Keepers of the Circle Culture, Confidence and Competence Training Program set to begin May 2nd

Keepers of the Circle Culture, Confidence and Competence Training Program set to begin May 2nd

TEMISKAMING, ON, April 19, 2022 – Keepers of the Circle is pleased to announce another cycle of its Culture, Confidence and Competence (CCC) Training for Indigenous women and gender diverse people is set to begin on May 2^nd.  One session will be offered in-person in Kirkland Lake and the other will be delivered online to members from across Ontario.

“We’re happy to return to offering in-person sessions,” says Arlene Hache, Executive Director of Keepers of the Circle. “COVID-19 required us to move online, and while we were able to adapt and reach new members by doing so, we know there are those who benefit more from an in-person, immersive learning experience.”

The CCC curriculum is an 8-week culturally based, trauma-informed essential skills training program designed by and for Indigenous women. It is led by Elders and involves activities that ask members to reflect on ways of being and doing that support spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical health leading to a life of balance. The program helps members set a career path and links them directly to jobs through industry partnerships e.g., trades, green construction, agriculture etc.

As a result of its decade-long success, communities have asked Keepers of the Circle to partner with them to deliver co-ed programming as well.

The Culture, Confidence and Competence program is delivered in units:

• Personal Development
• Health and Wellness
• Job Sector Exploration
• Professional Development
• Technical Training specific to each industry

Job coaching for up to a year is offered, as is wrap-around support that may include a living allowance, childcare, and transportation.

“The Culture, Confidence and Competence program grew out of the Aboriginal Women in Mining program and has evolved to incorporate skill building for a variety of sectors and careers,” says Hache. “The end goal is to support economic security, resiliency and self-determination.”

For those interested in applying to the CCC, they can learn more and register at: https://keepersofthecircle.com/programs/culture-confidence-and-competence/

About Keepers of the Circle

Keepers of the Circle is operated by the Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group, a non-profit organization incorporated in 1997 to support the political, social, and economic equity of Indigenous women and gender diverse individuals. Keepers of the Circle is the provincial representative for the Native Women’s Association of Canada for Ontario.