Wellness Workers graduate in Invuik

Fifteen students were awarded certificates as Community Wellness Workers on March 5.

The Netchi Community Wellness Certificate program was offered in partnership with Alberta's Keyano College. The 10-week course was brought to Inuvik with funding from the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the Inuviauit Regional Corporation.

The Aboriginal Healing Foundation recently had its funding cut in the 2010 federal budget. The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is currently seeking alternative sources of funding and Chair Nellie Cournoyea says it's too early to say if the program will return in 2011.

Wellness workers are intended to help people in smaller communities acting as a link between residents and social services. They can offer counselling, coordinate community activities and discuss issues of addictions.

The program graduates are: Annie Goose, Ann Kasook, Jeff Amos, Mickey Lee, Marla, Kasook, Karen Mitchell, Leeanna Steen, Mary Storr, Susan Peffer, Peggy Day, Mae Cockney, Sara Krengnektak, Julie Thrasher and Jenny Cockney.