Rewarding and fulfilling employment, literacy and self esteem are important aspects of the dreams of many who live in Canada. From childhood to retirement, these aspects are the foundation of how our society operates; it is the social patchwork that joins the quilt of our just society. As we reflect on how the world of work has changed since the early 1900, and more recently through the development of technological, web based employment, it is no wonder that more and more individuals need assistance in the preparation for the finding and maintenance of employment.

Nokee Kwe is Ojibwa for "working woman" and in 1977 through the Native Women's Workshop, a program to serve Native Women in London was created. Incorporated as Nokee Kwe Occupational Skill Development Inc. in 1983 to sponsor a funded employment readiness training program, our organization has always been at the forefront of providing services to unemployed and underemployed Native and Non Native individuals.

Our culturally sensitive, client-centred and holistic approach interaction focuses on identifying and finding solutions to employment and learning barriers. Nokee Kwe continues to expand to fill important gaps in the educational and training needs of both Native and Non Native men and women.

Nokee Kwe is managed by a community volunteer Board of Directors that is unique in its makeup in London, as the Board is fifty percent Native and fifty percent Non Native. The uniqueness of this structure allows the Board the luxury of drawing its membership from the distinct abilities of the First Nations Peoples while still ensuring representation from others that make up the larger community of Greater London.

Career Directions Program, provides personal and career management development to unemployed and underemployed individuals in a holistic and supportive environment. The Program is designed to provide participants with a renewed sense of control and confidence in their career search and in their personal lives.

Native Employment & Training Services delivers employment and training programs and services to eligible persons of Native Ancestry needing assistance in finding employment. Working in a network of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres and Grand River Employment and Training Initiative, this program also is designed to assist people to prepare for, obtain and maintain meaningful employment.

Native Literacy Program provides Literacy Services to Native Learners in the London/Middlesex area. Through experience and an intensive and thorough overview and sense of the needs of Aboriginal Learners, the Native Literacy Program has come to understand how best to serve the literacy and numeracy need of Native Learners, especially those in an urban settings.