First Nations Voice

APRIL 2014 • PAGE 9 ToursandInformationSessions Minister of Finance Meets with CAHRD Students for 2014 Pre-Budget Public Consultations February 28th, 2014 – The Government of Manitoba's Minister of Finance Jennifer Howard, along with Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities Kevin Chief, gathered with students of CAHRD as part of the province's 2014 Pre-Budget Public Consultations. Approximately thirty students participated in an hour-long session with the Minister of Finance, during which time they highlighted the barriers and issues they face as students and job seekers. Topics of discussion included childcare, Employment and Income Assistance (EIA), housing support, and the process of transition from welfare to work force. Wade Parke, Policy Analyst for the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg, teamed up with CAHRD to organize this historic event and spoke on the importance of giving students the opportunity to have their voices heard by provincial government representatives - "They won't hear it elsewhere. To hear first-hand from students, I think Jenni- fer was genuinely touched by it." The information gathered was presented in Howard's 2014 Manitoba Budget Address, given on March 6th, 2014 – "Last Friday, I met with inspiring adult students at the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg. I talked with moms and dads who – for lots of reasons – did not make it through high school. Some are working at low-wage jobs. Some are on assistance. They are all working hard to make a better life for themselves and their families." During her address, Howard introduced a new program - Manitoba Works! - that will better enable community agencies to provide essential skills training and work experience to people facing barriers in finding work. A new Manitoba Rent Assist benefit was also introduced, which will increase housing support for people on social assistance. CAHRD Student Success Story Aboriginal Community Campus Student Graduates Gear Up for Post-Secondary Education Student of the Aboriginal Community Campus (ACC) Academic program are preparing for the next step in their career by applying for post-secondary education. CAHRD held three afternoon sessions from February 28th, 2014 to March 3rd, 2014 providing assistance for interested students in filing their applications to the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, and Red River College. Two students, Grace Walker and Tyler Rose are especially excited about following their dreams through post-sec- ondary education. Grace Walker started her career path with ACC in February 2013 and will be graduating this June. She hopes to obtain a nursing degree with Red River College and will be completing her pre-requisite courses through University of Winnipeg in the fall. Grace is a single mother with one child and another one on the way. Tyler Rose began classes with ACC's Academic program in September 2012 and will also be graduating this June. Tyler is applying for acceptance into the University of Manitoba, where he hopes to pursue education in engineer- ing. Tyler is a single father of three children and currently lives in CAHRD's Neeginan Village. He commented on his journey so far - "It gets hard at times - raising three kids with two of them still in diapers - but I look forward to the future. It will pay off for them one day." CAHRD would like to congratulate and send best regards for the future to both of these inspiring students, as well as to those who will be completing their academic programs in June. March 14th, 2014 - Damien Kutchma, a 27 year old Aboriginal Community Campus (ACC) student with CAHRD, started his fitness journey on February 10th, 2014 weighing 217.8 lbs with the ability to do 16 push-ups during his fitness test. Now, Damien is down to 200.6 lbs and able to do 32 push-ups. Over the course of six weeks, Damien committed to changing his diet and exercising three to four times a week. He plays hockey, basketball, and participates in two fitness programs for students at CAHRD – once a week core training with Sport Manitoba, and twice a week circuit training lead by Healthy Living Coordi- nator, Courtney Koval. Damien comments that he feels a significant difference in his overall health since starting – "I feel great, I feel healthy, I feel smarter. I'm not just sitting around anymore." When asked how he stays motivated, Damien responded with, "I'm hungry, have high spirits, and am chasing after dreams. I want to get down to 190 lbs." Damien started his academic path in September of 2013 and plans to complete the 10-month CWB Welding Program offered by Neeginan College after obtaining his Grade 12 diploma. CAHRD would like to congratulate Damien on his success in working towards his fitness and career goals. ( C A H R D ) C E N T R E F O R A B O R I G I N A L H U M A N R E S O U R C E D E V E L O P M E N T I N C . I S A N O N - P R O F I T O R G A N I Z AT I O N T H AT D E L I V E R S L I T E R A C Y, E D U C AT I O N , T R A I N I N G A N D E M P L O Y M E N T S E R V I C E S T O T H E U R B A N A B O R I G I N A L P O P U L AT I O N O F W I N N I P E G . MLA Kevin Chief with students during a Manitoba Pre-Budget Public Consultation session held at CAHRD. Neeginan College of Applied Technology is currently offering Information Sessions and Campus Tours starting at 9:00 AM every Friday in room 304 at CAHRD. Groups are encouraged to call and reserve a spot for the session and tour. FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Grace Walker and Tyler Rose are preparing for their journey into post-secondary education. Photo by Rom Cueto ACC student Damien Kutchma with Healthy Living Coordinator Courtney Koval. "Creatingfuturesonefamilyatatime!" Minister of Finance Meets with CAHRD Students for 2014 Pre Budget Public Consult cess Story CENTRE FOR ABORIGINAL HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT INC. CAHRD CAHRD IS LOCATED AT 304-181 HIGGINS AVENUE, WINNIPEG, MB R3B 3G1 T: (204) 989-7110 F: (204) 989-7113 VISIT WWW.CAHRD.ORG

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