How can people live more independently without having to rely on income assistance? That question inspired a partnership between Stoney Nakoda First Nation and Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association.
How can people live more independently without having to rely on income assistance?
That question inspired a partnership between Stoney Nakoda First Nation and Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association. The resulting “Labour Response Project ” aims to provide Nation residents with employment opportunities in nearby communities.
“There are a lot of great quality people in Morley and providing them with the opportunity and support, you can see them succeed, ” said Preston Twoyoungmen, program co-ordinator.
“We want to see people live independently, and we want the surrounding communities to see the growth of the overall people. ”
Conversations around the project started a year ago, after a job fair in February revealed an “acute labour shortage in Banff, ” Twoyoungmen explained.
After eight months of planning, the first boot camp was held in October, inviting residents from all three Stoney bands - Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley - to familiarize themselves with the four venues participating in the program - The Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, Banff Lodging Co., Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and the Rimrock Resort Hotel.
“While not all participants received job offers nor were there immediate employment opportunities available at all participating properties, the stage has been set for a long-term partnership, ” stated a press release for the program.
Following the first boot camp, one Nation residents was hired and has since been able to transition from living off income support to working full-time.
That resident, who wished to remain anonymous, praised the program saying it “gives you independence and the courage to meet new people. ”
Overall five participants were employed from November to February, Twoyoungmen said.
“We are not just picking people up from Morley, we want (employers) to understand the community and where they come from. It's a very diverse community, not a lot of people know or understand about, ” said Hubert Smith, program organizer. “We are looking at long-term sustainable employment. ”
The goal is to find employment for 50 to 60 Nation residents by the end of the year.
“We've had a very positive experience. We had to learn some thing, and going forward we are looking for more placements, ” Smith said.
Barriers people from the Nation face when it comes to finding full-time employment include transportation issues, communication, and childcare, organizers explained.
The project has received regional support, including a $10,000 donation from Bow Rivers Edge Campground for “Labour Transportation Shuttle Services. ”
“Transportation has always been an issue, ” Smith explained.
Project co-ordinators were in discussion with the a nearby Resort and Casino about renovating older buses for use as a transportation shuttle for the project but are still awaiting approval.
The second boot camp started this week, with an additional 20 to 30 residents registered for the program.
Nation residents who want to participate in the project should contact program co-ordinator Preston Twoyoungmen at [email protected].
Any Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association members who are interested in participating in the program should contact Brenda Staton, manager of research, communications and member engagement at [email protected].
