The many facets of GREAT's Job Connect program provide Six Nations members with the resources needed to find a job in today's economy. Workshops, wage subsidies and access to GREAT's Career Information Centre offer a wide array of tools designed to help Six Nations members find meaningful employment.

Individuals seeking employment are invited to visit GREAT's Career Information Centre (CIC) Monday to Friday from 8:30-4:00 and Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 September to May. The CIC provides a variety of self-help tools designed to help individuals find suitable employment.

Resume and Cover Letter guidelines are available through books and information packages in the CIC. These resources allow individuals to tailor resumes to specific job opportunities. Computers are also available to type and email resumes and, upon request, GREAT will retain electronic copies of resumes for later use. The CIC telephones, photocopier and fax machine may also be used free of charge for employment purposes.

Interview skill training is available in the CIC through videotapes, CD ROM's and various reading materials. Resources are also available for job searches. The Job Bank Kiosk provides direct access to Human Resources Development Canada's job bank and Internet access is available through 6 computers for job searches.

GREAT's Resource Centre Technician, Brandi Jonathan, is available to guide job seekers to the many resources available in the Career Information Centre. Brandi acknowledges "the more time people spend in here the more likely they are to get a job. Job seeking is a full-time job in itself so the more time and dedication that a person puts forth, the more success they will have."

Brandi also offers guidance to individuals who are developing their resumes: "I ask people to bring in job descriptions for the positions they are applying to and I say 'lets sit down and go through this and see what the employer is asking for. If they're looking for someone who's flexible, who can work long hours, and who has 3 years experience, and you have all those things, we can highlight them - that encourages the employer to read on'".

Workshops such as Career Cruising, Surviving the Interview, and Portfolio: Showcasing your Skills are also available at GREAT. These workshops, facilitated by Marjorie Henhawk, are designed to teach individuals the practical skills needed to find jobs. Marjorie also provides Skills Assessments as part of GREAT's services.

The CIC is available as part of GREAT's Job Connect program. Individuals between 16 and 24 years of age (29 for persons with disabilities) are also eligible for a wage subsidy of up to $4.00 per hour. Participants must be Six Nations Band members who are currently out of school and not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) or EI reach-back.

If you're looking for guidance in finding meaningful employment, GREAT is here to assist you. For more information on Job Connect subsidies, workshops, and resources please contact GREAT at 519 445-2222.

 

"One Voice, Many Stories: The Generational Effects of Residential Schools" is a play developed and produced by the Six Nations Community Outreach Program, a youth oriented theatrical training organization. The organization, which is funded in part by Grand River Employment and Training (GREAT), premiered this inspirational play at the Woodland Cultural Center on July 5 to outstanding reviews.

Sheila Hill-Styres, GREAT PSO, said that "It's great to see the play and program so well received, especially by the community and people like Mathew Coon Come. As I understand it, they are receiving offers to tour here in Canada, as well as overseas in Germany and Ireland. It's a pleasure to help fund this project as the people involved are wonderful to work with and the young people are great."

Family, friends and such notables as Six Nations Chief Roberta Jamieson and Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Mathew Coon Come attended the play. Chief Coon Come also attended a barbeque with the youth of SNCYO before the performance and told stories of his experiences in the residential schools depicted in the play. After the play, the Grand Chief commented, "Not only should every Native see this play, but every Non-Native as well." Letters of support from City of Brantford Mayor, Chris Friel and Chief Roberta Jamieson, were also included in the play's program.

The Premiere was just the start for the creative group that also performed before the much respected and honorable Pope John Paul II on July 26th at St. Anne's Church in Toronto. The play has been so well received, that it's garnering provincial attention, theatres across Ontario have been in contact with the SNCYO about potential readings and performances. Meanwhile, the first act is being performed every Thursday and Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the Woodland Cultural Center, with new scenes being added throughout the summer.

With the rewarding experience of the first performance, SNCYO looks to the future: "GREAT has been helping SNCYO accomplish its programs and have again sponsored another program initiated by SNCYO. A Summer Theatre Development workshop, which is a summer training and employment program held at the Woodland Cultural Center." states SNCYO, Executive Assistant Jason Martin. "SNCYO is sincerely grateful for the support it has received from GREAT. (SNCYO) has an ultimate goal of one day constructing a Performing arts theatre here on the Six Nations, which will actively encourage more youth to explore lighting, audio, videography, acting, stage management, stage design, hip-hop dance, playwriting, sound recording, and vocal training as well as teaching the youth to be positive role models for the future youth of Six Nations. We would like to express our gratitude towards Elvera, Sheila, Stephanie, and Roger and the GREAT staff for their initiatives to create opportunities for the creatively talented and gifted youth of this reserve."