Bands join in training program

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DRIFTPILE RESERVE - Eight Indian bands have combined their efforts in an eight-month long band administration training program being run in Driftpile.

Though the program began November 12, the agreements between the participating agencies were just signed.

Under the agreement, funding is provided through Canada Manpower's Canadian Job Strategy, while the 21 participants continue on the payrolls of the participating Bands. Community Vocational Centre (CVC) Slave Lake delivered the course outline for the program that was designed by the Lesser Slave Lake providing funds at the programs' preliminary stages.

Total cost of the band administration training program is estimated at about $435,000.

LSLIRC Executive Director John R. Giroux said the program "is a progressive step for Indian people as they work toward band management and self-government."

CVC Slave Lake president Karl Gongos told participants at Driftpile the program was "put together from the users end. Educational institutions didn't sit down and say 'this is what you need."

The course is divided into modules dealing with personnel management, financial management, written and interpersonal communication, time management, funding, parliamentary procedure, political and legal issues, and band economic development.

Participating bands include: Bigstone, Sturgeon Lake, Swan River, Sucker Creek, Whitefish Lake, Driftpile, Grouard, and Tal Cree.