ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS 80TH PARTNERSHIP

The Government of Saskatchewan today signed an Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) partnership agreement with the North West Catholic School Division #16 to increase job opportunities for Saskatchewan Aboriginal people.

North West Catholic School Division #16 is the 80th partner to sign an AEDP partnership agreement. They join Saskatchewan Health Districts, the University of Regina, the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, IPSCO, the Federation of Labour, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the City of North Battleford, the Community of Nipawin, the Kawacatoose First Nation and numerous other businesses, unions, Aboriginal organizations, health organizations, post-secondary institutes and community based organizations who have signed on as partners in increasing job opportunities for Saskatchewan Aboriginal people.

"I commend this progressive school division for joining with the Government of Saskatchewan in preparing work places in the education sector to foster the creation of a representative workforce," Health Minister Len Taylor said on behalf of First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag. "We share a common vision in Saskatchewan where all families have the opportunity to succeed and realize their dreams of building a better future right here at home. Today is a day of celebration, as our 80th partner joins us in the quest to achieve that vision."

"North West Catholic School Division #16 is pleased to join with the Government of Saskatchewan and the local Aboriginal communities to improve educational and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in our area," North West Catholic School Division #16 Superintendent of Instruction Herb Sutton said. "Our school division believes that all people in our communities and province benefit as a result of these kinds of initiatives, and we are pleased to be a part of this."

Through the Aboriginal Employment Development Program, Saskatchewan is working with its 80 partners to meet provincial labour market needs through work place preparation. By building linkages to the First Nations and Métis workforce the program works to ensure representation at all occupational levels.

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For more information, contact:

Sharon Erickson
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7177
Email: serickson@fnmr.gov.sk.ca