Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, April 02, 2007

TUKTOYAKTUK - More women in Tuktoyaktuk may be on their way to successful careers as entrepreneurs following a training opportunity offered in the community.

A travelling course visited Tuktoyaktuk from March 19 to 23, with the aim to boost women's confidence and abilities in business. The program, called "Aboriginal Women for Tomorrow," was attended by 15 students, and taught at Arctic College from 9 to 4 daily.

Al Futcher, who is a travelling instructor for the aboriginal volunteer group CESO (Canadian Executive Service Organization), gave students an introduction to public speaking, business leadership, efficient writing, and starting a business.

The program was a great success, said fellow organizer Winnie Gruben who is a member of the Tuk Women group.

"It's a course designed to empower aboriginal women, by building leadership and business skills," she explained.

"It fosters greater participation in the community and the economy."

Gruben added the course also covered the basics of being a member of a board, such as passing motions and keeping minutes.

She said an overwhelming number of local sponsors - including IRC, the RCMP, the Northern Store, the NWT Power Corp, Arctic College and even Fisheries and Oceans - helped pay for the course and keep it free for participants.

This was the first year for the "Aboriginal Women for Tomorrow" course in Tuktoyaktuk. Gruben said she would gladly welcome its return, if the course were scheduled again in 2008.