Warren's Story

My name is Leonard Warren Houle, I go by Warren.  I am a 46 year old male, married with four children.  Their ages are 14, 5, 4 and 3.  I am of Aboriginal descent and have a status/treaty card under Sandy Bay First Nation.  Growing up, I have lived in Sandy Bay First Nation and Brandon, Manitoba as well as other various places throughout Manitoba.  In the last two years, I have lived on an acreage in the R.M. of Minitonas with my wife and children.

Throughout my life I have learned and practiced our Aboriginal culture.  I have attended and participated in Sundance, Sweat lodge, pipe ceremonies and medicine teachings.  Now from the teachings of our Elders and ceremonies I have been given the rite to conduct Sweat lodge ceremonies and teachings.  My family and I enjoy this way of life and practice it at every opportunity.

In 2002, I obtained my Heavy Duty Mechanics Technician Certificate in Brandon, MB.  I eventually felt that I could contribute more to my community and returned to the Assiniboine Community College in 2005.  I graduated from the Aboriginal Community Development Program and received my diploma in 2007.  I was then employed by the YWCA,(Youth Woman's Christian Association), Meredith Place, which is a half way house for paroles and also a safe home for the mentally handicapped.

I am currently enrolled at the Swan River Adult Education Centre in Swan River, Manitoba.  I am working towards acquiring my Mature Student High School Diploma.  My studies include English, Math, and Science.  I decided to return to school to further my education and to reach my life goals.  I have interest in working for Natural Resources and will be enrolling in the Natural Resource Management Technician Program at the University College of the North in The Pas, Manitoba.  The program starts in 2013 with a graduation year of 2015.  I feel that with my knowledge and experience of this program, I will be able to contribute to society and my community.

Returning to school at SRAE has been challenging buy I have enjoyed it immensely   The instructors have been very helpful in ensuring my successful completion of the program.