The First Mile

Supported by the SSHRC-funded First Nations Innovation Project

By Randy Johns, KCDC CEO and Brenda La Roque-Hill, KCDN Manager

Keewatin Career Development Corporation has been working with schools for over 15 years. In that time, we have come to understand the challenges faced by teachers to find relevant and engaging learning resources for their students. We launched KCDN - the Knowledge and Career Development Network in response to those challenges.

Digital Learning Resources   Information Technology (IT) is a key driver of educational innovation, and KCDN aims to develop innovative approaches to learning its use

KCDN's original program, the Sask Tel Breaking Barriers Series brought programming to rural and remote schools that provided career orientation or self esteem building workshops through video conferencing. In this way, remote schools could access resource people that would usually only be available in larger centers. The Sask Tel Breaking Barriers Series reached over 14,000 students in 90 communities in 5 years.

Future Trails - Focus on Science and the Environment
After the success of its initial programming, KCDN has developed the Future Trails program. The program has two main initiatives: video conference delivery of science and outdoor education workshops; and development of science and outdoor education resources.

Both initiatives have already been piloted. To date KCDN facilitators have certified 18 teachers to use Canadian Wildlife Federation educational resources. As well, we have developed and distributed the video Flight of the Pelican for use in schools. Feedback and the success of these pilots has led to the development of the Future Trails program.

Watch Flight of the Pelican -- and visit the project website to learn more.

Why Science and the Environment?

At KCDC, we believe the best way to interest students is to have lessons that are relevant to their life experience. Unfortunately, most of the learning resources available to teachers are not engaging or relevant. At the same time, Saskatchewan youth live in communities that are surrounded by thousands of square kilometres of sparsely inhabited farmland and forest. Where could we find a more relevant science lab?

Activities in environmental and outdoor studies can be used as a stepping stone to generate interest in science and mathematics.

Those classes in turn create the foundation for studies in the skilled trades or professions demanded by Saskatchewan's labour market.

Get Involved

In today's world, a highly successful education system is key to future economic prosperity. Successful companies need access to trained and skilled workers.

KCDN enables corporations to contribute to the development of relevant educational programming. Your donation will be used to build your company's future work force. In addition, your corporation will have visibility in KCDN's projects. Make the commitment to contribute to the future of Saskatchewan today.

Randy Johns, KCDC CEO randy.johns@kcdc.ca (306) 425-4778 ext. 1176 (306) 425-0371 (cell)

Brenda La Roque-Hill, KCDN Manager brenda.hill@kcdc.ca (306) 240-6769