Project Connect’s Approach

RESPECT, COLLABORATION, LEARNING

Respect, collaboration, and learning are the core values which guide our approach to developing, delivering, and researching the Professional Project Administrator (PPA) Program.

Respecting and Naturalizing Indigenous Ways 

We recognize Indigenous organizations may administer projects in ways that differ from that of the dominant culture. We work to weave Indigenous ways into the PPA Program. Our instructors and service providers receive training in Indigenous Cultural Sensitivity and curriculum and instruction for Indigenous learners. We recognize the importance of cultural connection and provide opportunities for students to blend cultural practices and knowledge into their work. 

Collaboration

Royal Roads University and Professional and Continuing Studies works with Indigenous communities to develop and deliver the most relevant program possible. We also use Indigenous research methods to assess and improve the program. 

Evolving Improvement 

Program staff work with students, communities, Elders, instructors, researchers, and support service providers to assess what is working, and how we can improve the experience for students from each delivery to the next. 

Caring, Creative, Courageous

We also ascribe to the values of Royal Roads University to be caring, creative, and courageous. We particularly honour the courage of our students to step into a new phase in their lives, starting with this training. 

The vision held closely by everyone at Royal Roads is “Inspiring people with the courage to change the world.”

 

Acknowledgments

It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge and thank the Xwsepsum and  Lekwungen families upon whose lands Royal Roads University campus is situated.

We would like to thank the Métis people who participated in the first offerings of the Professional Project Administrator Program. Our heartfelt appreciation to research participants who generously gave their time to share their experiences to the Project Connect research project.

We wish to thank Métis Nation BC for its partnership in delivering three graduating classes of the Professional Project Administrator Program and for assisting with the vital task of supporting students. 

Future Skills Centre has generously provided funding and supported our work in developing and offering this training program, and researching its impact.

We appreciate the ongoing support provided by Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS) at Royal Roads University, which has hosted the Professional Project Administrator Program and Project Connect research. 

We look forward to graduating three more classes of Professional Project Administrators in 2022-2023. During this time, we will continue our research on the impacts and benefits of this program for Indigenous learners and communities.