Success Stories
As an Aboriginal youth growing up in Lac La Biche, Alberta, V. was no stranger to addiction, violence, and crime. Now, as a graduate of NorQuest’s Aboriginal Policing and Security program, V. is no stranger to success. “The only way to change the future is to heal the past. For this to occur one must have awareness, confidence, and pride in who they are – these are characteristics that my education at NorQuest has helped me recognize in myself,” said V. at NorQuest’s 2nd Annual Fundraising Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe on November 3. V. told a crowd of almost 500 people about his experiences growing up in a Métis community, where he was exposed to alcohol and drugs at a very young age. By Grade 12, he was more concerned with drinking, partying, and starting fights than thinking about his future. V. said he was inspired by his mother’s determination to create a better life for her family when she returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a social worker. Always fascinated by the stories of his former hockey coach, an RCMP Officer, V. eventually found inspiration in a poster for NorQuest’s Aboriginal Policing and Security program. He realized the need for positive Aboriginal role models and enrolled in the program. “NorQuest College has not only taught me about policing, but also about Native culture and how to become a better role model and a better person,” he said. Currently completing his field placement with the RCMP in his hometown, V. has a renewed confidence and the desire to make a difference. “Since coming to NorQuest, I’ve opened myself up to a new future, and started looking at life in a different way,” he said. “What I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter who you are – you just have to believe in yourself and you will achieve.?
“S. had applied to the RCMP and was not successful in the application process. Through the Métis Nation of Alberta, Youth Coordinator was aware of the college program and referred S. to the program. After attending an information session and speaking with program staff and the police service recruiter, S. felt this program would assist her in reaching her career goal. Over the 9 months, S. developed her skills, abilities and knowledge in the area of policing and Aboriginal issues. S. graduated with honours, wrote her entrance exam and fitness testing and was accepted into depot immediately upon graduation. S. received her police badge 6 months later and is currently a constable stationed in Northern Alberta.?
“One recent success story is that of a young woman who, in preparation to her goal of becoming an Aboriginal lawyer, successfully completed the 3 year Law Clerk program at Seneca College. She is now working at obtaining her BA at York University with the intent of entering Osgoode Hall law school. Her steady progress through the College's program gave her the confidence to attain her ultimate goal and to eventually become involved in Aboriginal governance and politics.
A second success story is that of male student who has just completed his 2 years of study in the Pre- Service Fire Fighter Education and Training Program. Wanting to travel this young person is now actively seeking employment in his chosen field anywhere in Canada or the USA.