KCDN GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS

11 February, 2007 by valmore

News Release – KCDC’s SaskTel Breaking Barriers Series


February 7, 2007, La Ronge Saskatchewan – Keewatin Career Development Corporation (KCDC) is pleased to formally launch the SaskTel Breaking Barriers series. This leading edge, innovative series of educational video conference programming for Schools will provide students with insight into careers, interaction with role models, communication with elder storytellers, and opportunities to access math tutorials.


Today, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Chief Lawrence Joseph was in La Ronge to officially launch the series which is available by video conference to over 70 First Nation Schools across Saskatchewan and Alberta bi-weekly.


“You don’t have to feel alone, we are connected! The KCDN Team has done an excellent job connecting all these Schools. This is very overwhelming what I am seeing today, 18 First Nation Schools participating from Alberta and Saskatchewan“, said Chief Lawrence Joseph.


The series runs from January 8, 2007 through to May 31, 2007, and is supported by Indian and Northern Affairs’ First Nation SchoolNet Program. Corporate sponsors are SaskTel, Saskatchewan Department of Industry and Resources, Cameco, and Athabasca Labour Services.


“We are pleased to work with corporations, schools, and government departments to bring valuable knowledge of careers and personal growth to Aboriginal students,” said Calvin Opikokew, Board Chairman of KCDC. “The series allows students in rural and remote communities to communicate with resource people using video conference technology. These are opportunities that are rare for students in small schools.”


The programs will help students better prepare to enter the labour market through providing valuable information about careers and understand the requirements of employers. Valuable connections between corporations and their future labour force will be made through the series.


The SaskTel Breaking Barriers Series is part of KCDC’s developments under the Knowledge and Career Development Network (KCDN). The KCDN will be used to bring video conference programming, distance learning opportunities, and enhanced communication to Aboriginal communities across Saskatchewan and Alberta.


More information about the SaskTel Breaking Barriers Series, a calendar of programs, and archived programs can be found at www.kcdn.ca.


For additional information contact:
Brenda LaRocque-Hill
Video Conferencing Program Manager
Keewatin Career Development Corporation - KCDC
Phone: 306-425-4778 Ext: 1181

Picture shown KCDN SaskTel Breaking Barriers Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting on February 7, 2007 (left to right) Darcy Mirasty, Brenda LaRocque-Hill, FSIN Grand Chief Lawrence Joseph, Nick Daigneault, Cara Greyeyes, and Kim Opikokew