Page 82 - Walking_The_Red_Road

We asked our youth about their futures
On November 17 and 18, 2014, Aiming Higher, an interactive event sponsored by Nipissing University and Canadore College, brought together Aboriginal high school students and role models to help the students explore their future university, college and career options. The U-ACT research team was there, wanting to get a better understanding from the youth about their career interests and any concerns they might have about going to post-secondary school. The team thought that information gained through this process could help schools and future employers better prepare to support the unique interests and needs of urban Aboriginal youth. Fifty students agreed to complete our survey.
And we learned
The youth are from...20% of the youth said they came from Nipissing First Nation with the majority coming from First Nations communities around North Bay such as Cache Bay, Dokis, Long Point, Magnetawan Peawanuck and Winneway among others. Some youth came from as far away as Kawawachikamach and Waswanipi First Nations communities in Quebec.
When they ultimately graduate, the youth want to work in...a wide range of areas and settings, in a variety of roles: architecture, art, culinary services, culture and recreation, dance, early childhood education, construction/heavy equipment, energy, fashion, forensics, graphic design, health care, information technology, journalism, media, military, mining, music, own business, photography, plumbing, police, public service, service industry, social services, and teaching.
When it comes to going to post-secondary school, the youth expect some challenges and shared a number of concerns...
Before they go... not sure what to do, where to go, organization/getting prepared, being so young Arriving... where I will live, being on my own, not knowing people, being far away from family and home,
making friends
Going to school... getting used to the big change, big classes, shy--don’t like big classes, getting lost, not knowing people or my way around, not having enough time to finish work/time management
Financial... concerns about funding, living expenses, financial support
Emotional and social support... concerns about not having peer support, family support, mental and
emotional support
And... concerns about “no hockey.”
Walking the Red Road | REPORT OF THE URBAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES THRIVE PROJECT | 82