SPEAKERS BUREAU CREATED FOR PROVINCE'S ABORIGINAL YOUTH

Volunteers from Saskatchewan's public service have created a new speakers bureau to speak to the province's youth about staying in school and considering a career with the public service.

Pikiskwewak, the Aboriginal Government Employees' Network (AGEN) Speakers Bureau, was created through a partnership between AGEN and the Saskatchewan Public Service Commission. The Department of Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs and the Crown Investments Corporation have also contributed funds to the bureau.

Pikiskwewak means "they speak" in Cree.

"Our greatest natural resource is our youth," AGEN spokesperson Linda Anderson said. "The Speakers Bureau is an excellent way to assist our youth in understanding the importance of getting an education to help them unlock their dreams."

Speakers come from a wide range of backgrounds, occupations and geographic locations. They are part of a number of First Nations and Métis communities in Saskatchewan and all are employees with government departments and Crown corporations.

"Aboriginal youth are the fastest growing segment of Saskatchewan's population," Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission Peter Prebble said. "Youth are the future of this province. We want to ensure these young people know the importance of getting an education, and of opportunities available in the public service."

Information regarding the AGEN Speakers Bureau will be sent to schools this fall and will be available online at the AGEN website: http://www.agen.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Rena Penashue Aboriginal Government Employees' Network Regina Phone: (306)787-9080