A very positive step is an existing provincial workgroup implementing criteria for workplace standards in the career development process for Manitoba. This will fill a gap particularly if it includes an Aboriginal lens and community capacity as competencies for ECs. Participant C described, “We do need to look at building community capacity to provide services.… We have to look at economic development in rural and northern Manitoba.… Everybody can’t move to Winnipeg.”
Another positive discussion revolved around partnerships, networking, and team-based approaches to successful results. Highlighted programs included the Northern Development Strategy and First Nations Employment and Training North Initiative. There was a direct correlation between the partnership and team-based programs being implemented in one region and the region’s level of employee empowerment and satisfaction, including retention. Participant D stated, “So I think I am going to stay here and do what I can for the people and the communities.”
Opaskwayak Cree Nation (n.d.) programs are possibly the best model of impact when looking at Aboriginal employment services in rural and northern Manitoba. While the level of funding is still inadequate in relation to the need, these programs, according to evaluations, are providing success as Participant B explained, “Their retention rate in their college programs went from forty-seven per cent retention to eight-two per cent.”
Somehow OCN programs have linked all the pieces to produce an end-to-end strategy that is working for clients. I hope there will be notice taken of this and more research linked to the factors contributing to this success. Another key factor in this model is the delivery methods and capacity building that have been established throughout development. As Participant F explained, “You need to develop people holistically; that’s the whole person, spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical; and it needs to be a well-
balanced program so these people are leaving the community well armed to survive in the outside world.”