june 2009 issue
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Aboriginal Resources Receive Book Boost
New books donated by APEGGA are supporting the curriculum of Father Lacombe High School — as well as the Association’s Aboriginal Mentorship Program, which expanded into the school in 2008
BY AMY PILIKOWSKI
Public Relations Coordinator
(Calgary)
Thanks to APEGGA, students at Calgary’s Father Lacombe High School now have access to additional books about Aboriginal heritage. A $1,000 cheque was recently presented to the school on behalf of the APEGGA Aboriginal Affairs Program.
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GOOD READING |
The funds cover the purchase of books about Aboriginal history and culture. Each book contains an attractive book plate acknowledging APEGGA’s gift.
Librarian Carol Rinquist, who accepted the cheque on the school’s behalf, used the money for new library books with the school’s curriculum in mind.
“With APEGGA’s generous contribution, our students will have the advantage of new materials to work with that provide invaluable insight into Aboriginal culture, while complementing and reflecting what is being taught in the classroom.” Ms. Rinquist said.
“This will enrich the learning experience for all.”
APEGGA mentors and staff joined Father Lacombe faculty and students to celebrate the new resources, last month.
The funds not only help create a new collection of relevant books about Aboriginal heritage. They also demonstrate APEGGA’s recognition and support of students and volunteer mentors who contribute to the APEGGA Aboriginal Mentorship Program.
“I feel great pride that I’m able to share my geology adventures in Northern Canada and my current career with the students,” said Marie-Eve Caron, Geol.I.T., one of the mentors. “They are so curious and inquisitive about everything, and now they have so much more information at their fingertips. It is especially important that the materials purchased highlight the richness and depth of Aboriginal culture so that students can learn about the past and get inspiration for the future.”
The Aboriginal Mentorship Program, aimed at Aboriginal youth, began in 2007 as a pilot at nearby St. Martha Elementary School, then expanded to Father Lacombe in 2008. Volunteers answer questions, share stories and encourage Aboriginal youth to follow their dreams. Through sharing their personal and professional experiences, mentors are also able to show students the exciting world that they can be a part of if they continue to explore science and math, and pursue careers in engineering or geoscience.
The program currently has 10 mentors, many of whom are Aboriginal. They visit three schools in Alberta — St. Boniface Elementary School in Edmonton, as well as the two Calgary schools. The program provides a valuable experience not only for the students, but for the volunteers as well.
Said Matt Scheuring, P. Eng., “Mentorship is an invaluable way to give back to the community, such that the giving yields even greater rewards later.” Mr. Scheuring, who is APEGGA’s longest-standing Aboriginal mentor, notes that mentoring need not be complicated. Sometimes just being present and providing perspective can make a world of difference.
“Being available and present is one of the greatest gifts a mentor can give. It makes a path known that may not have been contemplated otherwise, and shows attainable goals that may have been missed due to unfamiliarity.”
The Aboriginal Mentorship Program is always growing and mentors are still needed.
If you would like to learn more about it — and find out how you can get involved and make a difference in the lives of students — contact APEGGA mentoring coordinator Arlene Lack at alack@apega.ca, 780-426-3990 or, toll free, 1-800-661-7020.
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FACES OF MENTORING |
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