Since the arrival of the first colonists, the indigenous people of North America faced many difficulties. Within the last few decades however, many of these communities have been given the opportunity to re-establish old settlements. By contributing towards this incredibly rewarding project you will be supporting this local indigenous Indian community in the beautiful Okanagan area of British Columbia.
Living with and helping to support the various community initiatives taking place will give you a truly immersive experience, and the opportunity to learn about the culture of the Secwepemc Nations as well as a chance to learn their language!
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
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Immerse yourself within this indigenous North American Indian community!
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Learn about the traditions, language and culture of the Secwepemc Nation!
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Work in the stunning surroundings of beautiful British Columbia.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
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Criminal Records Background check
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You must be fluent in English
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Minimum age 18
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Application should be made 6 months in advance
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Location |
Canada |
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Activities |
Learn about local traditions
Learn the language of the Indians Various community renovation initiatives
Camp duties (gathering firewood)
Day care assistance and education
Career guidance and support
Community kitchen
Agriculture and farming |
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Transport |
Airport pick-up |
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Accommodation |
Shared accommodations or homestay |
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Before you go |
Pre-departure support & documentation
Travel & medical advice & documentation
Advice on visas and equipment
Discounted medical kit
Free Frontier t-shirt (UK only) |
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In-country |
Accommodation
In-country transfers
In-country emergency support
24-hour international HQ backup |
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
The Frontier-Canada Indigenous Community Experience was established by a diverse group of community minded individuals who work together to support the indigenous people of the Secwepemc Nation that live on the reserve. This programme offers volunteers a unique opportunity to live on an Indian reserve in an area surrounded by lakes, forests and even deserts. It is great place to for outdoor activities and to see wildlife like deer, eagles and black bears.
This incredibly unique experience will see you work alongside the indigenous community and live among them on the Indian Reserve as you learn about their ancient traditions and way of life.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
As a volunteer you will be expected to work 5 days a week, approximately 6 to 10 hours per day. You will be involved in a variety of tasks and activities. During your time on the reserve you will have the opportunity to get involved within a wide range of initiatives depending upon the focus of the community at the time of your visit. Your responsibilities can also be matched to your own personal skills and experience.
Some projects you may may have the opportunity to get involved with are:
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As a volunteer you will be expected to work 5 days a week, approximately 6 to 10 hours per day. You will be involved in a variety of tasks and activities. During your time on the reserve you will have the opportunity to get involved within a wide range of initiatives depending upon the focus of the community at the time of your visit. Your responsibilities can also be matched to your own personal skills and experience.
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Some projects you may wish to get involved with are:
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Community service program support (all under staffed and over utilised)
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Assisting in the language immersion school (up to Grades 9)
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Day care assistance
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Health centre assistance
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Assist in the Education department doing career guidance
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Help out in the Natural Resource department (With a focus on land based activities such as archaeological works, fisheries and forestry management.)
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Public works and housing maintenance
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Information technology department
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Administration
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Agriculture division to connect with the people
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Recreation and events
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Fitness facility
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Working in the commercial kitchen
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Developing economic initiatives
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Aboriginal housing developments
In the addition to the projects listed above, there are plenty of areas within the community that will always require an extra pair of helping hands.
Your time spent on the reserve will certainly not be all work. You will also have some free time to meet and mingle with the locals and fellow volunteers. You will also have endless opportunities do fun activities such as biking, hiking, kayaking or simply just walking around and exploring, taking in the fresh air and looking out for a great wild life encounter, however please be aware any additional activities incur an additional fee.
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
You will be met upon arrival at Kamloops BC airport by a friendly local staff member before transferring to the reserve. Both your host and local coordinator will be more than happy to help you settle in and acclimatise and you'll feel at home in no time in this friendly and laid back community.
Alternatively if you prefer, you can fly into Vancouver BC International Airport and transfer to Kamloops by bus where you will be met upon arrival at the bus station.
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
You will be placed in a number of different accommodation types within the community depending on your placement location. These can range from shared apartments to private rooms in home stays to staying in trailers!
Internet access may be possible but will be dependent on your accommodation type within the community.
WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Food is not included within the cost of this programme, however you will have access to all the facilities you need to source and cook your own meals! The apartments and homes where you will be staying will be equipped with kitchens that you will be very welcome to use. You can also be transported to the nearest town to buy groceries and supplied when needed.
There is also the opportunity to dine out and try some of the local restaurants. Canadian food is very varied and wide ranging and you will surely have the opportunity to find something new and unique or something akin to your taste buds.
What Next? Apply Now!
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Being surrounded by the beauty of nature will definitely be the perfect backdrop for you as you help nurture the beautiful people of the Secwepemc Nation and help rebuild their communities. The Okanagan area’s location within the interior of British Columbia is famous for various sites such as wineries, lakes and wildlife reserves as well as many activities ideal for all the seasons such as dog sledding and skiing in the winter and hiking, biking and wildlife viewing during warmer months. The 300 acre ranch surrounding Okanagan is a perfect hike destination during summer where one can surely come in contact with an abundance of nesting birds in the wetlands and in the lakes. Wild bears, lynxes and moose also often travel through the Okanagan land. The nearby skiing area of Sun Peaks is also one of the best ski-mountains in the world and would surely be a magnificent snowy sight and an awesome ski experience in winter.
To apply for this project, or to register your interest, just click on the orange "Apply Now!" button at the top of the menu. Fill out and submit a short application form and then one of our advisers will give you a call back to answer any questions and to progress your application if you wish to continue.
There is no obligation when making an application, and you do not need to pay anything at this point.
