Press Release
July 14, 2008
From the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), the Aboriginal Leadership Institute Inc., and Millbrook Technologies Ltd.
CESO to offer its Volunteer Advisers online Aboriginal Cultural Awareness training
Toronto, ON – CESO is pleased to embark on an exciting new online training program called Aboriginal Cultural Awareness which it will offer its Volunteer Advisers working with Aboriginal individuals and communities across Canada. The online training program was developed by the Manitoba-based Aboriginal Leadership Institute Inc. in partnership with Millbrook Technologies Ltd. (a company of Millbrook First Nation) and endorsed by the Assembly of First Nations.
“Cultural awareness is critical to our work. This program enables CESO to provide our Volunteer Advisers with essential information about Aboriginal cultures and values,” said Bob Dickson, Vice President of National Services. “The online format allows us to offer the training program to our Volunteer Advisers regardless of where they live.”
Self-directed and easy to use, Aboriginal Cultural Awareness is a four-unit, e-learning program designed specifically for non-Aboriginal people who will be working in Aboriginal communities. It introduces participants to the concept of cultural awareness and it presents participants with a view of Canadian history from an Aboriginal perspective.
The goal of Aboriginal Cultural Awareness is to help non-Aboriginal people work with Aboriginal people in ways that convey respect for Aboriginal cultures and understanding of the issues that are important to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. It is about relationship building.
“Cultural awareness is something that we all need. It is important to know who your neighbours are and what is important to them,” said Rosa Walker, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Leadership Institute. “CESO was one of the first organizations to sign on to the training program. It is a reflection of CESO’s commitment to diversity and cultural awareness in their organization.”
“We are pleased that an organization as well-known as CESO is implementing this program, this is a great day and we hope that companies and organizations across the country will follow their example,” said Chief Lawrence Paul of Millbrook First Nation.
For additional information on Aboriginal Cultural Awareness visit http://aboriginalawareness.ca.
The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) is a not-for-profit organization that helps to build proud independent communities. Its highly skilled volunteers use their professional expertise and experience, at home and abroad, to help others achieve their goals. Since 1969, CESO Aboriginal Services has successfully linked Aboriginal individuals, businesses, communities, and organizations with professional Volunteer Advisers in over 27,000 projects.
The Aboriginal Leadership Institute Inc. (ALI) is a non-profit organization established to build leadership capacity in Canadian Aboriginal people. ALI is run by Aboriginal people and directed by a volunteer board reflecting the diversity of the Aboriginal community. ALI works closely with educational institutes, governments and the private sector. Through partnerships and cooperative alliances, they provide rich and varied educational opportunities.
Millbrook Technologies Ltd., located in Nova Scotia, Canada, and owned by the Millbrook First Nation, specializes in the customization of advanced technologies. Millbrook Technologies has strategic alliance partners in all provinces and territories in Canada and continues to work with other First Nation communities in the development of capacity building initiatives.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Josie Marchese
CESO Communications Manager
Tel: 416-961-2376 or 1-800-268-9052, extension 253
jmarchese@ceso-saco.com
Rosa Walker
Executive Director
Aboriginal Leadership Institute Inc.
Tel: 204-940-1700
alii1@mts.net
Walter Deagle
Director of Technology
Millbrook Technologies Inc.
Tel: 902-897-9199 ext 123
walter@millbrooktechnologies.com
|
