I have accepted the position as the “Indigenous Liaison” of the Northern Healthy Communities Fund with the Northern Development Initiative Trust.My primary role is to work with First Nations, Indigenous non-profits, and municipalities to apply to the Northern Healthy Communities Fund. We have two funding streams of Capital and Capacity building which support initiatives that assist communities facing rapid and large-scale economic development and associated need for enhanced social service readiness. Northern Development Initiative Trust is based in Prince George, but I will be working out of Prince Rupert.

As the Program Officer I work under the Tricorp Employment, Skills & Training Services (TESTS) umbrella. TESTS links training to labour market demand and ensures that our people can fully participate in economic opportunities. TESTS is designed to deliver employment programs and services best suited to the unique needs of our clients. Our three priorities: 1. Supporting demand-driven skills development. 2.Fostering partnerships with the private sector and the provinces and territories; and 3. Placing emphasis on accountability and results.TESTS is designed to help our Indigenous people prepare for and find high-demand jobs quickly, as well as keep them in the long term. People of Indigenous ancestry and who reside in our service delivery area may access its programs and services, which include: • skills development; • training for high-demand jobs; • job finding;• programs for youth;• programs for urban and Aboriginal people with disabilities; and • access to child care.TESTS Application forms are available on our website www.tricorp.ca or call our office ask for a Program Officer.

Managed annually 30-40 staff in a variety of social service, cultural and educational programs. Work with a variety of funders, private and three levels of government. I was involved in Research, proposal writing, community support,recruitment and policy development. Recruited staff and implemented a training program to ensure the job was understood. Worked with Board of Directors and assisted with recuritment and training. Identified a variety of funding sources to pay for programs and services. Worked with bookkeeper and auditor as well other professionals in the community to ensure program success. Worked with clients to identify service needs and wants through surveys and informal discussions. With the right balance of support and everything fell into place, the clients were happy, it was very rewarding and a juggling act at times.

Worked with management and staff to secure funds that ensured programs were offered on a regular basis. Expanded the Futures Youth Education Program to form a partnership with School District where we developed and offered an Alternate School in our building for youth and a Adult Grad Program. As a result of seconding teacher’s, students graduated with a dogwood and a number of our teachers went on to become principals of other schools. Worked with staff and volunteers to develop and help fund our Indigenous basketball programs. At one point having four junior teams an intermediate team and a senior team in our system. We were fortunate to host the Junior All Native a number of years.Assisted in setting up Planet Youth that was in existence for over ten years. At one point our funding was cut but was able to continue on with the support of the City and Mayor at that time who covered rent. Other sources helped cover wages and youth helped fundraise for activities.In another project I helped secure funds to buy the lot next door and with community fundraising and grants develop a downtown playground that is still there today.

Researched and wrote proposals and worked in establishing new programs like the pregnancy outreach program, the Futures Alternate Education Program. Helped organize cultural events and celebrations such as one of the First National Aboriginal Days in the Community. Brought in guest speakers and role models to meet with youth and families. Networked with other community agencies and those of the government like MCFD, Health Canada, BCAAFC, UNN, DIA. Helped set up and implement strategic plan with participation and feedback from a variety of groups and individuals who we called Friends of the House. We laid the ground work for programs such as the Youth Rediscovery Program Camp and expansion of our Alternate School.

Worked with three other staff to provide healthy summer activities in the annual children’s summer day camp.