Trans-Canada project includes traditional knowledge

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Connie Larochelle, a Haisla from Kitamaat Village, has just launched a new Environmental Youth Team to do work on the Trans-Canada Trail near Nanaimo.

Larochelle's portion of the project work on the trail is funded through Human Resources Development Canada, BC Trails and BC E-Teams.

The Trans-Canada Trail stretches more than 16,000 kilometres across the nation, the world?s longest recreational trail.

"Were not just building a trail, we are teaching work skills, ethics and safety," said Larochelle, who works with people aged 16 to 30. "We've built fences, trails, collected bugs and wild seeds, removed garbage from the various areas and made herbariums. We do first-aid drills every week. The youth get their first-aid tickets, but they also have the experience of going through drills dealing with a variety of situations, such as blood poisoning or nails through the foot and broken bones," said Larochelle about projects from past E-team seasons.

"I also incorporate other factors from my personal background, such as traditional plant use, current and past land conflicts, barriers facing First Nations' people, such as voting and reserve lands not available for mortgaging."

Other things she teaches her crews, which have included both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, include current issues affecting First Nations communities, giving a broader perspective to the often naive and misinformed youth who have been educated by television and other forms of mass media.

Larochelle is employed through Katim Enterprises, an organization based out of the Okanagan.

"They have been very supportive in incorporating First Nations content in the youth training," she said. "They might not be aware of First Nations' protocol, but they have been open to its inclusion."

The Haisla woman is a mother of two children and shares her traditional knowledge freely with the E-Team crews. She teaches the youth everything about her job so that they can acquire the leadership skills to take over.

All positions are posted at local Human Resources Canada centres and the Youth Options BC web site. Youth Options BC gives young British Columbians education, skills training and work experience. Programs provide young people with assistance starting their own business, tuition credits for community service work, and help looking for their first jobs.

For more information on the E-Teams or other Youth Options BC programs, call 1-877-BC-YOUTH or visit the Youth Options Web site at http://www.youth.gov.bc.ca on the Internet.