Program to help individuals cash in on tourism experience

As the Aboriginal tourism sector continues to grow, so does the need for Aboriginal interpreters. These positions would be filled by people of Aboriginal decent who have the desire to tell the Aboriginal story and can do so in two new heritage sites, including Metis Crossing in northeastern Alberta and Blackfoot Crossing in the south.

Lakeland College, in collaboration with The Buffalo Spirit Alliance and The Metis Heritage Alliance Committee of Alberta, has launched a unique program in Aboriginal heritage interpretation.

This seven-month certificate program was set to start classes in February, but will now begin in September. The prerequisite for the program includes a high school diploma or mature status-20 years old with at least 50 per cent in English or math.

"This is a one of a kind program," said Kathy Champigny, director of the Lakeland College Learning Centre. "At least, I don't think anyone has ever done it yet in Canada. Our dream is to have this go to a diploma program."

For $6,100, you will spend 22 weeks in the classroom developing skills required in the tourism industry. Students can expect courses that will prepare them with skills needed to work anywhere in the tourism industry, customer relations, computer applications, effective writing, risk, ethical and legal issues, media relations, tour guide principles, heritage interpreter and accounting.
The major course focus is on Aboriginal culture, which includes history, definitions and interpretation unique to an Aboriginal setting.

This will be followed by a six-week practicum either at the above two new heritage sites or at Fort Edmonton Park, The Royal Alberta Museum, and of the national parks, or anywhere there is an Aboriginal story to be told. This experience will give the students a chance to apply what they learned in the classroom to real life situations and they will introduce themselves to potential employers.

"I guess what I expect to have happen with the first graduates is they will go where there is a great demand, such as Blackfoot Crossing and Metis Crossing, because those folks are looking for people right away," said Champigny.

"Then I expect it to spread out to smaller employers, however some of these graduates may go into business for themselves."

According to a news release, the province of Alberta plans to encourage further development in the interpretation of Aboriginal culture and it "appears to be moving in the right direction," said Erica Thomas, coordinator of business development and marketing for Strathcona County.
"I think that it's definitely necessary to increase Aboriginal tourism within our area and I know that the province is working hard at developing Aboriginal tourism experiences and packages, and so in order to do that we actually need the interpreters to assist with that," said Thomas.

For more information on this program, call (780) 416-8869. You can e-mail Champigny at kathy.champigny@lakelandc.ab.ca