Our objective has always been to encourage our youth to finish school so that they can hopefully return to Jean Marie River in the future and become productive members of the community. With that objective in mind, there are a variety of ways our youth can get involved in the community.
The summer employment program has existed for many years. The program targets youth ages 15-30 who are returning to school (high school or post-secondary). This program provides opportunities for young people to work right here in Jean Marie River. Jobs are available with the Public Works department to do community beautification and other general maintenance tasks. Youth have also been doing job shadowing positions such as Youth Centre Assistant, Finance Office Assistant, Municipal Service Assistant and Reception Assistant. Through mentoring, students learn the various aspects of Band administration in addition to gaining a solid work ethic.
We are also in the second year of the aquatics program, Aboriginal Aquatics Resource Ocean Management, or AAROM. Through this program, a river monitor is hired to monitor the health of the fish, water and aquatic ecosystem around our community. This important role provides employment for youth while proactively maintaining the health of the river and wildlife that, in turn, help sustain us.
Source: Marilyn Hardisty