Welcome to Seven Grandfather Teachings

Ontario Native Literacy Coalition (ONLC) has developed an innovative project, the Seven Grandfather Teachings Kiosks:

An Aboriginal Social Enterprise & Employment/Entrepreneurship Project

This project supports the ONLC membership with free “In-The-Business” training and practical experience for Aboriginal individuals in Ontario communities, and tools and models of social enterprise for its Member Native Literacy Programs.  Funding for the first phase of the project has been provided through the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), ONLC.

This project provides ONLC with an opportunity to pilot a retail sales training and practical experience program as social enterprises in the communities of three ONLC Member Native Literacy Programs in Ontario:

M’Chigeeng Adult and Continuing Education Program (MACEP), M'Chigeeng, Ontario

Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Anishnawbe Skills Development Program, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Through The Seven Grandfather Teachings Kiosks, participants are provided an avenue to draw upon their natural interests and talents to build skills and future employment/ entrepreneurship opportunities in the retail sector.  Throughout each participant’s involvement with The Seven Grandfather Teachings Kiosks, their own trading abilities are utilized as a fundamental base for building skills in retailing, business, merchandising, employability and entrepreneurship.    Training includes: customer service, marketing and sales, business applications, communications, and essential skills.  The mandate of The Seven Grandfather Teachings Kiosks is  to deliver training and provide employment/business experience to Aboriginal individuals, with a strong emphasis on youth and women. 

On behalf of its 26 Member Literacy Programs across Ontario, ONLC would like to express its gratitude to INAC for the approval of this funding application, as an important initiative within the Aboriginal literacy community in Ontario.  For more information about INAC, please visit http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/index-eng.asp.  Further details regarding INAC’s Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) can be found at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/emp/ae/awp/index-eng.asp