Job-hunters learning to make successful jump from First Nation to city

Moving from the reserve to the big city for a job can always be hard, but for First Nations youth, the change can be especially challenging. 

For some, finding a good place to live and getting hooked up with school or a job can seem like overwhelming tasks. 

Now, Carry the Kettle Nakota Nation is partnering with the Regina Work Preparation Centre and the North Central Family Association to help.

Program for young adults aged 18-24

They've developed an eight-week program called MORE — Moving On to Regina for Employment — which helps young adults with job and life skills. 

It deals with self-esteem, time management, culture shock, sense of self and dealing with racism.

There are also some of the nuts and bolts of job-hunting, including career planning, employability skills, resume preparation, cover letter writing and interview skills.

Nettie Pelletier, one of the organizers of MORE, says there's a need for a program to help young people make the transition from life on reserve to life in Regina.

"Some people have come in from reserve without support and have failed drastically," she said.

Career as underwater welder one young man's dream

Among those enrolled is Tony O'Watch, 23, who had tried leaving his reserve before to go out and find work but always ended up back home.

He realized he needed to finish his education before he could realize his dreams, which include becoming an underwater welder.

Now he's enrolled in MORE and believes he's getting what he needs to make the transition.

"The most helpful [part] is dealing with racism and stuff," he said. "We don't really deal with that on the reserve much. Sometimes you got to educate the person on your culture and stuff, you know?"

Help offered for finding basic services

The program also helps people find basic services like housing and child care, something of use to Cheyenne Williams and her partner Trey Littletent, who have two children under the age of three. 

They had lived in the city before with Williams' aunt but were forced to move back to Carry the Kettle because of financial problems. 

"Keeping up with bills and such was too much," Littletent said. 

The couple feels they will be better equipped to move to the city this time.

"The first time we moved here it took us some time to find jobs. We didn't know how to do a resume," she said. "This time we have someone helping us find full-time employment."

Making it on their own

Williams said she and Littletent are excited to be able to live on their own and take care of their young family by themselves. 

Meanwhile, interest has been expressed to expand the MORE program to other First Nations.

You can hear more about this program and meet other people working to make north central Regina a better place to live, work and raise a family this morning on the Morning Edition. Join the show live at the Albert Scott community centre or on the radio from 6 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Friday morning.