THE NECHI EXPERIENCE
The Nechi experience has been described as “transformational.” It will change your life for the better. You can expect your day to start with a smudge ceremony and a morning prayer. All non-lecture cultural and spiritual training components are mandatory attendance and part of the course, however if you choose to not to partake in ceremony, your decision will be respected. Our cultural and spiritual training components provide a greater understanding of Indigenous traditional culture and teachings. Before class, you will meet your classmates over breakfast. Perhaps you will reflect on yesterday’s class. Did you have any thoughts on things you could have done differently? Most courses you will experience at Nechi are comprised of structured exercises: lecture, large group work, small group work, individual work, brainstorming sessions, support groups, energizers and role-playing scenarios. Your class notes will go up on the Smart Board, a multimedia digital whiteboard, for later review. Do you have any thoughts on the morning classes? Maybe you can talk it over with your instructor or classmates over lunch. The afternoon classes could include small group discussions in the break out rooms or perhaps a session in a teepee (Edmonton has lovely summer days). As part of your required hours, during the CAT and ACT courses, you will be attending three one hour evening support groups each module. These support groups give you time to bond with classmates, enhance skills development, explore personal growth and provide support to one another. It is also common to spend the evening doing research in our computer lab. Free evenings at Nechi can consist of informal group activities like visits to the West Edmonton Mall, a movie or a dinner off-site. Nechi provides you with ample opportunities for personal and academic growth on a daily basis.
Why Study At Nechi?
You have years of life lessons and experiences to share with others. At Nechi, you use your wisdom by contributing and doing; our classes are based on a modified Experiential Learning Model. At Nechi we believe each person is a teacher, learner and healer. Therefore as a valuable member of the training team, your contributions in the classroom bring the training experience alive. This creates an interactive and exciting classroom experience; at Nechi you will be actively engaged in every facet of your education. Nechi’s facility is intimate and inviting, allowing smaller class sizes and plenty of one-on-one attention from supportive, respectful instructors. Our expansive grounds allow for quiet walks and for space to reflect on what you have learned in class. If you have a family or a demanding job, you can enjoy being home for three out of four weeks during your training too. Nechi employs a once-a-month training structure, which means less time away from family and, if you currently hold a job, your employer does not need to lose or replace a valued employee. If a fast track option is more your style, Nechi offers summer school. You can complete the entire CAT program in two months and your TOT in one month. This provides tangible results in a short amount of time, enabling you to take the ACT program in the fall or get straight to work! Nechi training programs and resources are developed from an Indigenous worldview. In fact, Nechi is one of the few training, research and health promotions organizations in the world that is operated for Indigenous people by Indigenous people. We understand Indigenous ways of knowing and believing, and it allows us to offer you authentic cultural knowledge. Within the walls of our Centre you will be gently introduced to the concepts of indigenous beliefs. During your training, you will be invited to learn and experience Indigenous teachings. If you choose, you can participate in morning smudging ceremony, learn basic cultural protocol, or possibly engage in a traditional sweat. If you are a young Indigenous person contemplating leaving your remote community to pursue higher education, Nechi is a wonderful option for you. At our training centre you will attend classes primarily with other Indigenous people. Your length of stay will be in short weeklong increments (less time to feel homesick or lonely). And you are given the opportunity to visit the large urban centre of Edmonton during your evening free time. In this way you will be exposed to an urban culture while still enjoying the safety of our calm nurturing environment.
Will This Training Prepare Me For A Career?
Absolutely this training will prepare you for your career! Nechi Institute’s training will prepare you for one of the most challenging and rewarding careers in the health services field, that of an Addictions Counsellor. Employment for counsellors is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations throughout, especially with the high rate of addictions and changes in drugs of choice. The Canadian Council of Professional Certification (CCPC) accredits Nechi’s core programs. Certification provides recognition of the accomplishments of professionals who have reached a high level of expertise. The professional designation received from CCPC highlights their skills, proving them both effective and efficient in their specialized roles. Our certificate and diploma courses are also transferable to several post secondary institutions for those who wish to pursue a degree.
