Poundmaker Reserve began an enhanced vacuum truck operator's training program Feb. 6, which will train 12 reserve members in the operation of a vac truck over the next four months.
The announcement of the program was greeted positively by BTC, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and North West Regional College as an important step on the route to self-sufficiency for the reserve.
Students for the program were chosen based on certain criteria - they had to have their Class V driver's license and had to go to SGI to get a medical test done. The first two months of the program will deal with basic life skills, while the last two months will deal with the operation of the truck.
As Poundmaker owns a vac truck and has oil wells in the Freemont area, having reserve members trained in the oil and gas industry is important to the reserve, officials say.
Patricia Waskewitch, executive assistant to the chief and council, described the program as "something we are proud of and proud to share with surrounding communities."
