NAIT and Census Envoy launch Aboriginal leadership program for Alberta youth

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, with the support of Cenovus Energy, has launched an innovative program to help promote Aboriginal youth leadership skills in First Nations communities in central and northern Alberta. The NAIT Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program was delivered early in April to 18 students between the ages of 15 and 18 in Heart Lake First Nation. Through interactive instruction, the NAIT program teaches students how to improve their communication skills, identify and deal with risks, manage a variety of conflict situations and improve time management skills. The program - taught by NAIT’s Project Leadership and Project Management instructors - helps students improve their grades, reduce school drop-out rates and improve employment opportunities. The program was successfully piloted 2 years ago in town of High Level to participants from the 3 Dene Tha’ First Nation communities. It will continue to be delivered to youth from other First Nation communities following last week’s successful launch. NAIT News Release