The Bearspaw band is making on-going education a priority, according to education co-ordinator Lori Wesley.

The educational mentor explained that as many as 70 students from the Stoney Nakoda band are currently enrolled in various online courses.

On March 1, a new program designed by Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and Sunchild E-Learning Community was rolled out for students interested in pursuing a career in the oil and gas industry.

“This is a pilot project,” Wesley said of the Level I Oil and Gas Production certificate, adding there was an enthusiastic response from prospective students.

“I was going to take 10, but 11 are registered and we have five more on a waiting list,” she said.

The course, which is funded completely by the band, covers topics such as risk assessment and management, survey systems and mineral rights, refining and transportation, and drilling operations. Upon completion, students will receive NAIT certification.

Wesley said the youngest student is 18 and the oldest is 54.

“This is just one of many initiatives,” said Wesley.

“We have a lot of students taking various online courses,” he said, adding some drive from as far away Eden Valley, the part of the reserve south of Calgary.

“It’s challenging, but we’ve had great success,” said Wesley.

Students like Michael Simeon were hard at work on the first day of an online course to prepare them for careers in Alberta’s oil and gas industry. Photo by Sarah Junkin

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