SPEAKERS BUREAU UNVEILED AT REGINA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A new speakers bureau with a positive message for Aboriginal youth was unveiled today.

Pikiskwewak, the Aboriginal Government Employees' Network (AGEN) Speakers Bureau, is a group of volunteers employed in Saskatchewan's public sector who speak to Aboriginal students about the benefits of staying in school and, once they are ready, seeking a rewarding career with the Saskatchewan public service.

Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission Pat Atkinson joined representatives from the AGEN to officially launch the program, which targets youth ages 12 to 14. Following the announcement held at Ken Jenkins Community School in Regina, students participated in a presentation from a Pikiskwewak volunteer.

"Youth represent the future of our province," Atkinson said. "We encourage youth to stay in school and when they are ready, consider a career with the Saskatchewan public service."

The students learned about the Medicine Wheel, and about how as youth, their responsibility is to learn about life through stories passed down by their ancestors. Students also learned about the benefits and rewards of finding a meaningful career, and took part in a "Money Reality Game" to understand costs of living.

The program was first announced in the fall of 2003. Pikiskwewak volunteers began speaking in schools and at career fairs this spring. Feedback has been positive, and organizers have received an overwhelming response from schools interested in having speakers visit students.

"We welcome the opportunity to visit schools across the province," AGEN spokesperson Linda Anderson said. "We believe youth will gain knowledge from hearing our positive success stories. Speakers share personal and career histories, as well as discuss how they have integrated the Aboriginal culture into the workplace."

Speakers come from a wide range of backgrounds, occupations and geographic locations. They are part of a number of First Nations and Métis communities in Saskatchewan and all are employees with government departments and Crown corporations.

Pikiskwewak (pronounced Pee-kiss-quay-wuk — "they speak" in Cree) was created through a partnership between AGEN and the Saskatchewan Public Service Commission. The Department of Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs and the Crown Investments Corporation are also providing support for the program.

Information regarding the AGEN Speakers Bureau is available online at the AGEN website: http://www.agen.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Rena Penashue Aboriginal Government Employees' Network Regina Phone: (306) 787-9080