FIRST NATIONS AND PROVINCE SIGN PARTNERSHIPS

Battlefords Tribal Council and Salteaux First Nation today signed two separate Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) partnership agreements with the province during a ceremony in North Battleford today.

"The provincial government's goal is to ensure that Aboriginal people have a bright future through increased education, employment and business opportunities," Aboriginal Affairs Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "Partnerships such as this one being signed between the Saskatchewan Government and Battlefords Tribal Council and Salteaux First Nation are an important step toward our shared goal of Aboriginal people's full and equal participation in the social and economic fabric of our province."

The AEDP strives to build a workforce in Saskatchewan where Aboriginal people compete for jobs based on their skills and qualifications, and where they have representation at all occupational levels in proportion to their population numbers in the province.

"It is with pleasure I sign this agreement on behalf of Battlefords Tribal Council," Moosomin First Nation Chief Michael Kahpeaysewat said. "The Tribal Council represents seven member communities in this region and works with a number of independents. I believe it is important that we lead by example and let the workforce around the Battlefords know that we are just as anxious to get our members to work and develop their careers as they are."

"I truly believe in fairness, equity, and mutual respect. This is what has drawn me to seriously look at and enter into the Partnership Agreement," Salteaux First Nation Chief Brian Moccasin said. "I've always believed First Nations people can play a major role in the work force. Today's agreement will give us the opportunity to create education, training, and employment opportunities. We need to network with other stakeholders to share information about the training needs, training availability, and employment prospects. Let's start working together and make these opportunities a reality for our First Nations people."

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8008