ABOUT US
CSETS MISSION
Coast Salish Employment & Training Society is a funding, training delivery and coordination agency supporting Aboriginal individuals and communities by facilitating relationships that lead to opportunities to meeting training employment needs, thereby advancing self reliance.CSETS MANDATE
To develop programs and supports to meet training and employment needs and to be representative, accountable and responsible to all Aboriginal peoples in South Vancouver Island area with the objective of being recognized as a major contributor to the current and future labor force.We do this by identifying and entering into diverse partnerships and funding arrangements for the management and delivery of programs to all members of the Coast Salish Employment & Training Society communities.
Our Guiding Principles in our work:
- Balance—walking in 2 worlds
- Respect—treat others as you would like to be treated
- Culture—honour culture – maintain traditional values
- Inclusiveness—One house One Heart One mind
- Acceptance
- Accessibility
- Change—Continuous lifelong learning, teachings and self discipline
- Commitment—to self, family and community
- Communication—two way oral tradition
Our Team
Chief Harvey Underwood
:
Tsawout First Nation Board Rep
Francine Alphonse
:
Administrative Assistant
I have been with CSETS since December 2010. As the Administrative Assistant my main duties entail to take minutes for the CSETS Board of Directors Meetings and Committees. I also look after the front area reception for answering telephone calls and greeting members when meeting with our Staff ,as well as, assist Glenn Boyda with the Blade Runners program, and help coordinate and assist at all CSETS events, meetings and the Coast Salish Summer Games.
Pam Sam
:
Program & Employability Officer
My name is Pam Sam I have been with CSETS for 3 years. I am the Jobs Coordinator. I reside on Penelakut Island. I enjoy meeting and working with the Coast Salish members of CSETS. Please don’t hesitate to call or drop in to see me for any inquiries or assistance.
Glenn Boyda
:
Bladerunners Coordinator
I am the Bladerunners Coordinator for CSETS. I’ve been with CSETS since April of 2005 and have been coordinating the Bladerunners program since 1999. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration, Career Practitioner Certificate, Life Skills Coach, Counseling level 1 & 2, & Child & Youth Care Mentoring Certificate. If you or your community are interested in the Bladerunners program in your community please contact Myself by email and/or phone.
Ada Mawson
:
Childcare Coordinator
I have had a passion for Children and the communities that I work with, Childcare has been a big part of my life and the work that I do.
I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care with my diploma for the past 22 years. I have worked on and off reserve in a variety of Childcare programs. I have been with CSETS for the past 6 ½ years, working as their Childcare Officer. We have been supporting our 5 main Childcare programs, which are Le’lumel’ Cowichan Tribes, Smun ‘eem Childcare – Penelukut Tribes, Nutsummat Lelum – Stzuminus, Snuneymuxw Childcare – Nanaimo, Slelemw – Wsanec. Over the past few years we have provide funds to some of our other communites to support needs to have a licensed Childcare program.
At CSETS we can do almost everything and anything regarding Childcare, and if not we will search and find ways to work together for our Children.
Freda Robinson
:
Finance Officer
Uy’skweyul, my Hul’q’umi’num’ name is Hwi’umin-naat, Freda Robinson, from Stz’uminus First Nation. I have been employed as CSETS Finance Officer for the past four and half years. I enjoy working at CSETS as there are always new challenges. I am constantly learning new skills in the area of finance as it is continuously changing with technology. Huy’chqa
Faren Charlie
:
Employment Assistance Services Officer
Hello My name is Faren Charlie, I work for CSETS as the Employment Assistance Services Officer as well as communications Coordinator. I am from Musqueam Indian Band with roots in Penelakut Tribe and residing in Cowichan Tribes. I have been working as the EAS officer for 3 years, and enjoy helping people reach their employment and education goals. Please feel free to book an appointment with me for any of your employment and training needs. Huy Ch Qa
Bruce Underwood
:
Executive Director
Chief William Chip Seymour
:
Board Rep of Cowichan Tribes
Chief John Wesley
:
Board Rep of Snuneymuxw First Nation
Chief Ron Sam
:
Board Rep Songhees Nation
Debbie Williams
:
Board Rep of Hii'ye Yu Lelum
Tony Schachtel
:
Board Rep of Tillicum Lelum
Sandra Sprinkling
:
T'souke Nation Board Rep