Penelope G.
Twenty-seven year old Penelope is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh nation. She has lived in many places, from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island, but to her, Fort McMurray will always be home.
When Penelope found herself laid off from work, she recalled the words a wise woman once said to her: “If you’re not working, go to school!” She saw an ad for the Urban Indigenous Employment Preparation Program and immediately signed up for the Upskilling Program, knowing that completing the program would open more doors for her.
“Every day was something to look forward to,” says Penelope. “We learned a lot from each other, and helped each other build and succeed.”
Penelope says the cold winter and stress that came along with completing the program was worth it, especially when it came to graduation day.
“I’d do it all again if I could,” Penelope shares, mentioning how surprised she was at the closeness the students felt. “Nobody ever had to feel alone through the good times and the bad.”
Currently waiting for the Indigenous Haul Truck Program to begin — a longtime dream of hers — Penelope is grateful to ATC and Keyano College for making the Urban Indigenous Employment Preparation Program a reality. “They did a wonderful job keeping us motivated every day, and helping us succeed,” she enthuses.
When asked what she would tell someone who is thinking about taking the Urban Indigenous Employment Preparation Program but is unsure, here’s what she says: “Just do it. If you’re not working, or have any upcoming plans, this program will push you in the right direction! You learn so much about yourself and the community when it comes to opportunities. You won’t regret it and you’ll never have to worry about it again.”
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.
