.” In 2014, WERI worked in partnership with MET on a Heavy Equipment Operators program. I n business for 19 years, Winnipeg Environmental Remediations Inc. is a company specializing in comprehensive general contracting, construction, earth-moving and environmental services. WERI has a reputation for implementing practical solutions to a vast array of construction and environmental problems. The company has a legacy of working in northern and remote areas of Canada. Along with those locations came an understanding of Aboriginal communities and their economic needs. “Aboriginal involvement and training support are strong elements of WERI’s philosophy and approach to business,” says Myles Antony, one of the founding partners of the company. “We recognize the importance of economic development for Aboriginal people and what it means for them to have an opportunity to improve their income levels.” With that mindset, Metis Employment and Training (MET) is a good fit for WERI. Dennis Antony, partner and Senior Project Manager agrees. “We have worked under contract with Manitoba Hydro and the provincial government many times. Aboriginal inclusion was an important part of a number of them. Recruiting Metis people through the MMF means more than temporary employment. It gives the Metis an opportunity to learn a trade or perfect a skill.” The thinking behind WERI’s interest in hiring and training Aboriginals recognizes the importance of One recent partnership with MET resulted in direct experience for four Metis individuals as heavy equipment operators. Although they had received formal training, they lacked operating hours on the equipment. WERI not only brought them on as operators, but provided additional hours of training time on the equipment, further enhancing the skill set of their new hires. Ongoing opportunities for Metis employees through the partnership with MET include continual on-thejob training and work experience, career development and what WERI calls “geographic diversity”. “Our employees will move around, as we work in a lot of different environments on a range of different jobs,” Dennis says. “That’s where our value to the partnership with MET comes in.” Ultimately, the broader the skill set the more transferrable those skills are. This leads to greater opportunities for Metis in the workforce. 33 34 Metis Employment & Training At the COR: Safety Certification for Metis Business even small businesses to achieve this valuable certification. A partnership was then formed with the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) whose staff members delivered the training program to the participants. In total, 23 companies were able to obtain COR over the winter and spring of 2014. S afety in the workplace is a constant concern for many owners, managers and employees. It costs people time, money and health when something goes wrong. In most cases, companies look proactively to prevent workplace injuries. Often, we hear about the costs associated with injuries related to the work people do. However, there are positive economic impacts when we consider prevention. Last year, the province of Manitoba passed legislation requiring that businesses interested in bidding on provincial government contracts for infrastructure and other major initiatives will need to have their Certificate of Recognition (COR) in work place safety. The COR program is designed to provide an accreditation for companies, recognizing them provincially as having developed and imple- mented a health and safety program that meets national standards. The public and private sector both have an interest in seeing this requirement in place as a way of ensuring work places are safe for employees. The MMF’s Metis Employment and Training (MET) department recognized the importance of COR certification in making Metis-owned businesses better able to compete for government contracts. However, for many smaller companies, obtaining certification was a costly proposition. That is where MET entered the picture. At a cost of approximately $1,300 per participant, MET provided funding to cover the cost for Metis business owners to become COR certified. By removing the expenditure from the equation, it became possible for From a workforce development perspective, it opens doors for additional opportunities. Companies able to obtain contracts directly from the provincial government, or potentially subcontract themselves to general contractors on a project, will have the potential to grow their businesses. Successful completion of those projects can hopefully lead to others, triggering expansion of operations and ultimately the need for more people. It is at that point that business owners can return to MET looking for recruitment of available Metis people in order to build their ranks. A safer environment for the work force makes these Metis businesses a safer bet for government and contractors when looking to do business. The MET-MHCA partnership successfully laid the groundwork to make Metis business in Manitoba more competitive. As large scale projects like Manitoba Hydro’s Bipole III line, further work on the Keeyask Generating Station, ongoing highway repair activity and numerous other infrastructure works continue, Metis companies in the relevant industry sectors will be well-positioned to participate. Metis Employment & Training Riel House National Historic Site R iel House National Historic Site is a park owned and operated by Parks Canada. The Louis Riel Institute provides interpretive programming to visitors in conjunction with Parks Canada's services and the generous support of the Manitoba Metis Federation. The site is open during the spring and summer months; During May and June, a wide selection of curriculum based programs and tours are offered to schools across Winnipeg and Manitoba both in French and in English. Starting July first the site is open to the public. The Louis Riel Institute also offers a variety of interpretive activities to the general public which included: guided tours of Riel House, its gardens and the historic river lot, on site historic demonstrations highlighting traditional chores such as finger weaving, basket weaving, wood- working and blacksmithing. The site is also very lively in the evenings with the Thursday night soirees, which consists of live music and children’s activities. This year, two new and exciting programs were offered to the public, Riel House hosted a sewing circle on Wednesday