JoAnn b.

JoAnn is a 47-year-old Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation member who completed the Security Guard training program after seeing it advertised on Athabasca Tribal Council’s Facebook page.

After inquiring about the program, ATC’s Project Coordinator, Natalie Cunningham reached out to her. JoAnn completed the application process with Natalie’s guidance through the process which included confirming Indigenous ancestry and that she currently lives in the Wood Buffalo region. Additionally, JoAnn needed to provide her drivers license and abstract, as well as the documents confirming her high school diploma or General Educational Diploma (GED). JoAnne completed the application process and was accepted as a participant.

JoAnn said the support and guidance was tremendous every step of the way. “Whenever I reached out through email or phone calls, Natalie, the ATC Project Coordinator, was just wonderful,” said JoAnn.

When asked what a typical day was like, she said: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had a binder that contained program content, as well as the online program that I did through Garda. If I ever need clarification then I go into the binder and review the part I am having trouble with until I understand it.”

JoAnn said each day of learning was new and exciting as no two days were the same which made it exciting for her. JoAnn told us the highlight of the program was passing the Security exam. Preparing for an exam can be a stressful. This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic all of the courses were online which added to the challenges of learning. JoAnn was nervous when preparing for the Security exam but determined and worked hard, so she felt very accomplished when passing the Security exam.

Attending this program has led to employment in a security position with GardaWorld which JoAnn is excited to start. She is thankful for all the local opportunities for this field so she can stay close to her home and community.

When asked what she would tell someone who is thinking about taking the Security Guard Training program or similar program, she said: “Don’t be afraid to try something new… who knows what kind of amazing things are right around the corner for you!”

Indigenous Security Guard Program is funded by Service Canada and the Government of Alberta – Indigenous Relations and administered by ATC. GardaWorld is the hiring partner.