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We have helped over 400 people in Bkejwanong Territory find meaningful employment

Walpole Island First Nation Employment

Providing professional training, development and employment services
since 1999

The Walpole Island First Nation Employment and Training Program is dedicated to empowering people in Bkejwanong Territory to become highly skilled, employable, and self-sufficient. 

Our Goal: To provide all members of our community with the opportunity to reach their fullest potential by helping them gain the skills and confidence they need to find successful careers.

Our innovative approach ensures that we can provide a customized employment program to meet the needs of each individual in a culturally sensitive way.

The Walpole Island First Nation, in affiliation with the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISETP) with Service Canada, provides the Walpole Island Employment & Training Program with the means and ability to determine, develop and deliver Employment and training services and human resource development programs.

To bring more culture and language to our programming, we re-named our program Giyakiishchigewin, which means, “getting a good foothold or getting a good grasp, of something usually pertaining to life.”

Discover your career path today!

Our Mission:

To empower the people of Bkejwanong Territory to fulfil their life and work goals by providing comprehensive services using a holistic approach to enhance their career development and provide training and education to the Anishnaabe people.

Our Vision:

We envision that the people of Bkejwanong Territory are highly skilled, self-sufficient, employed and fulfilled in the career of their choice.

OUR VALUES

Fairness

We are consistent with our processes and the division of our resources among qualifying community members; we are non-judgmental and declare conflicts of interest to avoid nepotism or favouritism.

Respect

We recognize and appreciate people’s different life paths and experiences and how those have shaped a person’s self-identity; we aim to make our community members comfortable; we strive to understand our community member’s underlying needs and act in a way that offers them solutions.

Compassion

We recognize and appreciate people’s different life paths and experiences and how those have shaped a person’s self-identity; we aim to make our community members comfortable; we strive to understand our community member’s underlying needs and act in a way that offers them solutions.

Encouragement

We are cheerleaders for the people we support; we provide support and guidance; we give hope and foster confidence by providing an environment for professional and personal growth.

Trust

We will act in an ethical, accountable, and transparent manner to ensure the people we support and our teammates feel they can rely on us, and have confidence in our abilities

Safety

We will provide an environment that is warm, welcoming, and inclusive.

Meet our team

Leela Thomas

Program Manager
Over 10 years of supervisory experience, with a background in finance, psychology, business, and employment consulting. As the Program Manager, Leela strives to ensure everything runs smoothly and the program aligns with its mission, vision, values, and goals while striving maintaining high level of customer service standards for community members. She is passionate about contributing to the success of the community and supporting community members in achieving their career aspirations.
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Hannah Cruickshank

Employment Consultant
Hannah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Rights and Equity Studies from York University and a Human Resources Management certificate from Lambton College . As an Employment Consultant, Hannah takes great pride in helping people achieve their career goals and maximize their potential. Her passion lies in witnessing her clients succeed and thrive in their chosen professions.
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Jeffery BlackBird

Employment Support Worker & Life Coach 
Jeff is on a mission to empower your career journey and life goals. Armed with a Business background from Lambton College and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at Nipissing University. Jeff’s dedication stems from delivering programs that bring happiness to the community. His words to advice: ‘ You don’t have to be good to start; you just have to start to be good.
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Janet ireson

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Youth Employment Counsellor/Life Coach 
As a Social Service Worker Diploma holder (with a specialized focus in youth care and trauma-informed care) and having worked in the social service field for over ten years, Janet is committed to assisting clients in recognizing, discovering, and celebrating their talents, passions, and goals. After living and working on a Dene reserve in Northern Saskatchewan, Janet valued the holistic approach Indigenous teachings offer their community and recognized the power in strengthening individuals through community and culture.

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