Parkland College recently signed a five-year memorandum of understanding to establish a formal relationship with Okanese First Nation near Balcarres.

The affiliation between Okanese and the college seeks to improve labour market participation among members of the First Nation through essential skills programs, adult basic education, and specific training linked to industry and jobs. Among the other goals of the MOU, college programs and courses offered to Okanese will be strengthened, and both parties will work toward securing provincial training allowances for students learning on reserve.

“Parkland College values forming partnerships and delivering responsive learning options to improve the way of life of people across the region,” said Michael Cameron, Parkland’s director of training and business development. “This agreement further solidifies our commitment to focusing on the learner through accessibility, inclusion and diversity.”

Under the leadership of Chief Marie-Anne Daywalker-Pelletier and her Council, Okanese First Nation sees itself as a vibrant community, one that sets the path for a brighter future for its people, the promotion of a better quality of life, and the ability to persevere through many challenges that First Nations people endure.

Okanese and Parkland officials will meet twice a year to assess progress.