Message from the Administration ~ Councillor Yvonne Paquette
Education & Youth Portfolio Holder Councilor Yvonne Paquette: Councilor Paquette has been the Portfolio Holder for Education & Youth for the past year and a half. The philosophy of the Muskoti Learning Centre is as follows: "We believe in an education system which is flexible and respects learners’ needs. We believe in the Responsibility of the learner to choose their education path and to strive toward the fulfillment of their goals. We believe in Providing personal attention and assistance, in helping learners achieve their goals, and in the delivery of all our programming.” We encourage each member to access the education, training and learning programs available at the Learning Centre(s).
Message from the Director Tansi!
 Nicole Hetu I am excited to be the Interim Director, Education, Muskoti Learning Centre (MLC). I would like to take this opportunity to re-introduce myself. My name is Nicole Hetu. I was given my great grandmother’s (Eva Desjarlais) name: Wapikwaniw Iskiw. I also have a Saulteau name: Migizikwe. I am a proud band member of our nation. My kokum is Minnie Garbitt (née Paquette-Desjarlais). My mooshum was Slim Garbitt. My mother is Ruth Hetu (née Garbitt). My father is Jean-Paul Hetu. My family moved to Salmon Arm, B.C. in 1988; I completed high-school in the Shuswap. I have a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Native Studies and a Master of Arts Degree, Indigenous Governance (UVic). I completed a Human Rights training program (and later represented SFN) at the United Nations. Most recently, I resided in Edmonton, Alberta, where (for a number of years) I worked as a Policy Analyst for various provincial Ministries (Education & Aboriginal Affairs). Previously, I worked as the Administrator for the Aboriginal Healthcare Careers Program at the University of Alberta. I am happy to have this opportunity to return to my place of origin and childhood home; to spend time with my khokum, our many relations and community members; and, to give back. In my current role as the Interim Director, MLC, I am responsible for the administration and management of the MLC; Organizational Development and Staff Supervision, as well as, Program Planning and Development. If you have any questions or suggestions about future educational training that you would like to see happen here at MLC please feel free to contact our office or stop by to speak to us. We at MLC look forward to our shared journey of achievement in the realm of Education & Training!
Message from the Coordinator
 Jerri Lynn Morine: Tansi, my name is Jerri Lynn Morine and I am the new Education Coordinator at the Muskoti Learning Centre. I have lived here at Moberly Lake for approx 19 years. My spouse is Barry Davis, a SFN band member and we have 3 very active children; Samantha in grade 11, Mari in grade 7 and Peter in grade 4. We are a hockey family and spend most of the winter in ice arenas. We try to be active in our community and that is how I have met many of you. All three of our children are dancers in the Moberly Lake Dancing Spirits. I have worked in the field of education for over 25 years in many areas. There are very few courses from pre-school to grade 12 that I haven’t taught. I worked for school district 59 for a couple of years at the Moberly Lake Elementary School and as a Substitute at other Chetwynd Schools. I have taught Adults and Youths at the Muskoti Learning Centre and know the program well. I also worked as a teacher’s Assistant and substitute for the Saulteau First Nations’ K4/K5 Program. I firmly believe in and practice the traditions and values of this community and my goal is to be a valuable part of the communities educational interests. The duties of the Education Coordinator center around facilitating post-secondary funding and guidance programs for all Saulteau First Nations Band Members and as a liaison between on reserve band students, parents and local provincial schools. The Education Coordinator also assists in the development, coordination and delivery of educational workshops. If you have some ideas that you would like to discuss please feel free to let me know. We are a team, and I know everyone out there has some great ideas. I am excited and very happy to be here in this position and look forward to working with all of you over the next years. Check out the High School and Elementary Section
Message from the Adult Basic Education Teacher
 Daria Thiltgen: I moved to Chetwynd in 1974 and taught for the first time at Don Titus Elementary. My next job was in Mackenzie BC teaching Home Economics. Probably some of you may remember me from my first years at Don Titus where I remained for 9 years teaching grade 5/6 . Shortly after, I migrated to CSS where I remained until June of 2007. I have taught Kindergarten, grades 3-7, grades 8-11: English, Math, Social Studies, Science, Family Studies, PE, and Art...quite a lot!! I love this country, and I love this valley and the people here. I could have moved many times, but I haven’t. The mountains and the wilderness are a source of inspiration for me, and the people are diverse and fascinating. And then there are the long dark winters when I hibernate and become introspective about life in general. Yet, every spring when the earth revives, so do I. I am positive, forward looking, and here to help you. Thank you for making me part of your community. Check out the Adult Education section
Message from the Front Receptionist
 Denise Davis: Hello to everyone, all my relations! A quick note from the receptionist, Denise Davis, at the Muskoti Learning Centre. As you all may, already know, I have lived here most of my life, moving to and from, Fort St. John a number of times. I have been at the front desk here since December. My job here, is to give support to our people who come in, as well as our new employees, Daria, Jerri, and Nicole. It's been nice to have people back in the office again, this gives me more time, to help and direct people who come in. You all, should already know, Keith my spouse, a Saulteau member, who works in maintenance, at the Saulteau First Nations. We had three girls, now only two; our eldest daughter has made us proud grandparents of two, a girl, and boy. Our youngest daughter is in grade 7 this year, and enjoys her many, many friends. If you have any new ideas, or just want to stop by for a visit, come on in, we enjoy the company here, at the Muskoti! |