nights and held children’s day camps every Thursday. The Louis Riel Institute hired 8 Metis, bilingual summer students to deliver all of Riel House's programming. Of the 8 interpreters working, 4 are postsecondary students working as full time interpreters and 4 were high school students working as summer interns; these students went through in depth training and learned all about Metis history, the story of Louis Riel as well as the ways and culture of the Metis people. These 8 interpreters were costumed and on site all summer and helped bring the site to life. The season at Riel House has unfortunately come to an end this year as we are approaching the end of the summer; however the Louis Riel Institute with the help of Parks Canada wrapped up the season nicely with the Annual Metis Harvest Celebration on August 24th. This corn roast was a public event at which there was live entertainment, some fiddling, jigging, traditional Metis food, Riel House tours, demonstrations and several family activities. With a record attendance of 350 people, everyone is very pleased with the turn out! The Louis Riel Institute and the Manitoba Metis Federation are looking forward to working with and strengthening the relationship created with Parks Canada in order to bring Riel House alive for the 2015 season and for many more years to come. 35 36 Metis Employment & Training Metis Youth: Confidence and Leadership P eople often remark on how the youth are our future. Young people today are tomorrow’s leaders in business and society. They are also the keepers of our collective legacy as people, and will ultimately be responsible for keeping our cultural awareness alive. This is as fundamentally important to the Metis as it is for any other subculture in Canada. The MMF’s Metis Employment and Training (MET) Department has a distinct focus on Metis youth, working with them to provide them with the tools to craft their futures, while at the same time giving them an appreciation of their cultural identity as Metis people. Leadership and confidence among young Metis people is developed and reflected in numerous activities they undertake, but is very evident in cultural and sports activities. In every edition of Grassroots News, readers will find articles featuring young Metis athletes. For example, the August 27, 2014 issue draws attention to two highly talented Metis persons. Meghan Dufault is a gold medal winner in 2012 Under-18 women’s hockey and is currently part of Canada’s Under-22 team – the development squad for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Bobbi-Jo Lillies is a successful female boxer, winning gold in the 2014 Ringside World Boxing Championship. These individuals have repeatedly demonstrated the confidence and leadership necessary for achieving success. Meghan Dufault (Photo courtesy of Hockey Canada) Meanwhile, a distinct cultural awareness and appreciation among the arts has led to burgeoning entrepreneurs in the music field. Scott Cornelius first learned to play the fiddle at the age of 8. His musical style is rooted in Metis fiddle playing, and he has earned four Manitoba Provincial Championship titles and three People’s Choice Awards for his skill as a musician. Taylor Fleming also plays fiddle and regularly provides musical support for Metis dance groups in Manitoba. These young Metis have taken charge of their music careers, not only as entertainers but as business persons. They produce and sell their own CDs and routinely book their own shows. Their leadership is also evident in their willingness to teach others. Bobbi-Jo Lillies (Photo courtesy of Elite Boxing and MMA) Scott Cornelius As the MET Department continues to support young Metis people, it recognizes and appreciates those that have made these astounding achievements in their chosen fields. Whether in sports, entertainment or business, their Metis identity resonates throughout their achievements, and engenders pride in them across the Metis Nation as a whole. Taylor Fleming Metis Employment & Training 37 MET & MEDF: Partnerships for Prosperity is positioned to form a dynamic partnership with Metis business people.” “We [MEDF] can provide up to 35 per cent of the financing required to develop the business,” Coutris says. “The Metis entrepreneur is expected to come up with at least 10 per cent. MET (Metis Employment and Training) is available to provide wage subsidies for six to twelve months of an employee's training. Along with a sound business plan that is well thought out and organized, we can present a very attractive package to the banks.” MEDF Manager, John Coutris M etis Economic Development Fund (MEDF) General Manager John Coutris says there are a lot of Metis entrepreneurs out there and he would like to meet with all of them to discuss their business ideas. “Metis people are hard-working and smart but they’ve had a rough go,” says Coutris. The MEDF creates jobs by helping new small businesses get their start, expanding existing businesses and acquiring existing businesses. “There are great markets for products our own communities’ need, as well as the larger, mainstream society. But it is hard to come up with almost 50 per cent most banks require before they will provide financing. The MEDF Coutris adds, “The MEDF will take a minority equity position in the companies we finance in exchange for our contribution but we expect to be bought out within three to seven years as the business becomes profitable and independent. The funds we collect go into a revolving fund which increases by being invested over and over again.” “The key word here is ‘leverage’. We are aligned with other Metis organizations that specialize in training, financing and business development to create a financing and development proposal that will leverage the full amount necessary to develop the business successfully.” Those other Metis organizations include the Louis Riel Capital Corporation, which provides loans to Metis entrepreneurs up to $99,999 and the Metis Economic Development Organization, which provides loans for larger projects up to $500,000. “This is a well planned circle of Metis economic development specialists who form dynamic partnerships with Metis business people,” Coutris says. “The Metis community has been plagued by high unemployment for far too long and this is going to stop. “The best way to do that is to help Metis entrepreneurs develop profitable businesses that will create jobs and wealth for a long time—even into