Opportunities
Capacity building
Paddle Your Own C'apac
Training opportunities
Nuu-chah-nulth links
Our people at work
Building Capacity for Nuu-chah-nulth Communities
Uu-a-thluk aims to increase the ability of Nuu-chah-nulth to participate in careers related to ocean resources. Since 2005, we have delivered the following programs with that goal in mind:
• Uu-a-thluk Internships: Uu-a-thluk provides Nuu-chah-nulth post secondary students enrolled in science programs with hands-on learning through summer internships lasting up to four months. Uu-a-thluk also employs other interested Nuu-chah-nulth through our species-at-risk internship program during the winter months.
• Mentorship Programs: Uu-a-thluk’s mentorship programs give youth and others a chance to work and gain experience under the guidance of supportive role models from in and around Nuu-chah-nulth communities. Since 2006, Uu-a-thluk staff and contractors have provided mentorship opportunities in aquatic biology, shellfish aquaculture, capacity development, communications, and conference planning. Uu-a-thluk is pleased to provide a yearlong Associate Biologist position for one Nuu-chah-nulth graduate beginning in 2009.
• Job-Shadowing Programs: In addition to the above experiences, Uu-a-thluk has provided on-the-job learning in resource management careers through job shadowing positions for high school students. In some cases, students earn graduation credits by participating in the program.
• Science Enrichment for Youth: Isolated Nuu-chah-nulth communities rarely receive the enrichment opportunities offered to youth in larger centres. For the past three years, Uu-a-thluk has sponsored science camps and clubs for elementary school students in remote Nuu-chah-nulth communities. Uu-a-thluk has also worked with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, the Raincoast Education Society, and the Nis’ma Society to deliver cultural and aquatic-based science programs to elementary and high school students.
• Training Programs: Uu-a-thluk offers training programs to help workers living in isolated communities earn credit and gain skills in areas like marine emergency duties, first aid, swift water rescue, and oil spill response.
• Role Models In-the-Schools: This program gave Nuu-chah-nulth youth the chance to meet and interact with Nuu-chah-nulth role models employed in resource management related jobs, thereby fostering a greater understanding of resource management career options. The project was a joint partnership between School District #70, NTC Education, and Uu-a-thluk.
• Career Resources: The Uu-a-thluk Council of Ha’wiih asked Uu-a-thluk staff to connect youth and others with information about careers and training related to resource management and harvest. To date Uu-a-thluk has developed career workshops and presentations, a Nuu-chah-nulth job manual, promotional videos, and role model posters to help link Nuu-chah-nulth people to aquatic resource jobs. Please see below for sample posters. Uu-a-thluk staff look forward to your ideas and contributions.
For more information on these and other capacity building programs, contact Norine Messer at 250-735-4111 or norinemesser@hotmail.com.
Paddle Your Own C'apac
Ocean-based jobs for Nuu-chah-nulth-aht
Our new online opportunities manual gives you the information you need to work in careers related to the ocean. Explore industries, find out about earnings, and learn what education or training you need to be successful. Click here to get started.
Training Opportunities
Uu-a-thluk Capacity Building is looking for members to sign up for course waiting lists for the following:
- Occupational First Aid
- Marine Emergency Duties A3
- Small Marine Vessel Operator Certificate
- Restricted Radio Operator License (3-day)
These courses are critical for those who are or will be working on the water.
- At-Sea Monitoring and Observation
- Sports Fishing - Guiding and Chartering
- Guiding for Species Other Than Salmon
If sufficient interest is demonstrated, Uu-a-thluk will fundraise to organize these courses.
Uu-a-thluk staff welcomes any suggestions that you might have for the training that you require and suggestions for the training courses that would best serve your needs and the needs of your community.
For any comments you have, please contact Norine Messer at 250-735-4111 or norinemesser@hotmail.com.
First Nations websites and businesses
Hupacasath First Nation
Tseshaht First Nation
Uchucklesaht First Nation
Ahousaht First Nation
Toquaht First Nation
Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation
Nuu-chah-nulth
Tribal Council
NCN
Economic Development Corporation (NEDC)
NCN
Employment and Training Board (NETB)
Tla-ook Cultural Adventures
Nuu-chah-nulth People at Work
Throughout Nuu-chah-nulth territory, people are incorporating traditional knowledge into careers related to resource management and harvest. Uu-a-thluk celebrates their achievements and works to spread the word about their chosen careers.
To learn more about these careers, view our slide show to the right or visit our online career manual.
“Take pride in the work that you do. Don’t do your homework five minutes before the class. Take tenminutes instead of two and a half— that’s the difference between a C+ and an A, and the same individualcan get an A by taking time.” --Saya Masso, Treaty Negotiator, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.
"Do something that you love. If you’re going to start a business, try to think about what your goals are with that business… There will always be stress on the job and there will always be challenges, but when you get discouraged, you can look at what your goals are and say, “Hey, I’m actually accomplishing a lot.”
--Giselle Martin, Owner and Operator, Tla-ook Cultural Adventures, Tofino.
