Student help available for summer projects

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Ooskipikwa is a program geared for university students wanting to work with Aboriginal agencies based on reserves or in Aboriginal communities. The name is derived from a Cree word meaning new bud or growth and is used metaphorically to describe a student consultant who brings new ideas and change to an Alberta Native community. The program was formally known as the Indian Management Assistance Program.

Most students spend four months as trainees working on a job and get first hand experience on an administrative level. The project areas include legal research, community development, management, or technical assistance. The program allows the students to gain organizational, interpersonal and time management skills, as well as learn how to communicate effectively.

Elaine McVeigh, manager of the program, is of Aboriginal descent. She has been with the First Nations Resource Council, which manages the Ooskipukwa Program, since April 1993. McVeigh first worked as a student consultant and was eventually hired to assist the program director. McVeigh's work consists of promoting the Ooskipukwa program to universities, student associations and clients as well as recruiting and monitoring about 40 projects each year within the province of Alberta. She is also responsible for all related administrative duties connected to the program.

''I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction when I see the results at the end of the summer in terms of a completed project and a student's growth at the end of the work term," said McVeigh.

The program runs from the beginning of May until the end of August and includes an orientation conference set up for a week in May and a wrap-up workshop held at summer's end.

Students applying for the Ooskipukwa Program are asked to submit their application forms before March 7. This program is open to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. In 1998, 70 project proposals were submitted from 51 different bands and organizations and 40 of those projects were undertaken. Aboriginal students get a chance to use their skills and knowledge in the communities and the program offers a chance for non- Aboriginal students to gain more insight into Native culture and concerns.

Generally, students applying for this program are in their third year of university, however, first and second year students may apply as well. Students are usually recruited from the 63 universities across North America, giving Indian bands and Native organizations access to a vast amount of talent.

The costs, such as accommodation and work related expenses, of acquiring a student consultant is the responsibility of the organization. Chiefs, band managers, department heads, administrators, and directors of Native organizations are required to submit an application form by the March 7 deadline.

For more information about this program call (780) 453-6114.