March 13, 2015 - 2:36 PM
SALMON ARM - The voice, cultural lectures and experiences of Secwepemc elder Mary Thomas will be preserved for future generations, while one person will get valuable work experience in digital archiving, thanks to a funding partnership between the Government of B.C. and the Voice of the Shuswap Broadcast Society (VSBS).
The Province is contributing more than $24,000 toward the project that will have the trainee learn computer applications, office administration, communications/networking and website development, as well as how to edit and create new digital materials from existing analogue media. The worker also will develop a catalogue system for Mary Thomas's lectures on First Nations history, culture and language. Once completed, the lectures will be available to radio stations, colleges and universities across Canada. The 33-week project will run until September.
Mary Thomas (1918-2007) was a tireless advocate of the language and culture of the Secwepemc people and influenced and inspired generations. She also had a keen interest in plants and wildlife and received many awards for her knowledge, teachings and activism. Mary Thomas was the first First Nations person to receive the Indigenous Conservationist of the Year award from the Seacology Foundation. She was also bestowed with honorary degrees from the University of Victoria and the University of North Carolina.
Job Creation Partnerships are part of the Employment Program of BC's Community and Employer Partnerships, which fund projects that increase employability and share labour market information.
To date, nearly 560 job seekers have benefited from work experience and nearly 140 projects have been funded throughout the province.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015