- Amenity Attendant/Emergency First Aid
- Standard First Aid:
- Prerequisite: Age 14 years
- Bronze Medallion
- Prerequisite: Age 14 years or successful completion of Bronze Star
Nîkânîw combines the cultural teachings and guidance of Indigenous Elders and Leaders with an aquatic pre-employment program for Indigenous youth. Nîkânîw means “one who leads the way” in Cree.
Something Exciting is Coming this Spring!
Introducing the Nîkânîw Indigenous Leadership Program’s Garden at The Meadows Community Recreation Centre!
The program's instruction covers water safety, first aid, CPR and leadership skills. These areas work together to instill respect for Mother Earth, especially the element of water.
Clareview Community Recreation Centre
3804 139 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5Y 3G4
Closest Transit Centre/LRT Stop: Clareview Transit Centre/LRT Station
Mill Woods Recreation Centre
7207 28 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6K 3Z3
Closest Transit Centre: Lakewood Transit Centre
Program Application
There are no fees associated with applying for the program.
Registration and intake happens each year in August and September. We do, however, take applicants monthly throughout the program year as space becomes available.
Submit Youth Leadership Application Form
After submission, you will be contacted by a Nîkânîw programmer for an interview. The programmer will then provide you with a barcode for registration once the interview is complete.
Program Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be:
- Of Indigenous Ancestry - First Nation, Métis, Inuit or other
- 14-22 years old during the program season
- Committed to training in aquatics
- Able to commit to regularly attending the program
Note: Applicants who already possess Water Safety Instructor and the National Lifeguard/Aquatic Emergency Care certifications are ineligible for this program but may be suitable candidates for other aquatic-related positions.
Program Components
- Aquatic leadership skills
- Cultural teaching
- Life skills
- Pre-employment workshops
Participants have 2 years to complete the program.
Note: An additional year may be granted based upon eligibility and program space.
Program Yearly Overview
Year 1 Goals
Year 2 Goals
- Bronze Cross
- Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion
- Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
Prerequisites:- Age 15 and hold 1 of the following awards:
- Bronze Cross
- Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard/Aquatic Emergency Care (NL/AEC) or Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard
- Age 15 and hold 1 of the following awards:
Note: Must also provide proof of successful completion of the City of Edmonton's Strokes and Skills evaluation.
- National Lifeguard and Aquatic Emergency Care (NL/AEC)
- Prerequisite: Age 16 and successful completion of Bronze Cross (proof of award must be provided)
The Nîkânîw Indigenous Leadership Program’s Garden
Location: The Meadows Community Recreation Centre, 2704 17 Street NW
Our program participants will be tending to 10 raised garden beds, plus pots and barrels. We will be including a selection of native Alberta plants, such as:
- Wild Mint
- Wild Bergamot
- Sweetgrass
- Saskatoons
- Smooth Fleabane
- Blanket Flowers
- Meadow Blazingstars
- Giant Hyssop
- Slender Blue Beardtongue
Our raised beds will have a large selection of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. All aspects of raising plants will be undertaken:
- Growing from seed
- Planting seedlings
- Watering
- Dirt quality
- Pest management
- Harvesting times
- Storage
Our participants will also be learning about the cultural and historical significance of what we are growing, as well as learning about non-food uses of plants, such as dyeing, ink and textiles.