First Nations Voice

MAY 2014 • PAGE 11 CONGRATULATIONSTO FIRSTNATIONSVOICE'S YEARSOFSERVICE BOUDREAU LAW 3 St. Anne's Road Winnipeg, MB R2M 2X9 Phone: (204) 318-2688 nboudreau@boudreaulaw.ca www.boudreaulaw.ca Boudreau Law provides a full range of legal serviceswithaspecialfocusonIndigenousLaw and Civil Litigation. We have a proven record of success in prosecuting claims and judicial reviews challenging governmental decisions andaffirmingtreatyandaboriginalrightsinthe CourtofQueen'sBench,theFederalCourtand theSupremeCourtofCanada. The Computer Lending Library (CLL) was designed to encourage the use of technology by all members of our communities. It does so by making functional computer systems and peripherals accessible to those who are unable to otherwise acquire them. Having access to current technology may increase a person's quality of life, literacy, fluency and the specialty skills that have become a requirement for nearly all employment opportunities. There are four locations in Manitoba where CLL computers are now available. All four locations require applicants to participate in a Computer Fundamentals course that is offered at no charge to them. Computers are lent for a two year loan period. If at the end of that time participants wish to continue the loan, they may be required to bring their computer back to the CLL for any appropriate upgrades. It is important to note that the reason that computers are lent rather than given is that CLL operates full cycle, recycling the computer at the end of its useful life. At CLL, we have had many heartwarming success stories and compelling reasons to continue this program. Single mothers with small children may not be able to afford a computer as the demands on her limited budget may be overwhelming. The CLL allows her to have a computer capable of the latest forms of communication, making job searches and career choices more easily available. The benefits will extend to her children who may now be able to better keep up in school by having one of the most important tools for learning available at home. Several past participants have grown into substantial computer users after taking the Computer Fundamentals course and are now actively continuing to train themselves and other community members with the many tools available on the Internet. Some have even used their computers to fulfil their business concepts and now operate successful businesses. Is a Computer Lending Library needed in your community? Call us to discuss how we may be able to make that happen for you as a partner of computer literacy. We may be able to help get your CLL up and running by providing the teaching curriculum, program files and computer systems. You will need to secure a technician for technical support and an instructor to volunteer to provide training within your community. If you represent an organization that is in a position to make a contribution of computers or software, you are especially important, as our need always surpasses our supply. Be assured your data will be securely destroyed and your computers and laptops will be refurbished by our trained technicians. Reuse is an important strategy for the protection of the environment but in this case is also a valuable contribution to computer literacy and job skill development for those who need it the most. It is so simple to make a contribution like this. There is no cost to the donor, only a thoughtful gesture that means the world to someone who is struggling to get an education or a job. We may even be able to supply a tax receipt if requested. Since our inception the CLL locations have provided over 6,000 individuals with the training and equipment they need to join the ranks of the digital economy with confidence and knowledge. Call us today at 204 482.2111 and ask us how to get started on your own CLL Program or how you can donate your electronics to this important program. Karen Keppler, Computer Lending Library COMPUTER LENDING LIBRARY

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