The Aboriginal Literacy and Essential Skills (ALES) Pilot Project was a three year community-based initiative that assisted First Nations communities on southern Vancouver Island and their citizens in developing a learning vision and set of pathways that are culturally relevant and reflective of customized community literacy and essential skills needs, interests and priorities. The ALES Pilot Project is recognized as the first comprehensive First Nations literacy and essential skills planning process on southern Vancouver Island. The printed book contains the final report and the accompanying CD contains a benchmark framework for Aboriginal literacy and essential skills, a tutor's guide, and a food safety and indigenous food preparation on Vancouver Island curriculum.