Huu-ay-aht First Nations Student Awards
• HFN provides two programs for families with school-age children: School Supply Allowance and Scholarship Awards. HFN also provides supports on an individual basis for students through sponsorship of tutoring, recreational activities (sports, arts, and culture), counselling, and technology supports (software and/or hardware). Please discuss with the Education department.
ƛiišin Academic Excellence Award & School Supply Allowance
- ƛiišin Academic Excellence Award is our Honour Roll and is available to students in Grades 5 through 12. This award of $150 is presented to all students with a “B” average or higher. This is calculated automatically. In school districts where letter grades are no longer used, an equivalency is determined for the grading.
- School Supply Allowance is provided for students entering Kindergarten and Grades 1 through 12. Kindergarten & Grades 1 – 5 receive $75; Grades 6 – 12 receive $125.
2022-23 ƛiišin Academic Excellence Award & School Supply Allowance
Hišuk ma c̕awak Healthy & Active Award
For Huu-ay-aht students in grades K – 12 who are living healthy and active lives through community connections and extra-curricular activities including sports, clubs, groups, and classes; e.g. Hip Hop Class, Sports Team, Martial Arts Class, Gymnastics Club, Swim Club, Cooking Class, etc. Must have the support of a teacher, coach, or an Elder.
Hišuk ma c̕awak Healthy & Active Award application
ʔiisaak Community & Culture Award
For Huu-ay-aht students in grades K – 12 who are involved with their community through events and culture; e.g. Dance Practice, Wellness Workshops, After School Club, Regalia Making, Potlatches, Feasts, Beach Clean-up, Aboriginal Day Celebrations, Community Carving Project, etc. Must have the support of a teacher, community worker, or an Elder.
ʔiisaak Community & Culture Award application
Kiixʔin Chief Louie Award
For Huu-ay-aht students in grades K – 12 who demonstrate and understand “Ancient Spirit, Modern Mind”. Applicants will embrace ʔiisaak (respect), Hišuk ma c̕awak (everything is one and all is connected), ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of), huupiistał (teaching others), have good attendance and always try their best. Must have the support of a teacher/principal AND a Huu-ay-aht Haw̓iił or Elder.
Kiixʔin Chief Louie Award application
Kathy Nookemus Memorial Award
For Huu-ay-aht students in grades 1 – 12 who have overcome adversity, try their best at everything, and are a positive role model for other students with personal struggles. Students should have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or attend an alternate school or program.
Kathy Nookemus Memorial Award application
2023 Applications Forms
Forms for 2023 awards are available above under the respective award descriptions. If you have any question/concerns, please contact Education Coordinator, Vanessa Sabbas, at vanessa.s@huuayaht.org or Education Manager, Brent Ronning, at brent.r@huuayaht.org at the Port Alberni Huu-ay-aht Government Office. Forms may be mailed, faxed, or scanned and e-mailed, as per the application.
Graduation Recognition (High School, Post Secondary, Trades, Adult Dogwood)
Click on this link to access the form for financial recognition from the Nation.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ citizens who have completed graduation requirements are eligible to apply for financial recognition from the Nation. Please be sure to submit all the information required within 90 days of completion.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Huu-ay-aht offers child care services at Port Alberni Paawats.
For information about these services, visit the Paawats page: click here
POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
The Huu-ay-aht government and administration recognize that learning is not confined to childhood or the classroom but takes place throughout life and in a range of situations. Huu-ay-aht First Nations has some policies and programs that may assist in supporting the education of your children and family, or your personal learning journey. Huu-ay-aht can also try to assist you in accessing the resources available to you in your community and region.
Please contact, brent.r@huuayaht.org or call 250.723.0100 x 210.
“ʔaayačiłaḥ ḥamat̓ap” A-ya-cheelth tlaḥ ḥa-ma-tup
“I know lots of things”
Post-Secondary Forms and Resources
Forms
- HFN Post-Secondary Support Program APPLICATION
- HFN Post-Secondary Program Application – FILLABLE
- Post Secondary Completion-Graduation Application
Submit before March 31 to ensure consideration for September sponsorship. However, applications are accepted at any time during the year. Application is available above as a fallible PDF.