future generations as our children take over these successful businesses we set up. This puts Metis people back in control of our own destiny. “We recognize there are all sorts of ways for Metis businesses to create jobs and wealth,” says Coutris. “An existing business may want to expand or acquire another existing business. Metis business owners are also looking at partnerships and sub-contracting with large corporations, including multi-nationals, and might require financing to acquire equipment and facilities to meet the requirements of the new partnerships. We are looking at every kind of dynamic partnership because the profits will just create more economic development and that means more jobs for our people.” Metis entrepreneurs with ideas for business development, expansion and acquisition should contact the MEDF office at: 340 – 150 Henry Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0J7, phone 204-589-0772, fax: 204-589-0791, toll-free 1-800-387-6004, Email: [email protected]. 38 Metis Employment & Training MET & LRCC: Helping Metis Business Succeed A s bankers go, Paul Paradis is unconventional. Although happy to call himself “a banker,” he admitted there aren’t many big bankers who will jump on an airplane to Churchill to lend money to a young entrepreneur. “We do what most big banks won’t do,” said Paradis. “We get Metis people off the unemployment line and lend them the money to start a business. Of the seven people on our staff, six are exbankers. But the banking they do now is not the banking they did when they were in the banking business.” Paradis is the CEO of the Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC), a Manitoba Metis-owned lending institution created in 1992. LRCC finances the startup, acquisition and/or expansion of viable Non-status Indian- and Metis-controlled small businesses based in Manitoba. He grew up in Winnipeg, and spent 33 years with TD Bank but his work with LRCC feels more rewarding than the work he did for most of his adult life. Profits are not his first priority. Instead this banker focuses on creating partnerships and helping Metis people become successful. Created by the federal government and the Manitoba Metis Federation with just $8 million in startup capital, LRCC is now a province-wide developmental lender, “We don’t get grants every year,” Paradis pointed out. “We have to make sure our partners are successful in order to keep the capital flowing. Unlike traditional banks, we’ll work harder to make sure our partners are successful. We don’t like to shut anyone down. We give our people plenty of opportunity to be successful.” While it takes a great deal of work and often an incredible amount of aftercare, LRCC means so much more to the people who have taken advantage of the service. “We give Metis people additional strength,” Paradis said. “We can lend our people the money necessary to start a business or buy or expand an existing business. We also handle a government program that grants people the money necessary to get a bridge to a traditional bank loan.” Sometimes we do both; sometimes we just do one part or the other. However, our mandate is to get Metis people into business.” That might sound like accountantspeak, but to young entrepreneurs in small Metis communities around the province, it is a godsend. “The big banks often want the business person to have at least 35-40 per cent—or even more—equity in the venture,” Paradis explained. “Metis people in small communities around the province don’t have that, at least, not very often. Traditionally, big banks have had no desire to provide loans to people in small communities. LRCC has stepped up and either bridged the financial gap or provided the capital itself. “Banks don’t like to go where they’re not in control and they’ve never felt they’ve been in control in the North,” Paradis said. “As an example, a Metis person had an idea to start a business in a small com- munity near Churchill. The big banks had no desire whatsoever to enter into an agreement that far north. So we hopped on an airplane, met her in Churchill and created a partnership. A big bank wouldn’t do that. We provide help to people who can’t get it anywhere else.” If you are a Manitoba Metis looking to own your own business, LRCC provides partnership services. “We can help you find business information, identify skills training and provide access to financing,” Paradis said. “Successful businesses don't just happen. Our team members have extensive practical experience and backgrounds in business research, business knowledge and commercial lending.” Paradis would like to develop a number of different partnerships with Metis Employment and Training. “They have an entrepreneur program that we’d like to get involved with because of its spotlight on our youth. MET has the funds available for training, while we have the capital to start businesses. We have a mentorship program, but we don’t have an actual training program. We don’t have the funds to help develop a trade, but we can offer them the capital to start a business. Besides its loan portfolio LRCC also maintains business associations and partnerships throughout the financial industry. “We help build ideas,” Paradis said. “We have some partners who do millions of dollars in sales a year. We have other mom-and-pop operations that only do $80,000. We support all Metis people with good business ideas. WYETH KRAUCHI Technical Communication Graduate, Red River College Financial aid provided by Metis Employment & Training youtube.com/user/MMFemployment mmfemployment.ca Looking for Work? Looking for Training? Look to Us! If you’re Metis, Inuit, or Non-Status, MET will work with you to get you job ready, and connect you with the training and funding you need to achieve your goals. Take the first step on your career path. Click below to fill out the contact form and receive a gift from MET! Or if you’re a business or organization interested in developing meaningful job opportunities for Manitoba’s Metis, Inuit, or Non-Status, then MET wants to talk to you! Click below to fill out the contact form and receive a gift from MET! MET offers a variety of incentives for both Clients and Employer Partnerships, ensuring a beneficial experience for everyone involved. Metis Employment & Training 1st Floor 150 Henry Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0J7 mmfemployment.ca Phone: 204-586-8474 Toll Free: 1-800-665-8474 mmfemployment.ca youtube.com/user/MMFemployment