Cariboo Chilcotin Weekend University Program
by JoAnne Moiese
Williams Lake Indian Band

Weyktp (Hello)

My name is JoAnne Moiese, member of the Williams Lake Indian Band. I have recently returned as the Cariboo Chilcotin Weekend University Program (CCWU) Coordinator.

In 1995 the Cariboo Tribal Council approached the University of Northern British Columbia and the University College of the Cariboo and requested assistance in establishing university programs for their members. They were aware of the tremendous need for competent, trained professionals in their communities. A partnership linking the two universities resulted in university programs being offered on weekends in Williams Lake.

Upcoming Changes:
The Cariboo Chilcotin Weekend University plans to offer a “Bachelor of General Studies Degree Program” to the fifteen Bands of the region. This Bachelor of General Studies Degree will include three streams, Developmental Standard Teaching Certificate, Business and First Nation Studies.

This new focus is a result of the CCWU consulting with the 15 bands in the Cariboo Chilcotin. The band members participated in a community focus group and completed a two-page survey. The majority of interviewees indicated that they would like to see a focus on Education, Language and Business. Based on these findings the CCWU collaborated with the University of Northern British Columbia and Thompson Rivers University to meet the needs of the 15 Cariboo Chilcotin First Nation Bands.
The CCWU Program is the program that was created by the Cariboo Tribal Council, University of Northern British Columbia and Thompson Rivers University.
The CCWU Program offers courses on alternate weekends (Fridays 12 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Daycare is provided on Saturdays. Employers grant their workers “Educational Leave” to attend classes.

Graduates

The Cariboo Chilcotin Weekend University Program graduated its largest cohort on
May 27, 2005.

There were 4 students who received their Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern British Columbia. These students are;
* Mike Archie, Tsq’escen (Canim Lake)
* Lyndsay Dixon, Tsq’escen (Canim Lake)
* Walter Earl Grinder, Anaham Band
* Melvin Paul, Tsq’escen (Canim Lake)

One student who received her Bachelor of General Studies from Thompson Rivers/ Open University. This student is:
* Juanita Archie, Tsq’escen (Canim Lake)

There were 4 students who received their Associate of Arts Degree from Thompson Rivers University. These students are;

* Maryanne Boyd, Alexis Creek First Nation
* Alice Hird, Ulkatcho First Nation
* Deidre Jack, Anaham First Nation
* Barb McLean, employee of Soda Creek First Nation

2006 Graduates

The University of Northern British Columbia will award 3 Bachelor of Arts Degrees to:

* Cindy Charleyboy, Williams Lake Indian Band
* Charlene Shaw, Upper Nicola Band
* Deanna Wolfear, Sisika First Nation

There will be 2 Associate of Arts Degree through Thompson Rivers University :
* Marietta West Ulkatcho First Nation
* April Thomas Canim Lake First Nation

On behalf of Cariboo Chilcotin Weekend University Program, “Congratulations to all our Graduates. It is excellent to see students attain their educational goals. I wish you much success with your future goals and aspirations.”

To the general aboriginal community, the Cariboo Chilcotin Weekend University is awaiting word to hear whether Indian Studies Support Program will be providing Program Funding for 2006 – 2007. Once funding is confirmed, Weekend University will meet with its Academic Advising Committee to determine courses for 2006 – 2007. Watch for updates on our website http://www.ccweekendu.com/
All My Relations,

JoAnne Moiese, CCWU Program Coordinato