Tribal council recognizes value of tourism training

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The Cariboo Tribal Council (CTC) and Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Centre in Williams Lake are sponsoring the first CTC Tourism Training course this spring. Project Management Trainer Cheryl Chapman, a member of the Xats'ull (Soda Creek) Indian Band who has been actively involved in the tourism industry for almost 10 years, is co-ordinating the six-week program.

"Tourism is the fastest growing industry," Chapman explains. "Tourists from all over the world look forward to experiencing traditional feasts and learning about First Nations from the people themselves... Travellers from Europe are especially interested in living with First Nations and experiencing the feel of being part of the lifestyle."

Twenty participants are receiving training in many basic courses that will provide the necessary skills for careers in the tourism industry. They will take First Nations Skills Development Workshops, WCB Level 1 Occupational First Aid and Transportation Endorsement, Bear Aware Training, Bush/Woods Survival Training, Pleasure Craft Operator, and Foodsafe Level 1. They are also learning public speaking, resume writing, interviewing skills, as well as traditional arts and crafts, medicine stories and their Native language.

Chapman believes the quality of the course is being enriched by the variety of ages attending.

" The young people and the Elders are learning together and from one another. They are all bringing their abilities and craft skills to the class to share with each other."

Elders Andrew Christopher from Tsqescen (Canim Lake) Indian Band and Virginia Gilbert from T'exelc (Williams Lake) Indian Band agree.

"Working with the different activities and different generations within the group helps us learn about our culture from each other," Christopher said.

Gilbert, who is teaching the class traditional songs and hand drumming added, "We are not only learning about our communities but also how to deal with people coming into our territories."

On the job placement will begin at the end of May, with businesses such as resorts and guiding.

"Local tourism operators within the Cariboo Chilcotin district are looking forward to the addition of Aboriginal content to their existing businesses," Chapman said. "Community members becoming staff members and sharing their knowledge and expertise about the territory and communities can accomplish this." Specific workshops for crafts, such as drums, rattles, and beading, can be scheduled to suit the individual businesses.

Some of this spring's participants would like to start their own businesses within the tourism industry. In addition to learning employment skills, those who want to become entrepreneurs are being assisted in the first steps toward securing that goal.

Diane Daniels, also from Tsqescen said, "It is a really good idea. It gives us a feel for the opportunities for work available within the tourism field and from there we can branch out."

"It's good to have these options," said David Archie from Canoe Creek. " It's a new way of doing things. It's a business that helps our people be independent and to use the land without abusing it. It's the future of our communities."