In the gymnasium of Yuuthluithaht Nation on Oct. 27, graduates of the Health Care Assistant Program gathered with family and friends to celebrate the students’ journey of learning and sharing.
Ten months ago they signed up for the program delivered by Discovery Community College, which was co-funded by the Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Nursing.
The program was created because of the need for Home Care Assistants throughout much of the province, but particularly here on the coast.
Though there was an agenda for the evening, in true typical Nuu-chah-nulth fashion, the evening took on a life of its own, with family speeches, songs, tears, laughter and love, all present and shared.
The importance of looking after one’s own, especially at home where our elders have always been and want to stay, was expressed repeatedly that day.
“It’s just a part of who we are and always have been,” said Tyson Touchie. “We’ve always looked after one another.”
The graduates all look forward to sharing their new skills, and for some, it’s just the beginning of much more learning to come.
The graduates of the diploma program were; Dennisha Atleo, Joy Charleson, Elaine Renee Charlie, Alannah Curley, Amanda George, Calvin George, Anastasia John, Gladys Tate, Jennifer Thomas.
Photos by Melody Charlie
