PNLP:Who We Are

Who we are Peterborough Native Learning Program is passionate about learning of all kinds and values the unique ways that people learn. We do our best to make sure learners are supported to reach their goals by providing a welcoming environment.

Meet our Staff Pat Powell, Co-ordinator of Peterborough Native Learning Program Pat has broad experience in literacy and social service. She has 12 years in the literacy field as a program developer, administrator, author and field trainer (Native literacy stream, Ontario) and 25 years in different social services related positions working with both youth and adults. Pat returned to school as an adult and earned a certificate in Complex Behaviour Management and a Teacher/Trainer of Adults Certificate.

Karen McClain, Instructor, Peterborough Native Learning Program Karen has been our Adult Literacy Instructor for 5 years. She has an extensive background in teaching: 35 years as a teacher and principal of elementary schools in Aboriginal communities, 25 years as an Adult Education Instructor. In addition to her Honours B.A. in Native Studies Karen recently completed her M.A. in Sociology and Equity Studies in Education.

Peterborough Native Learning Program is an incorporated non-profit registered charity guided by a predominantly Native Board of Directors. We’ve been in operation since 1995. Our program is funded in part (62%) by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities under the Employment Ontario initiative. The rest of our funding comes from fund raising, City of Peterborough Special Grants, The K.M. Hunter Foundation, private donations, Ontario Trillium Foundation and fee for service contracts.