Telling Our Stories with Hope for the Future
November 27, 2018
As she heads into the final week of PMC’s Pre-Employment Training program in Cambridge Bay, Jillian Glousher talks about the experiences of the group as they continue to demonstrate their drive and determination to learn through and with each other. Read full post…
Nearing Graduation Day
November 16, 2018
Erin Strachan talks about achievements and activities the participants of PMC’s 12-week Pre-Employment Training program have undertaken as they approach graduation day. The participants in five Nunavut communities have worked together for a common cause, offered support and kindness to others and themselves, and creatively solved problems. Read full post…
Evolution of a Classroom
October 4, 2018
What does it take to set-up an, essentially, pop-up classroom? The classroom space for this year’s intake of the Cambridge Bay Pre-Employment Training Program is located inside a local lodge. The conference room is spacious enough to include the participant workspaces and a small, make-shift kitchen area. There is also lots of natural light (while the light lasts, of course). Read full post…
Fall 2018 Nunavut Pre-Employment Training Program
October 1, 2018
The past few weeks have been a blur of activity, launching our Nunavut pre-employment training programs in five communities. Program intake is now wrapping up for Inuit with disabilities or barriers to employment in Iqaluit, Kugluktuk, and Cape Dorset, and for Inuit youth ages 18-29 in Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay. Read full post…
Congratulations, Best Wishes and Farewell
January 4, 2017
It’s hard to believe that nearly a month has passed since our graduation ceremony for the Pre-Employment Training Program. The final week was so busy that it flew by — much like the rest of the program! Having Elder Susan Toolooktook visit us, we were full of inspiration from learning about her “Walk for Love” back in the winter of 1992. Read full post…
Carrying the Past into the Future
December 6, 2016
As we work to wrap up our program, we had a special guest visit us. Elder Susan Toolooktook came as a guest speaker. She told us the story of her double marathon “Walk for Love” to Nauhaaq nearly 25 years ago. Like Elder Atutuvaa’s visit, Susan shared some inspiring messages. Read full post…
Make Your Contribution
December 2, 2016
Looking at the final week of our training program, it’s time to reflect on everything we’ve learned. In the beginning, 25 interested candidates were interviewed by Linda Simpson who is an expert in providing pre-employment orientation and training for people with disabilities. She was assisted by our Program Coordinator Nadia Aaruaq. Linda and Nadia selected the 16 participants who they felt had the most potential to benefit from and succeed in the program. Read full post…
Four Fires for a Feast
November 17, 2016
At this moment I could just cry from pride, sadness and happiness all at the same time. Or I could fall to the floor with exhaustion. Yet I have never felt such a drive or sense of purpose in my life. What could have led to this emotional roller coaster? Read full post…
Designing Social Enterprise Solutions in Baker Lake
November 21, 2016
According to Muhammad Yunus, “All human beings are born as entrepreneurs. But unfortunately, many of us never had the opportunity to unwrap that part of our life, so it remains hidden.” In Nunavut’s only inland community of Baker Lake, I had the chance to test out this principle with a group of adults with disabilities who are engaged in a 12-week pre-employment training program with PMC and the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Family Services (DFS). Read full post…
Connecting to the Land, Animals and Each Other
October 19, 2016
I am not the same person today as I was when I woke up yesterday. Today I have a full heart and belly and some dried caribou blood on my shoes and fingernails. What could have happened yesterday to explain this and what does it have to do with pre-employment training for people with disabilities? It’s a long story, but I will do my best to explain. Read full post…
We Arrive in Baker Lake
September 26, 2016
Baby Claire, Dave and I have arrived in Baker Lake (or Qamani’tuaq), Nunavut, our home for the next 3 months. PMC has been been doing professional development training for the Government of Nunavut and other Nunavut and northern organizations for the last six years. However, the Baker Lake Projectis the first of its kind. The target participants are people who may have never worked so there is a great need for both training and work experience opportunities. PMC is striving to provide both through the 12-week training program and developing a social enterprise for recycled clothing and toys in Baker Lake. Read full post…