Louisa S.

Reclaiming Her Path Through Education and Empowerment

Louisa’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. As a thirty-eight-year-old Inuk woman from Wakeham Bay, Nunavik, Louisa Sakiagak, recently completed the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) Program, formerly known as the GED, through the Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC).

In 2020, Louisa made a powerful choice to focus on her well-being, and has stayed committed ever since. In 2023, she then began advocating for her late sister through the MMIW movement in Montreal.

Louisa first heard about the CAEC and other ATC programs through word of mouth in the community. She decided to take the leap and found the experience truly life-changing. “The support and encouragement from ATC project coordinators made all the difference,” she says. “They respected our differences and gave me the tools that I needed, not just academically, but also emotionally and culturally. That made this program really special.”

Over the 14-week program, Louisa and her classmates received instruction in a flexible, inclusive learning environment. Along with academic support, participants gained essential certifications including CSTS, CSO, WHMIS, and Intermediate First Aid, further enhancing their employability.

“One of the biggest surprises for me was realizing that no matter our age, we all shared a common goal—to complete the CAEC and pursue our dream jobs.” 

Some of the personal highlights for Louisa were attending school alongside her daughter, Maaly, and also connecting with other Indigenous participants from Fort McMurray and surrounding areas. 

Reflecting on her experience, Louisa offers powerful advice: “Fear is only in the mind; it has no purpose unless you give it power. You are far more powerful than you realize. Don’t wait on yourself, you are your biggest accomplishment.”

The ATC Employment and Training Team is proud to support individuals like Louisa in building essential life skills that create pathways to future careers, healing, and personal growth.

The  Canadian Adult Education Credential Program (CAEC) is funded by the Government of Alberta Indigenous Relations and Service Canada, in partnership with Keyano College, with the support of the Athabasca Tribal Council.