CHRD is rebranding under the new name Apatisiiwin Skills Development (ASD) on April 1st, 2019.

For over 20 years, ASD has been committed to delivering first-rate employment and training services to the population in Eeyou Istchee. As the newly recreated brand, ASD comprises the skills, experience and leadership of the former Cree Human Resources Development department of the Cree Nation Government. As part of the department-wide rebranding and realignment project, a new structure and new website will be unveiled that will reflect these changes.

Apatisiiwin Skills Development (ASD) recognized the need to rebrand and realign to ensure that it’s easily recognizable and to create a better understanding of its programs and services. In partnership with our stakeholders and partners, the department works with clients, communities, and industry to address the employment needs of the region, as well as the career goals and training needs of our clients. Throughout the last 10 years, ASD has been involved in several partnerships and ongoing funding agreements that expand the organization’s capacity, and services provided in Eeyou Istchee. Rebranding to ASD enables us to connect with other stakeholders, continue expanding our programs and services, and ultimately better position us to serve the Eeyou Istchee.

As the department rebrands and realigns, services will continue uninterrupted with new and expanded programs. In the meantime, below are some answers to some commonly asked questions:

What is Changing?

Our Name —Cree Human Resources Development as a name for the department creates the misunderstanding that it is part of the Human Resources department of the Cree Nation Government. Apatisiiwin Skills Development will distinguish us from the Human Resources department and prevent any confusion between the two.

Our Structure —ASD will no longer remain as a department where the internal divisions are structured based on funding sources and location of programs. To improve the service delivery model to better reflect and adapt to the needs of clients, we will realign the department into four divisions: Service Coordination, Program Coordination, Administration and Finance.

Our Service Delivery —Each of the 10 community points of service will have an Employment Counsellor (formerly known as Cree Employment Officer), while Mistissini and Chisasibi will also have a Senior Employment Counsellor, Program Officers, as well as administrative and finance divisions staff located in Mistissini. Together they will provide the clearest and most accurate information on programs and services helping clients, communities, and partners to understand the opportunities within Eeyou Istchee.

Our New Staff —There is also a need on one hand to compile labour market information and conduct a community employment needs assessment and on the other hand to provide support to post-secondary students with their integration into the labour market, therefore the following new staff positions will be created:

• Labour Market Information Analyst (Mistissini)
• Employment Integration Counsellor (Gatineau)

Our Website —The launch of a new ASD website focused on a user-friendly experience and with improved tools and resources, will create a better platform for accessing information, employment services and funding within Eeyou Istchee.

What is Not Changing?

Our Vision and Mission —ASD will continue to reflect the mission of the department:  To equip and empower individuals with the skills and knowledge to achieve meaningful and sustainable employment and personal success. Our rebranding and realignment will maintain the existing attributes of the mission and vision with the ultimate goal of increasing the employment and employability of Crees within Eeyou Istchee.

Our Commitment —The department is committed to working together to provide excellent services to Eeyou Istchee based on integrity, fairness, trust, and respect. ASD values its investment in the personal success of our people.Details about ASD’s new rebranding and realignment can be viewed shortly on the department’s new website at www.apatisiiwan.ca (under-development).