A Career of Caring: New Aboriginal Addictions Counselling Program

November 28, 2011

Bow Valley College (BVC) and the Sunrise Native Addictions Services Society (SNASS) signed a contract on Nov. 14 at SNASS to provide leading edge addictions counselling programming to SNASS staff.

This new Aboriginal Addictions Counselling Services Certificate, which begins fall 2012, includes 10 courses and three community practicum placements over 38 weeks.

"This program will give learners the tools required to support individuals, families, and communities in identifying and managing addictions through prevention and treatment programs," said Dr. Bill DuPerron, Dean of Health, Justice and Human Services.

"A partnership with an established organization like SNASS will ensure graduates of this program can immediately begin helping individuals and their families recover from the destructive effects of addiction."

Dr. DuPerron also thanked the ministries of Alberta Health and Wellness and Advanced Education and Technology for partially funding the program as part of the Health Workforce Action Plan.

The signing event and program launch coincided with National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week (NAAAW), which emphasizes the importance of addiction services, and resources in supporting addictions-free individuals in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and beyond.

Dr. Bill DuPerron, BVC's Dean of Health, Justice and Human Services (left) and Robert Breaker, Secretary, SNASS Board of Directors (right) signed the agreement program agreement between BVC and SNASS.

"This has been a goal of ours for some time, to create a facility to train Aboriginal people to work with Aboriginal people," said Toby Racette, Board President and Chair of SNASS. "We have worked long and hard for this day and are thrilled to be partners with Bow Valley College."

Dr. Bill DuPerron, BVC's Dean of Health, Justice and Human Services (left), and Eve MacMillan, Director, Sunrise Native Addictions Services Society (right), played integral roles in bringing the agreement to fruition.

Graduates of the Aboriginal Addictions Counselling Services Certificate will have a variety of career opportunities available to them, such as work in correctional institutions, social and child services facilities, emergency shelters, and community-based addiction centres.

The program also teaches learners about Aboriginal culture and identity and is open to all who want a career in caring.