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New project for Aboriginal Youth TREK
Wellness Society
Aboriginal Youth TREK Wellness Society is a not for profit entity governed by a volunteer board of directors and has a mandate to help guide Indigenous Youth in their futures. For over 20 years, TREK has taken on various projects that have garnered many positive results.
Unity of the Nations was a summer cultural and wellness event held in and around Medicine Hat. It brought together youth from Alberta and Saskatchewan for a weekend full of activities that enabled youth to participate in pemmican making, visit a buffalo ranch, and display traditional dancing at the Medicine Hat Speedway.
The NCPC Project involved many Indigenous communities across Alberta and Saskatchewan. Workshops and community gatherings reinforced the importance of youth and the impact their decisions have on everyday life. Youth were involved in creating videos highlighting the dangers of illegal drug usage, the results of crime in communities, and how family life is disrupted. They also showcased many positive role models and future pathways towards careers that lead to a better life through poster campaigns.
RDSP presentations were given all across Alberta and into the Northwest Territories providing valuable information to hundreds of parents about the Registered Disability Savings Plan.
Another initiative that TREK participated in was the development of the "Little Chief & Mighty Gopher" literacy project. TREK was instrumental in bringing together the talent and resources needed to produce this highly popular and successful book. The goal was to have a book that would peak the interest of Indigenous youth bringing forth the desire to read and connect with culture in a positive way. This book was bestowed with many awards and honors including the 2010 SIWC Griffin Award. This award recognizes those who have made a contribution to Canadian society through the craft of writing. It is awarded for literature that furthers Canadian humanitarian goals, brings writing to a disadvantaged group, or celebrates the multi-cultural nature of Canada.
The success and recognition of these projects is an affirmation that TREK is meeting the goals set out in its objectives. TREK continues to pursue further projects to better the lives of Indigenous youth and is currently working towards bringing an employment strategy presentation to communities throughout western Canada.
TREK's New Project
An under utilized resource in Canada is the Indigenous workforce and opportunities exist for meaningful, sustainable employment but employees must be prepared for the challenge. TREK has the resources and skills to offer informative and timely information that will help guide the next generation entering the workforce. Many topics to be covered include:
- expectations in the workplace
- challenges of employment
- avenues of further job training and certificates
- educational outlets including trades and post-secondary institutions that have Indigenous Strategic Plans
TREK is actively working to partner with many communities in presenting Employment Strategies to Youth aged 15-30. Many opportunities are out there and TREK wishes to see greater involvement with the Indigenous workforce and help stimulate the Indigenous economy.
Check out FarmFest
INDIGENOUS AWARENESS VIDEO
Victor Lethbridge interview with Darrel Janz of CTV News, "Inspired Albertans"
September 2021
