Media contact:
Rebecca Middleton
Stó:lō Nation
Office Direct: 604-824-3280
Mobile: 604-703-9680
Rebecca.Middleton@stolonation.bc.caJune 4, 2010
BladeRunners Graduation Ceremony14 grads to convocate from UFVOn June 16, 2010, the Stó:lō Nation and the Stó:lō Nation Human Resources Development (SNHRD) will recognize BladeRunners graduates from the Aboriginal community in the SNHRD service area by hosting a graduation ceremony honouring the accomplishments of the fifty-eight Aboriginal youth who have completed various stages toward their careers in healthcare, childcare, and construction.
BladeRunners is an established employment program that helps at-risk youth build careers in construction and in other areas. SNHRD has teamed up with BladeRunners to provide an outlet for community members to experience the program's proven growth and excellence. This year marks the first graduation ceremony for participants of the Family Childcare certificate program, which is a first step towards a university diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education. The ceremony will also honour graduates of the Health Care Assistant program, as well as graduates in construction.
The fourteen students who will be graduating with a Family Childcare certificate will be crossing the stage to receive their credential from the University of the Fraser Valley at its Convocation ceremonies on Friday, June 11. This close-knit cohort studied a compressed curriculum at UFV’s Chilliwack campus last fall, and some of them plan to carry on with their education this coming autumn.
Les Stagg, head of the Early Childhood Education/Child and Youth Care program at UFV, notes that the university customized the program to incorporate Aboriginal learning styles and traditional customs. “We felt it was important to show how Aboriginal art, music, foods, and healing materials are so very relevant to a career in this field, especially in our local communities,” he says. He adds that UFV is keen to deliver the program again. “The support that these students get through the BladeRunners program is amazing. The staff nurture each person along step-by-step and refuse to give up on anyone.”
The SNHRD BladeRunners graduation ceremony is expecting several honourable guests, including guests from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development; UFV; representatives from the Aboriginal Programs of Service Canada, BC/Alberta/Territories Region; as well as leaders from community partners such as Work SafeT Solutions, Team Works, and Triangle Resources. Tom Galway, director of BladeRunners, Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland, will also be in attendance.
Funding provided through the Canada‐British Columbia Labour Market Agreement; specifically a partnership by the B.C. Ministries of Advanced Education & Labour Market Development; Housing and Social Development; and Service Canada through the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement.
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