Cynthia H.

Cynthia is a 29-year-old mother of five from Janvier. Having recently moved back to Fort McMurray, she heard about the Urban Indigenous Employment Preparation Program (UIEPP) Upskilling Program and recognized that it would be a great opportunity for her and her family.

While pregnant with her fifth child, Cynthia joined the UIEPP, and although the premature arrival of her little one meant she had to take time off from the program, she returned as soon as she was released from the hospital with her baby.

“My typical day in the program would be going into class full of positivity and courage which I gained through the program,” Cynthia shares. “I really enjoyed having the class. I was completely shy at the beginning mostly because I felt like I would be the only person not understanding anything, but I had a lot of support from the class, instructors, and the staff at ATC.”

Now that she has completed the program, Cynthia will be continuing her education in Social Work so that she can open up a group home that will help Indigenous youth transition into an urban lifestyle, to keep cultural teachings, and to guide them on the right path.

“I believe children are investments, and education is the key,” she says. “My goal is to see more Indigenous youth being successful.”

When asked what she would tell someone who is thinking about taking the Urban Indigenous Employment Preparation Program, here’s what she says: “I highly recommend taking this program. It gave me the confidence in myself, mainly in education, which I felt I lacked. The support through the program was an amazing experience. I am grateful that I had the privilege to take part in the UIEPP. Merci Cho.”

The Urban Indigenous Employment Preparation Program is a partnership between Service Canada-Indigenous Skill Employment and Training (ISET), the Government of Alberta - Alberta Labour & Immigration, Keyano College, and Athabasca Tribal Council.