Since inception OALA has developed training and work plans that are driven by its membership, the Land Managers, and Lands Management staff working on the ground at their First Nations.
With the goal of providing First Nation Lands Management with technical expertise and resources, OALA hosts a variety of training opportunities with partnering organizations on an ongoing basis.
To view OALA’s 2024 – 2025 Events Calendar, please see the Events page.
Webinar Sessions
Webinars are typically delivered on the last Wednesday of each month and the sessions run for 2 hours. Topics are chosen based on specific requests for training from members or based on new information received from a partner organization. These sessions are accompanied by downloadable handouts or resources, along with a recording of the session that is posted on the Members Portal.
Lunch-n-Learn Sessions
OALA hosts 1 hour lunch-n-learn sessions on the second Wednesday of each month that are open to all OALA members. These sessions are designed to allow partnering organizations the opportunity to share resources with OALA member First Nations and provide a space for members to pose questions and discuss common concerns.
Peer Support Sessions
Along with Webinars and Lunch and Learn sessions, OALA hosts monthly Peer Support Sessions that are open to OALA members. This allows an open discussion between members, who may wish to touch base on various projects, concerns, or just catch up with colleagues. The topics of discussion rotate monthly between environmental, lands and estates. These sessions typically run for 1 hour.
When OALA members come together they are given a platform to discuss various components of their jobs, and the land management work that is unique to their First Nation. Often, member discussions are prompted by the following questions:
- What lands projects are you currently working on?
- What are some challenges you are facing?
- How did you, or how do you plan to overcome those challenges?
- What are some successes you have had?
- What are some topics that you would like to receive training on?
Based on the answers and updates from members, OALA then compiles information and determines the most suitable training options for the group. It is of utmost importance that OALA is able to meet the current needs of its members, by providing opportunities for training that is current, and relevant to lands management.
NALMA Training
NALMA’s role as the certifying body of Land Managers in Canada, and its delivery methods which showcases technical hands-on skills for the management of lands and learning from shared experiences, is an ideal approach to adult learning. To view upcoming NALMA training opportunities, click here.
Mentorship
OALA prides itself on the strong relationship that has developed among land managers over the years and hopes to continue to support those relationships into the future. OALA will continue to provide avenues for open discussion and dialogue among membership, while also looking at future opportunities for more formalized mentorship programs.