Current Projects

Community Based Training

This project will involve workshops in six Alberta communities on common barriers to employment to advance First Nation, Metis and Inuit people to economic independence.

Our Focus

Workforce Participation Skills
Personal Economic Development

WHEN: Communities have been selected and training will happen August – October 2011.

Financial Independence Training

This project will develop and expand the knowledge base for Aboriginal women to create financial independence. There is stigma attached when talking about money and personal finances. As a result, even programs such as the RESP, which is a very good federal government program to save for a child’s education, has not been accessed by low-income Canadians.

IAAW will deliver “Manage Your Money” workshops, 12-week Matched Savings programs, Train the Trainer program, and provide on-going support and referral services.

WHEN: Various start dates Jun 2011 – March 2012. Call the office for more information. WHERE: Train the Trainer Communities TBA, Workshops, Support Services and Matched Savings Program in Edmonton.

Leadership Development

Edmonton is a vibrant city, made up of several cultural groups and the second largest concentration of First Nation, Metis and Inuit people in Canada.

Through the Safe Communities Initiative Funding (SCIF) the First Nation, Metis and Inuit Cultural Group Project will work to build a safe community for Aboriginal youth and families in Edmonton under the umbrella of REACH Edmonton.

In this component of the project, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW) will deliver a leadership development program for First Nation, Metis and Inuit (FMI) people in the city of Edmonton. These programs will include workshops on:

Steps of becoming an active board or committe member
Board Development
Dealing with Diversity
Meeting Management
Time Management

One-to-one mentoring for Aboriginal men and women interested in becoming involved in collaborative community initiatives, especially those initiatives with a focus on safety and security to address crime, violence reduction, and justice issues.

WHEN: on-going project until March 2013. WHERE: Various locations in Edmonton

Esquao Independence Program

Aboriginal women and their children suffer tremendously as victims in contemporary Canadian society. They are the victims of racism, of sexism and of unconscionable levels of domestic violence. At the same time, Aboriginal women are over-represented in the prison system, have high unemployment rates and live below poverty levels, often as single mothers.Historically there was very little family breakdown in the Aboriginal community. Many were matriarchal societies where women were honoured for their wisdom and vision. Unfortunately many young, Aboriginal Women have lost their way through the intergenerational affects of residential school process and other trauma experienced. Two to three generations have already been affected by the dysfunction this has caused Aboriginal families.

We believe providing supports to Aboriginal women will increase the overall health of the community as women are often the ”strength” of the community. When they are strong, their family and community have a better chance at successful outcomes.

Our goal through the Esquao Independence Program is to provide the skills, teachings and opportunities to improve themselves personally and professionally through a community supported personal development program. Participants learn how to foster healthy relationships, what services are available to support their development and how to acquire and keep employment.

Pre-Requisites:

Must be 18-29 years old
Have a barrier to employment
Not eligible for Employment Insurance

Program Registration

Call the office 1-877-471-2171
Complete government assessment (BGS Ventures)
Personal Interview

WHEN: March 2012 estimated start date WHERE: IAAW (Edmonton west-end)