On March 31, 2008 from 4:30 to 9pm, the GVUAS will host a community event at Sunrise Pavilion in Surrey. The event will serve to inform any interested community member of the UAS, provide information on what it’s like to be a GVUAS Steering Committee Member, and what the selection process entails. The event will include a buffet dinner and entertainment. The event will be facilitated by Chris Corrigan.
Please mark this event in your calendar!

An official advertisement will be posted soon.

New Horizons
Bridging Employment Program
Classes start in Burnaby, BC
March 17, 2008 Limited Seats
 Late Registration available until  March 28, 2008    

Support Payment: 
Funding assistance may be available for transportation, childcare, clothes, food and more!

Program Duration and Format: 
 Duration:  24 weeks (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
 Instructional Format: Lecture and group activity               
 Practicum:  4 weeks 
   

Introduction: The New Horizons Program is a women’s all-female Special Bridging Employment Program, specifically designed for Aboriginal / Metis women, who are receiving income assistance (some seats are also available for non-income assistance women), and are survivors of violence or abuse.  They face multiple barriers to employment.  The program will benefit other female survivors of violence or abuse, who also face multiple barriers to employment. 

Aim:  The aim of the program is two-fold.  First, it aims to provide employment skills to participants.  Second, it aims to assist participants, with multiple barriers to employment, to move towards employment or towards an alternative “next step” progression. 

Program features include:
• Transportation funds
• Healing/wellness sessions
• Employment related skills assessment and academic upgrading
• Career planning and parenting
• Effective job search skills and resume writing
• Life skills  • Computer literacy
• Work experience placement
• First aid training
• Development of a personal management plan
• Specialized counselling sessions
• Elder participation, smudging, drumming, etc

Who can attend?
• Women of Aboriginal Ancestry, who are currently receiving Income Assistance, and are experiencing barriers to employment may attend for free
• Other female survivors of violence or abuse, not receiving Income Assistance, may attend if seats are available and these candidates will be reviewed on a first-come, first serve basis.  Subject to availability.
• Residents of Surrey, Delta, New Westminster, Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge and Vancouver

Program Location:
• The Ministry has extended this program for the Greater Vancouver Area.  Metropolitan Community College has been delivering this program in Mission since 2003 and New Westminster since February 2005.  The location for this session is now located at our Burnaby Campus. 
For registration info, please call:  Terrie  604-320-3332 (Burnaby Campus)

 METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
201 – 3701 E Hastings St, Burnaby, BC
Tel: 604-320-3332
Fax: 604-320-3334
www.metropolitancollege.ca
E-mail: info@metropolitancollege.ca
7311 James St, Mission, BC
Tel: 604-826-3107
Fax: 604-826-3157

Helping to build your future

August 11 to 15, 2008
Victoria BC

H.E.A.T. – Highly Explosive Acceleration Training
by Compton Sports Training

H.E.A.T. instructors are ex-pros and current HOCKEY PLAYERS who can TEACH.  They know the game and what it takes to excel at the game! This system is dynamic, challenging and fun so players stay focused.  These sessions will cover everything a hockey player needs to make the jump to the next level.
Progressive training for all skill levels!  

REACH TOP SPEEDS!  

HARDER SHOTS & HITS! 

BETTER AGILITY!

INCREASED BALANCE!

POWERFUL ENDURANCE!
A unique camp bridging sports, culture and education

Camp Eligibility:         
Peewee – players born 1996 and 1997        
Bantam – players born 1994 and 1995        
Midget – players born 1993, 1992,1991

Camp Fee:
Early Registration  $479.00 Deadline April 30, 2008
After April 30, 2008 $499.00

Camp Includes: 
- On Ice – hockey skills, team play and conditioning
- Dry land – strength, conditioning and skills development
- Nutritious lunch daily
- Practice jersey, t-shirt, and water bottle
- 2 evening dinners, cultural activities, and campus tour hosted by UVic
- On Campus Bed & Breakfast accommodation available for out of town participants
- Only $120 for the week and includes nutritious breakfast!

Camp Theme & Philosophy: Spirit of the Eagle – in many Aboriginal cultures, the eagle represents strength, power, and prestige; it also represents peace and friendship.  Participants will work hard to improve skills and have fun!  
For More Information:  Marcia at VIAAA, Telephone: 250.294.5658   or visit website: http://www.comptonsports.ca/   E-mail: marciadawson@shaw.ca

In follow-up to our Kelowna, Prince George and Vancouver forums, I am pleased to advise that UNN and Pacific Association of First Nations Women will be co-hosting a Victoria forum to discuss the composition, mandate and terms of reference for a BC Aboriginal Women’s Council.  This forums is open to all Aboriginal women living in BC.

Forum – Victoria
Venue: Coast Victoria Harbourside
Date: March 8 & 9, 2008
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and
 8:00 am – noon

Background
In April 2007, UNN in partnership with the Pacific Native Women’s Association, received funding from the Ministry of Community Services to organise four regional roundtables on Aboriginal women’s issues. The information gathered from the roundtables and surveys was put into a Final Report, which Premier Campbell used for informational purposes at the National Aboriginal Women’s Summit held in June 2007 in Corner Brook, Nfld/ Labrador.
A key recommendation stemming from the resulting Final Report stressed the need for a BC Aboriginal Women’s Council to ensure that Aboriginal women’s issues are effectively communicated to all levels of government.

UNN took the lead in this endeavour and was successful in securing funding to begin the process. The Council will be inclusive of all Aboriginal women regardless of status and ancestry. The UNN feels it’s important to be inclusive in order to reflect the differing community needs across BC. The Council will inform the federal and provincial governments on policy development in relation to women’s issues and generate funding opportunities for specific initiatives to address violence against women, socioeconomic issues including education, employment, health and wellness, safety, housing and justice.

PLEASE NOTE:  All travel and accommodation financial assistance has been allocated. 

I look forward to your participation in this most important initiative.

I am pleased to be able to inform you that the Bridging Employment Program (BEP) for Aboriginal/Metis Women who are on Income Assistance has been extended by the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance for the catchment areas of New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Delta, Surrey and Vancouver.  

The Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance has also authorized us to accept some clients who may not be on Income Assistance.  The first seats will be given to those eligible clients who are receiving assistance, and if there are available seats left, these places will be allocatated to clients who are not on income assistance.  All seats are subject to application and eligibility.

Seats are limited, and admission into the program is now in progress.  This is a 24-week program and the start date is March 17, 2008.  The program is delivered at our Burnaby location Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. 

Late admissions will be considered until March 28, 2008. 

HURRY – Seats are limited.

It would be appreciated if you could refer clients you believe would benefit from the program.  The relevant program literature is attached for your consideration.   Your kind circulation of the literature to your colleagues for referral purposes, as well, would be appreciated.  Thank you very much, in advance, for your consideration.
 

Best wishes,

Terrie

Program Co-ordinator

Metropolitan Community College
201 – 3701 Hastings St
Burnaby, BC
V5C 2H6
Tel: 604-320-3332
Fax: 604-320-3334
www.metropolitancollege.ca