HaiCo Tourism & Hospitality Training Program Certifies Seven Community Members in Gaw Tlagée/Masset

L-R: Tanisha Pollard, Alyssa Lewis, Tyra Shaw-Yeltatzie, Deena Manitobenis, Trishann Turner, Carol Edenshaw, and Jennifer Smith.

The comprehensive 12-week program was a resounding success; please join us in congratulating the dedicated participants on their accomplishments! 

We are excited to announce the completion of the Masset cohort of the Hospitality and Tourism Training Program! We want to congratulate Deena Manitobenis, Tanisha Pollard, Jennifer Smith, Tyra Shaw-Yeltatzie, Alyssa Lewis, Carol Edenshaw and Trishann Turner on their achievements! 

At the beginning of 2022, HaiCo was successful in receiving $250,000 of funding from the Government of British Columbia to provide hospitality and life skills training. This funding opportunity was originally secured in 2018 by HaiCo’s Skills Development Coordinator Kung K_ayangas Marlene Liddle but the program was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. HaiCo was able to resubmit a new funding application and it was approved! We are grateful for Kung K_ayangas’ hard work and dedication to training and education. Háw’aa • Haawa thank you Kung K_ayangas.    

The seven participants have successfully completed the 3-month training program, and many have secured local employment in the tourism and hospitality sector. During the 12 weeks of training, the participants completed industry-related certificates, gained additional essential and occupational skills, and completed a two-week work placement at a local business.  

Each training day, the group received catered lunches and they were able to bond over good meals. Throughout the program, this group of participants supported each other with their classwork and through the stress of day-to-day life. They developed a close bond and now call each other friends. We will be spotlighting our students in a separate article. Please watch our HaiCo Facebook next week and join us in congratulating each one for their achievements.  

On June 25, the group graduated from the program and celebrated together with a dinner at the Haida House cooked by Executive Chef Kil Tlaa’sgaa Brodie Swanson. They received their certificate of completion for the ‘On the Ground’ Hospitality and Tourism Training Program. Equipped with new work experience, certifications, and tools, the participants are ready to transfer these skills to their new employment opportunities. 

Through the duration of the program, participants obtained certification in FoodSafe Level 1, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Serving it Right, Safety in the Workplace, Occupational First Aid Level 1, SuperHost, Computer Skills with Microsoft programs, Time Management, Change Management, Attitude and Business Etiquette, Goal Setting and Assertiveness and Self Confidence. 

“Programs like these change lives. The students in the program were motivated and excited for the training and the difference it can make for families. The excitement for and the success of the practicums demonstrated the student successes. An essential element of the program was the support provided for childcare and living expenses. It allowed the students to attend and transition to employment.” - Fraser Earl, Instructor 

The training program was supported by the Project Coordinator, Ileah Mattice, who directly assisted the participants throughout the duration of the program. She also coordinated instructors, catering, venue, internet service, work placements, obtained additional funding for childcare support, completed the necessary paperwork, promoted the program, and recruited the participants. Please join us in thanking all our partners who made this program a success!  

Háw’aa • Haawa thank you to the Government of British Columbia for the funding support, to Coast Mountain College for the program delivery and to WorkBC for supporting the program delivery. Háw’aa • Haawa thank you to Daddy Cool’s Public House at Mile Zero, the 626 Fish n’ Chipper, Haida Gwaii Co-op and the Haida House for providing work placements for the participants. Háw’aa • Haawa thank you to the cooks Charlotte Marks, Sandy Gagnon, and the OMVC Culinary Arts for providing catered lunches. Háw’aa • Haawa thank you to Haida Child and Family Services Society and TriCorp for the additional childcare funding support. Háw’aa • Haawa thank you to Mascon for supplying internet for the duration of the program and supporting the community and this training cohort. 

After three months of participant recruitment for a HlGaagilda Skidegate cohort, we were unsuccessful in obtaining enough participants and decided to cancel the cohort. We are hoping to offer other training opportunities in the future, stay tuned!