Cannexus Preliminary Programme Now Online!
September 23, 2011Survey of Career Service Professionals
October 14, 2011The Counselling Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC) have joined Literacy Partners of Manitoba as the Eagle + lead sponsor in presenting the first provincial Aboriginal Literacy Symposium, New Relationships, New Opportunities!
The symposium takes place November 1 & 2, 2011 at the Victoria Inn, Winnipeg, Manitoba. The key focus is on developing a shared vision and strategies, in partnership with Aboriginal organizations,to improve literacy and essential skills towards employment for Aboriginal peoples in Manitoba. Guest speakers include Hon. James Bartleman, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Ningwakwe George, author and literacy advocate, and Ovide Mercredi, Grand Rapids First Nation, former AFN National Chief.
Low Aboriginal literacy is a matter of growing concern. Between 40 and 70% of adults in many of Manitoba’s Aboriginal communities have less than a grade 9 education, leaving them without the minimal literacy skills for coping with every day work and life. Outside of Canada’s northern territories, Manitoba is the province with the highest proportion of Aboriginal peoples at 15.5%, according to the 2006 Canadian Census. By 2017, 25% of Manitoba’s population will be Aboriginal. These projections indicate that Aboriginal peoples will have a more prominent role to play in the labour force.
“We are delighted to be part of the Aboriginal Literacy Symposium,” said Bruce Lawson, Executive Director, The Counselling Foundation of Canada and Executive Officer of CERIC. “We recognize that Aboriginal peoples in Canada are one of the fastest growing demographics and that many regions of the country will soon face a shortage of skilled labour. Literacy and essential skills for many Aboriginal peoples need to be improved as a first step in order to close the gap on these employment and career opportunities.”
