NIPAWIN PULLS COMMUNITY TOGETHER ON ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT

The community of Nipawin is working together to achieve a more representative workforce for First Nations and Métis people. Today, 17 partners will join in signing an Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) Partnership Agreement. The Nipawin Integrated Services Committee worked with the many partners to make this signing possible.

The partners include the North East School Division, Red Earth Cree Nation, Eastern Region II Métis Nation, Cumberland Regional College, Nipawin Métis Local #134, Town of Nipawin, Nipawin Chamber of Commerce, Shoal Lake Cree Nation, Cumberland House Cree Nation, Northern Village of Cumberland House, Cumberland House Métis Local #42, SaveU IGA, Davis Rexall Drugs and Pineland Co-op. These partners will sign an Aboriginal Employment Development Program Partnership Agreement with Service Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations.

Through the AEDP, the partners strive to build a representative workforce where First Nations and Métis people compete for jobs based on their skills and qualifications, and where they are represented at all occupational levels in proportion to their population numbers in the province.

First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag commended Nipawin for taking the lead in addressing the challenges. "This community driven process that includes the Aboriginal community, is an example we would like to see replicated in other communities across the province. Achieving the common vision of a representative workforce where every person has the opportunity to be a full participant in the economic and social fabric of this province is a goal we all strive for."

"This is not just about how we are creating opportunities for our membership," Shoal Lake Chief Marcel Head said on behalf of Cumberland House Chief Walter Sewap and Red Earth Chief Miller Nawakayas. "It is about supporting our members to create opportunities for themselves. As Craig Mactavish, Coach of the Edmonton Oilers said to his players before Game #5 against Carolina with his team down 3 games to 1: The best way to predict the future is to create your own future."

"With the current immigration policies of both the Federal and Provincial Governments, this agreement is a clear indication that Aboriginal people are not being left behind," Northcote Métis Local representative Brian Chaboyer said. "This agreement ensures that we will be prepared to play a major role within the regional and provincial economies over the coming years."

"It has been a very rewarding experience to work with partners who are so committed to this initiative," Nipawin Integrated Services Committee chairperson Julie Bedel said. "The level of collaboration that was displayed during the planning phase will bode well for the future in working together toward Aboriginal Employment Development."

"This program represents a formal recognition of the proportionate imbalance that exists in the workforce between the number of Aboriginal people in our community and the number in the workforce," Nipawin Mayor Glen Day added. "It represents a serious attempt to address the issue and provide opportunities to make real, positive changes."

"The Chamber welcomes the opportunity to work with First Nations and Métis people in supporting employment opportunities and working together for the future," Nipawin and District Chamber of Commerce president Cliff Rose said.

This is the 72nd partnership agreement for the Aboriginal Employment Development Program. Partnerships have been signed with large public and private sector employers, organized labour, government departments, First Nations and Métis organizations, post-secondary institutions and community based organizations.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sharon Erickson First Nations and Métis Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-7177