Huu-ay-aht Welcomes a New Education Coordinator

Huu-ay-aht First Nations welcomes Vanessa Sabbas to our Education Department in her new role as an Education Coordinator. Vanessa has moved from the Deputy Law Clerk position at Huu-ay-aht First Nations, supporting our K-12 Huu-ay-aht students.

Vanessa Sabbas

Vanessa’s responsibilities as an education coordinator include the following:

  • The administration of our education programs for K-12 students, including school supplies and scholarship recognition programs.
  • Collaborating and working in partnership with the Indigenous Education Teams in our SD70 (Pacific Rim) schools for the success of our Huu-ay-aht students.
  • Building relationships with education teams in other school districts to support the success of our Huu-ay-aht students, wherever they may attend school.
  • Providing outreach to Huu-ay-aht students, wherever they may attend school, and working with caregivers, school administrators and education teams to identify supports that students may require for success (e.g. tutors, recreation opportunities, counselling, computer hardware/software).
  • Supporting educators at the Bamfield Community School, now a K-12 school in SD70, to incorporate Huu-ay-aht language and cultural lessons within the curriculum.

Brent’s responsibilities as Manager of Education, Training and Employment continues to include the following:

  • Working with post-secondary students to achieve success. Including degree programs, diplomas, certificates, trades and apprenticeships, and adult-basic education.
  • Overseeing all of Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ education and training programs.
  • Building and fostering Huu-ay-aht First Nation’s relationships with North Island College, Vancouver Island University, Camosun College, the University of Victoria, the University of BC, and other educational institutions our students may attend.
  • Overseeing agreements like the Local Education Agreement with SD70 for the Bamfield Community School, and working with funding bodies like the First Nations Education Steering Committee.
  • Overseeing bus transportation for the Bamfield Community School as part of our Local Education Agreement with SD70.
  • Supporting Huu-ay-aht citizens in their employment initiatives, from resume support to work gear that might be necessary for anyone beginning new employment for the first time.

Questions and comments about Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ Educational support opportunities can be sent to education@huuayaht.org or at Huu-ay-aht First Nations Education, Training & Employment page.