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NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release October 27, 2009 |
Ministry of Citizens' Services
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ABORIGINAL YOUTH COMPLETE UNIQUE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
VICTORIA – Twenty Aboriginal youth were honoured last night for successfully completing the 2008-2009 Aboriginal Youth Internship Program, announced Ben Stewart, Minister of Citizens’ Services.
“The Aboriginal Youth Internship Program was created to build relationships between government, Aboriginal youth and Aboriginal organizations,” said Stewart. “In the last year, these interns have gained knowledge and skills that will not only benefit them, but their communities and the province as well.”
“This program is giving Aboriginal youth from around the province hands-on job skills. I can see its success in my own ministry – one of last year’s interns is now working as a project administrator,” said Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation George Abbott. “Other provincial employees also benefit from this opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal culture.”
The program began in September 2007 after extensive consultations with five Aboriginal youth organizations, the Métis Nation British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council. The 12-month program is designed to increase Aboriginal youths’ leadership capacity, education and career opportunities.
The interns have participated in a nine-month placement in a B.C. Government ministry or agency, followed by a three-month placement in a selected B.C. Aboriginal organization. Through these placements, the interns have received professional experience and development, as well as mentorship, support and guidance for their education and career paths.
“I’m pleased to see another successful year of interns completing this program,” said Grand Chief Ed John, member of the First Nations Summit Political Executive. “It is important that our youth have the opportunity to learn about the policies and political processes that make government work, so that they can bring this valuable knowledge and experience back to our communities.”
“The Métis Nation British Columbia fully supports the Aboriginal Youth Internship Program. This program provides very valuable experience and opens many doors for our Métis youth,” said Bruce Dumont, President of the Métis Nation British Columbia. “By working for the provincial government and Aboriginal organizations, our Métis youth are able to establish new goals for their personal and professional lives.”
The Aboriginal youth interns have contributed to projects and initiatives such as community development, policy research, communications strategies and youth engagement programs. In 2009-10, the internship program has forged ahead into its third year by welcoming 25 new interns in September 2009.
“This program has truly been a life changing experience for me,” said Sarah Robinson, a member of the Fort Nelson First Nation. “I have acquired new skills, made contacts, seen innumerable doors open in both my personal and professional life and - importantly – I have left this program with many new best friends.”
The Aboriginal Youth Internship Program is a partnership between the BC Public Service Agency and the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. The program reflects the Province’s commitment through the Pacific Leadership Agenda to build a new relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal people and close gaps in health, housing, education and economic opportunities.
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Contact:
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Lara Perzoff Communications Manager 250 387-1863 |
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