This week, 29 youth will complete the Nîkâniw Indigenous Youth Leadership Program and be recognized at Mill Woods and Clareview Community Recreation Centres.
The Nîkânîw program combines the cultural teachings and guidance of Indigenous Elders and Leaders with an aquatic pre-employment program for Indigenous youth. The City, working with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, started the program together over 20 years ago and over 500 participants have gone through the program.
Nîkânîw, meaning “one who leads the way” in Cree, is a program that includes water safety education, first aid, CPR and leadership skills. These program areas complement each other, teaching a respect for Mother Earth, especially the element of water. Course content includes aquatic leadership skills, cultural teachings, life skills and pre-employment workshops. Participants have two years to complete the program.
Registration and intake occur every year in August and September, however applications are accepted year round and there are no fees associated with applying for the program.
Qualifications for the Nîkâniw program include being of Indigenous Ancestry, between the ages of 14 to 22 years old during the program season, committed to training in aquatics and able to commit to regularly attend the program. Interested applicants, for the upcoming September 2024 to June 2025 season, can fill out the application form and participate in an interview with the Nîkâniw programmer.
“You made it. You have put in the work some people are not willing to do. May the road clear for everyone. Creator smiles on all of you and all you have done.” said Ren F., a student of the program.
“We are thrilled this program is still going on after 20+ years,” said Priya Bhasin-Singh, Director of Aquatics and Community Leisure Centres, City of Edmonton. “This inclusive program provides the opportunity for youth for hands-on learning and connecting back with the community. A number of students successfully complete the program with certifications in amenity attendant, swim instructor and lifeguard prerequisite courses. Many participants have gone on to be leaders in the community and to have careers in aquatics.”
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