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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The achievements of four adult students were celebrated during Aboriginal Day in Fort Simpson.

Lisa Williams, left, Danita Allaire and Terrance Nahanni cut into their graduation cake during the Aurora College graduation in Fort Simpson on June 21 for the office administration mining co-op program. Missing from the photo is graduate Miranda Elleze. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Aurora College held its graduation for the office administration mining co-op program on June 21 at the arbour. The graduates who completed the eight-month certificate program included Danita Allarie, Miranda Elleze, Terrance Nahanni and Lisa Williams.

Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche congratulated the graduates for setting a goal, pursuing it and becoming a role model for other young people.

"It's always a pleasure to recognize the achievements of our young people," he said.

Lisa Williams received particular notice during the ceremony as the recipient of the Darrel "Chi-Nia" Antoine Memorial Award. The award is given yearly to a student who exemplifies Antoine's enthusiasm and dedication to learning.

Despite having four children and having to walk to school when she couldn't get a lift, Williams only missed approximately three days of classes all year.

"I was totally speechless," Williams said about receiving the award. "It shows a lot of hard work."

Williams said she decided to take the program because she's always wanted to work in an office, learn new things and enhance her education level.

"The whole course was very interesting," she said.

Williams said by completing the program she hopes she has encouraged her children to continue their education. Williams is already looking forward to next year when she hopes to take the office administration diploma program at Aurora College.

The office administration mining co-op program prepares graduates to become entry-level administrative assistants, said Deborah Stipdonk, one of the instructors.

Topics covered during the program included keyboarding, office procedures, spreadsheets, Simply Accounting and PowerPoint. The program is modeled on potential workplace situations and gives students the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to make decisions in an office environment, she said. The other instructors included Leah Keats and Chris Kingsbury.

Although the program was funded by the Mine Training Society Northwest Territories, the skills taught weren't specific to mining operations, said Stipdonk. The program did include four weeks of practicum divided into two sessions. Businesses and organizations the students were placed with included De Beers in Yellowknife, Simpson Air, K&K Expediting, the Open Sky Creative Society, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Deh Cho Suites and its associated businesses.

Nahanni said he enjoyed the entire program. There were lots of interesting subjects to learn and many challenging aspects, he said.

For Nahanni, the program signals a career change. He has previously worked for De Beers as an underground surveyor. Nahanni said his mother Cathy Nahanni who works in office administration with the Dehcho Divisional Education Council inspired him.

Like Williams, Nahanni hopes to enroll in the office administration diploma program next year. His ultimate goal is to take management studies.

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