Skills Training Program Sponsorship
Skills Training Program Application form available: HERE
The Huu-ay-aht First Nations Education department may sponsor a program for you to receive training, gain skills, and find employment. This may be a one-day program like a First Aid course or an Excel course for example, an H2S course, or something more extensive that builds your skills. Huu-ay-aht First Nations also looks for partners to support your training needs–employers or other training organizations. Please contact the Education Manager (education@huuayaht.org /250.723.0100) with questions or to request an application.
RESOURCES FOR INDIGENOUS POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS
BC Ministry of Advanced Education: This website has information and links to several different grants and scholarship options, and student planning resources.
RBC Aboriginal Student Awards Program
Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA)
This organization works with educational institutions in developing accreditation, etc. They may have information about funding language programs, or other options.
New Relationship Trust – Scholarships and Bursaries
“NRT Scholarships and Bursaries are available to First Nation students pursuing a post-secondary education from a recognized institution. Scholarships are awarded at the Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate levels. Bursaries are awarded to students pursuing trades certificates and diplomas.”
Indspire Institute
“Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries and Scholarship Awards: Indspire is the largest supporter of Indigenous education outside the federal government. To date, Indspire has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships and bursaries to over 14,000 First Nation, Inuit, and Métis recipients nationwide. Thanks to the generosity of numerous corporate and government partners, Indspire disburses funds to Indigenous youth across Canada, covering all disciplines in four funding categories: Fine Arts, Oil and Gas, and Trades and Technology, Health Careers, and Post Secondary Education. Indspire is able to obtain and disburse this much-needed financial support by partnering and engaging some of Canada’s leading companies, public agencies, professional and labour groups who generously invest their resources toward the realization of the potential of First Nation, Inuit and Métis students. Visit our Scholarships and Bursary page to find out more information about how to apply for bursaries and scholarships.”
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada – The Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool
A searchable list of bursaries, scholarships, and incentives across Canada, offered by governments, universities, and colleges, private and public companies, individual Canadians, organizations, and others.
UVIC-Aboriginal-Student-Transition-Handbook PDF
Trades & Training
Who can I contact if I have employment and training related questions?
For more information about employment and training, you can reach Brent Ronning, Education, Employment and Training Manager at brent.r@huuayaht.org or 250-723-0100 ext. 108.
How can the employment and training staff help me as a Huu-ay-aht citizen?
We offer:
- Funding for clothing and equipment that is required to work
- Support with resume and cover letter writing as well as interview readiness on a rolling, as-needed basis
- Job placement support- let us know if you are on the job hunt so that we can let you know if employers come to us when they are recruiting
- Targeted information about upcoming training and employment programs at employment agencies (like INEO, NETP, WorkBC) as well as colleges that may be a good fit for you.
What kinds of programs does Huu-ay-aht offer?
We offer a number of programs on a rotating basis including HFN resume writing and interview readiness workshops, driver’s education programs, youth empowerment workshops, and job shadowing and placement initiatives. Stay tuned to the Huu-ay-aht Facebook page, newsletter, and website for updates!
What employment and training agencies exist in the Alberni Valley and Barkley Sound regions?
Alberni Valley Employment Centre: provides a range of employment services, including job search assistance, career counseling, and access to current job postings, computers, phones, fax, and photocopier for job-search activities.
INEO Employment Services: provides a range of employment services including career/vocational counseling, job search support, and community support to youth and adults.
NETP: offers free employment services to First Nations, Inuit, and Metis living within Nuu-chah-nulth territory.
What employment and training agencies exist outside the Alberni Valley?
