Crystal Garson has been appointed as the new Director of Peguis First Nation Training and Employment, taking over from Alana Cochrane. The department, which supports unemployed and underemployed Peguis band members with training programs and employment services, now lists Garson in the Director role.
In addition to Garson’s appointment, the department has added two new staff members: Lawrence Sutherland as Support Worker and Gloria Lerat as Community Computer Resource Centre Coordinator. These hires are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen services for band members both on and off reserve.
The Training and Employment department offers sponsorship for vocational and community-based training, employment assistance, and apprenticeship programs. It also operates a Community Computer Resource Centre to help members build digital skills. Services are available through the main office in Peguis and a sub-office in Winnipeg at 204-1075 Portage Ave.
Garson brings previous experience in human resources, including work with Fisher River Cree Nation Jordan’s Principle, and is a graduate of Red River College Polytechnic. She replaces Cochrane, who had represented Peguis First Nation at meetings of First Peoples Development Inc. and oversaw expansion of the computer resource centre.
Peguis First Nation is Manitoba’s largest First Nations community, with approximately 12,000 members, many living off reserve. The Training and Employment department operates under the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program and serves band members regardless of where they live in Canada.
Residents seeking job training, apprenticeships, or employment assistance can contact the main office in Peguis or the Winnipeg sub-office. A full staff directory and program details are available on the Peguis First Nation website.
