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Going the Distance

Tradition and Culture Meets Hospitality and Tourism

This unique and innovative project addresses the under-representation of Indigenous populations in the labor force by supporting businesses in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. The Going the Distance (GD) project helps develop a better understanding of workplace Literacy and Essential Skills (LES) needs and then design solutions to address these needs. Due to challenging economic times for some sectors and the need for diversification in the economy, we have decided to target Tourism and Hospitality as a group that will likely be more responsive and provides an important area for future growth.

I used to be nervous talking to 10-15 people that I know. People now say I talk a lot and I confidently give tours to 50-60 people.

— Participant, GD Project

Project Objectives

By May 14, 2022, the Further Education Society, with the support of local communities, will:

  • engage employers, partners, and stakeholders to develop, test, and evaluate a practical and customized training model that is transferable, replicable, and adaptable to regions across Canada

  • aid communities in obtaining the necessary skills to develop a localized response to the LES needs of Indigenous populations in the workplace

Building Communities

Indigenous organizations, members, and Elders, in each region, drive the project to meet the unique local needs and ensure the design, development, and delivery models reflect the realities and traditions of the community.

Working with locals from the 'inside-out' enables us to learn from the community while simultaneously building capacity to deliver LES training after the project has ended.

An important feature of this project is the development of mentorship opportunities. I know from experience the profound impact this can have in all aspects of one's life.

— Ted Norris, Vice Chair of the GD National Advisory Circle

Need more information?

Contact our Project Manager directly:

Teal Dratowany
tdratowany@furthered.ca

403-250-5034

Support our work.

The Further Education Society of Alberta (FESA) is dedicated to strengthening communities, families, and individuals through literacy and learning by advocating, collaborating, and removing barriers.

Charitable Registration #870445392RR0001

Land Acknowledgement

FESA acknowledges that the land upon which we work and call home is on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney), the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (Districts 4, 5, and 6), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

 

We are grateful to work on the territory that situates Calgary, which is known as Mohkinstsis by the Blackfoot, Guts’ists’i by Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Îyâxe Nakoda, as we endeavor to build a more literate and learning society allowing all to reach their potential.

© 2025 The Further Education Society of Alberta.

All Rights Reserved.

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