Vancouver and Lower Mainland
Vancouver and Lower Mainland |
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| Resource | Service | Contact Information |
| ACCESS (Aboriginal Career Employment Services Society) | Offers customized employment and training services for urban Aboriginal people. Programs and services include:
· ACCESS Trades · Essential Skills for Aboriginal Futures · Bladerunners · Employment assistance services · Summer student programs |
For ease of access, offices are located across Metro Vancouver, including:
Surrey, New Westminster, the Downtown East Side, the Vancouver Friendship Centre, and our Administration office and Trades office in West Vancouver Phone: 604 251-7955 |
| WorkBC | Provides access to job search resources, employment planning, skills assessment, training, work experience placement and more. | There are over a dozen WorkBC centres across Metro Vancouver. To find the office nearest you, visit:
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| Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) | Assists trades students connect with employers in their field. Staff provide job hunting tips and can often help bridge connections with employers seeking skilled labourers. | Address: 3636 East 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Phone:604-293-6591 |
Victoria and South Vancouver Island
Victoria and South Vancouver Island |
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| Resource | Service | Contact Information |
| Coast Salish Employment and Training Society | Offers customized employment and training services for Aboriginal people. Services include: · Bladerunners · Employment assistance services · Sponsorship for training that leads to employment |
Address: 201-5462 Transcanada Hwy. Duncan, BC Phone:250-746-0183 Toll free: 1-888-811-3919 |
| Victoria Native Friendship Centre | · Sponsorship for training that leads to employment · Employment assistance services · Short term education and training programs |
Address: 231 Regina Avenue Victoria, BC V8Z 1J6 Phone: 250.384.3211 |
| John Howard Society | · Bladerunners · Community Employment Program for federally released inmates |
Address: 2675 Bridge Street Victoria, BC V8T 4Y4 Phone: 250-386-3428 |
| WorkBC | Provides access to job search resources, employment planning, skills assessment, training, work experience placement and more. | There are many WorkBC centres across the South Island. To find the office nearest you, visit:
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| STEP (Skilled Trades Employment Program) | Assists trades students connect with employers in their field. Staff provide job hunting tips and can often help bridge connections with employers seeking skilled labourers. | Address: 1075 Alston Street Victoria, BC V9A 3S6 Phone: 250-361-1607 |
Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island
Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island |
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| Resource | Service | Contact Information |
| Coast Salish Employment and Training Society | Offers customized employment and training services for Aboriginal people. Services include: · Bladerunners · Employment assistance services · Sponsorship for training that leads to employment |
Address: 201-5462 Transcanada Hwy. Duncan, BC Phone: 250-746-0183 Toll free phone: 1-888-811-3919 |
| STEP (Skilled Trades Employment Program) | Assists trades students connect with employers in their field. Staff provide job hunting tips and can often help bridge connections with employers seeking skilled labourers. | No local office, but regional representative available by phone.
Phone: 250-361-1607 |
| Nanaimo Youth Services Society | Offers customized employment and training services for unemployed disadvantaged youth between the ages of 16-30. Services include: · Bladerunners · Employment assistance services |
Address: 290 Bastion Street Nanaimo, BC Phone: 250-754-1989 |
| WorkBC | Provides access to job search resources, employment planning, skills assessment, training, work experience placement and more. | There are many WorkBC centres across Nanaimo and region. To find the office nearest you, visit:
|
Campbell River and North Vancouver Island
Campbell River and North Vancouver Island |
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| Resource | Service | Contact Information |
| North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society | Offers customized employment and training services for Aboriginal people. Services include: · Wage subsidies · Bladerunners · Summer students · Workshops · Employment assistance services |
South Office Address: 1211 Cypress Street Campbell River, BC Phone: 250.286.3455North Office Address: 331 Larch Street Alert Bay, BC Phone: 250.974.2908 |
| WorkBC | Provides access to job search resources, employment planning, skills assessment, training, work experience placement and more. | There are a number of WorkBC centres across the North Island. To find the office nearest you, visit:
|
Other Regions in Canada
Other Regions in Canada |
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| Resource | Service | Contact information |
| Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy | Offers customized employment and training services for Aboriginal people across Canada | To locate an ASETS office in your region, visit:
http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/aboriginal/agreement_holders.page#bc |
I am interested in working for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations government. What should I know about the hiring process?
Please refer to the following resource page for more information
Where can I learn more about trades training?