WHAT: The U of M’s Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs brought specialized training to individuals in remote northern Manitoba communities only accessible by air and winter ice roads. The Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies: Child and Family Services Entry Level Family Enhancement and Protection Program was offered in Garden Hill First Nation to child and family services workers. They came in from the surrounding communities of Ste. Therese Point, Wasagamack First Nation and Red Sucker Lake.

THE GOAL: To deliver a community-based educational opportunity to students in who required specialized education and training in the area of child protection and family enhancement.

HOW IT STARTED: In 2009, the provincial Child and Family Services – Strategic Committee on Education and Training (CFS-SCET) identified the need for a comprehensive education and training strategy that would reflect the needs of a restructured CFS system. An emphasis on Indigenous knowledge and practice required a certificate program be developed.

HOW IT WORKS: The certificate program consists of 400 hours and includes a basic university skills course and 10 specialized courses offered over 14 months, one week per month. Students are employees of Child and Family Service agencies.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: “This work is critically important as we continue to respond to recommendations that came out of a number of baby death inquests in the province of Manitoba,” says Adrienne Carriere, associate area director of Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs in Extended Education. “As the devolution of Aboriginal Child & Family Services progresses, it is extremely important that staff working in these respective agencies receive the knowledge and skills required to adequately assess the clients/families they work with, and ensure they are fulfilling the legislation outlined in the Child and Family Services Act.”

SUCCESSES: In August, 2014, 18 students completed the certificate program and a graduation ceremony was held in their community. “The program in Garden Hill was extremely successful,” says Carriere. “Throughout the duration of the program, the majority of the students travelled to Garden Hill from St. Theresa Point, Red Sucker Lake and Wasagamick either by boat, helicopter or across the lake on the winter road. There were times when the lake or winter roads were treacherous but the students persevered and maintained their high level of commitment to attending the classes. As employees of Island Lake Family Services, parents and grandparents, the demands placed on their time and energy was often insurmountable but they never wavered and remained focused on their academic and professional development goals.”

THE INSPIRATION: “Our inspiration comes from our passion and commitment to provide community-based education opportunities designed to empower our students and their families,” says Carriere. “We believe that education is the foundation that supports self-determination and self-sufficiency in our First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities and we strive to do just that in all of our programs.”

A MOMENT THAT MATTERED: “At the graduation ceremony in August 2014, the students proudly wore their graduation gowns, many stating this was the first time they had the opportunity to graduate from either a high school and/or education program,” says Carriere. “And they were extremely proud to say they were graduates of the University of Manitoba. Celebrating a post-secondary education graduation within this fly-in community was a long-time dream for many and to watch it come to life was very meaningful. Many community members came to the graduation ceremony and were so honoured to be a part of this special day with their families, friends and colleagues.”

FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS: Funding was provided by Island Lake Family Services, and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Human resources and central services support were provided by the Province of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba.

LEARN MORE

• Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs
• First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada

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