Keira C.

Keira is a fourteen-year-old Mikisew Cree First Nation member. She likes to bead and study tarot cards in her free time.

Keira completed the Indigenous Driving Training - Class 7 Learners with Athabasca Tribal Council after hearing about it from her mother. She had wanted to obtain her learners license since turning 14, and even though her mother had bought her the Learner’s License prep book, she didn’t feel confident until taking the program.

When asked about the support, guidance and encouragement from the program coordinators Keira said, “We would practice some questions for the learners test, and went through the whole book in two days. He would point out the key points and provide us a link to practice questions during our free time.”

The highlight of the program for Keira was passing her Learner’s test and gaining so much confidence.

Keira’s completion of the Class 7 Learners program is the first step to getting her drivers license. Keira now looks forward to attending the Class 5 Drivers Course with Athabasca Tribal Council.

One of the largest barriers to employment for many First Nations is the need of a drivers license for transportation to and from work or as part of the qualifications for employment. ATC is proud to support Keira’s initiative to take the first steps to ensuring her future success. The independence and freedom achieved by successful students drives a sense of confidence that follows them into employment opportunities.

When asked what she would tell someone who is thinking about taking the Indigenous Driving Training - Class 7 course, Keira said “I would say go for it because it’s a much easier way to learn rather than just reading the book to myself, and if you pay attention you’ll for sure pass!”

The program is a partnership between Service Canada Indigenous Skill Employment and Training (ISET), Government of Alberta, Keyano College and Athabasca Tribal Council Urban Office.