Doig River First Nation makes members' education dreams come true

A lifelong dream is coming true for a member of Doig River First Nation as he starts his training as a helicopter pilot next week. 

"I always thought it was always going to be out of reach for me," said David Dominic. 

Dominic said the thousands of dollars the training would cost put getting his licence out of reach, until his community stepped up to pay for it. 

"It all just kind of seems surreal still to me at this point that this is actually coming to fruition because it's been a lifelong goal of mine as long as I can remember," said Dominic. 

Doig River is a small community of about 340 people living on and off reserve, about 309 kilometres northeast of Prince George, B.C., but it is putting big financial backing behind its citizens to pursue education and employment training. 

Doig River band manager Shona Nelson said last year alone the First Nation spent $400,000 on education and employment training. 

"You name it, we will do what it takes to make it happen," said Nelson. 

Nelson said the community negotiated an agreement with the federal government for funding through the Indigenous Skills Employment Training Program that helps support their citizens, but also uses money from industry agreements and the band's own revenue. 

"Members don't need to worry about where the funding's coming from," said Nelson. 

"They don't need to stress about that, we just find ways to make it happen." 

Nelson said the community is currently supporting 55 members in education and employment training. The community has no strings attached to the funding — you don't have to come back and work for the community or ever have to live in Doig River.

Dayton Schadlich is a member of Doig River First Nation but grew up in Kamloops, B.C. He said the community has stood by him on his journey to figure out his career. 

At 18, Schadlich went to Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops as a student athlete pursuing sociology, but he took a break to consider going into trades.  

"They really provided me with the luxury to make that change and not greatly impact how much time I have to figure my career out," said Schadlich. 

Now 26, Schadlich is completing his automotive service technician certification. 

Schadlich said he probably would have been stuck continuing his degree if his First Nation didn't "enthusiastically" continue to support him when he decided to make the switch.  

He said he is proud that his community prioritizes its citizens' education. 

"The priorities and the core values are admirable and I'm proud to be a part of that," said Schadlich. 

Brittany Robertson, a council member for Doig River First Nation, said the community emphasis on education is instilled by their elders. 

"That has always been a priority for the nation, to make sure that the young generation is getting educated and making sure that they're following their dreams," said Robertson. 

She said they are supporting community members through a variety of programs now, with members attending law school, physiotherapy training as well as people doing oil and gas certificates. 

"Part of our [Doig River First Nation] vision is to have a healthy community and especially for our future generation to be healthy and prosperous," said Robertson.