Carla Page

Carla is a hard working young woman. She currently works full time at Tim Horton’s, often taking on extra shifts when asked. Snaw-naw-as recognizes the example she sets as a strong young woman in our community. The commitment and work ethic she displays on a daily basis are admirable. As an employee she is always on time and willing to take on early and late shifts. And as a family member we see the time that she spends helping her grandmother take care of errands.

Living close to her grandmother has always been important; however, it was time to seek some independence. Carla made a goal to secure her own living space and has recently been successful in doing so. We wish her all the luck in her new home.

Carla is a role model in our community. She provides us all with a great example of hard work and stamina, pushing herself each day to serve public and share time with family.

Alice Sampson

Alice’s hard work and commitment is paying off! Over the past year Alice has committed to several training programs. Previously she spent several years harvesting clams, despite bad weather and midnight shifts she never missed a day. This strong independent woman, with the support of her family, decided to attend ABE classes and participate in Gas Station Operations and Management Training. These courses helped her to secure a Senior Sales Position with our new Gas Station. Alice’s work ethic and determination enable her to be a strong role model for her children. Our community is very proud of Alice’s success.

Tony Bob

Tony’s career goal is to be a cook. Over the past year, he has worked as a dishwasher at Longwood Brew Pub and as a food prep worker at Cedar Sky Foods. He also has worked at various positions in the community, including firewood, campsite attendant and general labor jobs.

Eighteen months ago, Tony signed up for the Key to Employment program offered through ICLD. He made a decision to take advantage of community-based programs in order to boost his skills and to develop a strong resume. He participated in Bladerunners, Introduction to Carpentry, and took driving lessons. He made a real commitment to get to work, catching the bus or walking home late at night. After he got his license, he purchased a vehicle, and now has transportation home from his late-night shifts.

Tony is currently employed at two jobs, the Longwood Brewery Pub and the White Spot. He works hard to pay his bills and enjoys his new independence, earning his own money and helping out family members, especially his mom and his nieces and nephews. He also enjoys building new friendships at work.

Over the past year and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Tony extensively. He brings commitment, laughter and fun to everything he does. We have celebrated Tony’s success each step of the way.

Kendra Sampson

Kendra comes from a family where serving community plays a big role, and she has a gift for extending a helping hand. She began her employment journey working as a summer student in our community in various roles.

She worked at the front desk in the band office, at the campsite, and with our youth program. Through the Governance Mentorship Program, sponsored by FNESC, Kendra worked alongside C+C, and was given the opportunity to attend meetings and gain exposure to First Nations governance. On a day to day basis, she developed a broader perspective on the work being done on behalf of the Nanoose First Nation including Governance, Health, Economic Development and Education.

Kendra’s participation in the program allowed her to strengthen her communication and leadership skills, and to develop confidence in her abilities. She plans to obtain further post-secondary education which may lead to a degree in community development or community planning. Kendra has the kind of energy and commitment which will lead to success and make a difference in our community.

Wesley Edwards

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When Wesley first introduced himself to Nanoose First Nation Employment and Training Department he was withheld and struggled to communicate, I knew that his visit took a lot of courage.  

As we filled out the funding application forms he stated that he had a hard time with interviews because it was difficult for him to communicate with others. My response was “well you’re half way there Wesley, you know what the problem is, now we can work to find solutions”. 

This opened the door to a great working relationship. Wesley has taken part in many Employment Readiness programs held in Snaw-naw-as Community with serious intentions to develop his communication and confidence levels. 

Over the past two years Wesley has been open to receiving many forms of support, this support has allowed him to find his voice. Facilitators have recognized Wesley’s leadership abilities and his willingness to help others. Wesley has become a great role model within the community, we’re proud of how much he’s grown.

Recently Wesley has returned to school to pursue his dreams of becoming a carpenter.  He is enrolled in the Aboriginal Carpentry Program at Vancouver Island University and plans to continue attending until he completes the three year Carpentry Program.

We wish Wesley all the best and will continue to support him where needed.

Kyle Evans

Kyle Evans is a determined young man.  As a husband and father to four children, he works hard to provide for his family.  Over the past two years he has participated in Key to Employment, Skid Steer, and Introduction to Carpentry Training Programs in our Community.  Each training session provided opportunity for Kyle to grow confidence in his abilities as an employee. 

Kyle is easy going and flexible; these traits have been extremely helpful in the work place.  His experience working with various Landscaping and Construction Companies has allowed him to grow his skills and abilities.  In off season, when Kyle is not working he is seeking employment or training opportunities. 

Currently Kyle is employed through Ecklundson Construction Ltd. as a Labourer, (Ecklundson has been contracted to build Snaw-naw-as Gas Station and Market). Kyle is proud to be a part of building something so meaningful to the Snaw-naw-as Nation which has worked towards building a gas station for several years.  We are proud to see him on the work site and thank him for taking time away from his family to contribute to our Community.