PLA - Prior Learning Assessment

There is a great article written and posted on the Aboriginal Business and International Trade web site, its part of the Government of Canada web site.

Here is the link

Remembering who we are

It has helped give me a stronger voice...

why did you come to FNTI?

I decided to attend FNTI while I was working as an Aboriginal News reporter
for (Haliburton Broadcasting Group) in Parry Sound. I did not have an
education in the biz. And I did not like the way stories on Aboriginal
people were covered in mainstream media at large. I also had a one-hour
Aboriginal program to produce weekly, and had no clue what kind of content I
should include.

how has the FNTI/media program(Indigenous Communications Journalism) experience changed you?

It has helped give me a stronger voice to tell stories from my own
community. FNTI has also been a great source of support while I have
been in different work environments, and continues to be there for me!!!

My programs improved greatly at HBG while I was attending school
with more content and in-depth stories.

Also, during my time at FNTI, I have moved around quite a bit,
wanting to experience different types of media. I've since worked
for a private radio group in Kansas, U.S.A, as well as CBC radio
in Sudbury, and have written a few freelance print stories for
Aboriginal publications. Both of those experiences have been in
mainstream media. I covered mainstream news. In Kansas, I worked
in Hiawatha, where there were about 5 Indian Reservations in the
area. I ensured there was Native American Indian news content from
those communities in my news.

Talk about where you're working...

I have since returned to the hub of HBG in Parry Sound. I have
gone full-circle so to speak. I am currently the News Director
and Operations Manager in Parry Sound. I anchor the morning news,
as well as co-host with my buddy Dave Chisholm. I am having a
GREAT time. I make sure there is local news every day, with news
from local First Nations as well. It's not like work at all. So,
in essence, I get paid to have fun. I absolutely love radio!!!!!

Would like to know what its like for a mother to go back to school
and how you made it work?

Well, I always say, where there's a will, theres a way. It wasn't
hard for me to return to school. I have two absolutely terrific
teens, Dmitri and Deidre. I also have a very supportive extended
family, who helped keep an eye on my kids while I was away at
school. I missed them a lot while I was away, especially the first
session at school, which lasted six weeks. That seemed like an
eternity to me because I have never been away from them for that
long. It has all been worth it now, with my new position. My kids
are happy that I am happy, as well as proud of me.

and the wisdom that you have recieved through the years?

Wisdom throughout the years? I don't know about that. I just do
what I LOVE. Theres no time for anything else.
(make sure to wear clean underwear everyday! wear a bra that fits!
And laugh lots everyday!!!!)

come one come all

Renewable energy and First Nations:

What are the benefits and opportunities?

On Tuesday, June 5, Volker Thomsen and Dan Longboat will explain how renewable energy can benefit First Nations and their communities.

Volker Thomsen is the President of St. Lawrence College, near Akwesasne Mohawk Territory near Cornwall, Ontario. He is a visionary, actively promoting improved health for First Nations peoples, and a long-time supporter of FNTI. He is also the author of Canada: Enroute to Prosperity, an inspirational book advocating innovation and job creation through education and training, health and wellness. In particular, Mr Thomsen advocates for “green innovation.”

Dan Longboat is Director of the Indigenous Environmental Studies Department at Trent University, and a Faculty member with FNTI’s Indigenous Community Health Approaches Program.

This Open House will be of interest to those concerned with sustainable communities, First Nations peoples, and the general public.

Admission is FREE

When: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 7:00 pm

Where: Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Community Centre – 1807 York Road

Why: To discuss renewable energy options for First Nations territories


For more information, contact:

Christine Loft	Suzanne Brant	Merle Maracle
613-396-2122 ext 136	613-396-2122 ext 125	613-396-2122 ext 121
chrisl@fnti.net	suzanneb@fnti.net	merlem@fnti.net

Directions for community centre

I made many friends along the way...

Tell me about yourself?

My name is Victoria Lathlin and I am from the
Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba.

Why did you come to FNTI?

I came to FNTI to learn the skills that would enable me to succeed in mainstream and the aboriginal field of media.

Going to FNTI really changed my outlook in life. Not
only did I learn about other aboriginal cultures and issues, I learned what it takes to be in the field of media. I made many friends along the way.

So your working in a co-op placement in toronto? where abouts?

My placement at Omni has been fantastic! If anyone
wants to truly learn and be put to actual reporting
work, then Omni is for you. Because it is the
diversity channel, you learn so much about other
people and cultures in this world. It really is a
great eye opener.

Whats it like being a mother and a student?

As a mother, leaving my children to go to school has
been really difficult, the most difficult thing I have
ever had to do actually. But the staff at FNTI are
really supportive, and it's important for me to teach
my children and others who may be parents, that your
still capable of achieving your dreams, no matter your
circumstance.

What are you learning while being in Toronto?

Living in Toronto has been very different for me. From
living in a community of five thousand to a city of
millions, it can be a little intimidating! There are
many times I just wanted to throw in the towel, but
after over coming certain obstacles in life, you ask
yourself, if I did that - why should'nt I be able to
do this?

Can you talk about your support system?

Of course it helps to have a great support
system, and although my family and friends are in
another world far away it seems at times, they always
catch me and pull me back up when I start to fall.
I'm glad that I challenged myself and learned what I
have. It only encourages me to dream bigger and
achieve more in life. It also lays a foundation for my
children to dream from. Knowing that the stars in the
sky that seem so far from reach can be touched upon is
an amazing thing! Thank you FNTI for everything!