INCREASED JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE

The Government of Saskatchewan signed a partnership agreement today to increase job opportunities for First Nations people in the province.

The Department of First Nations and Métis Relations and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada signed an Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) partnership agreement with the Kawacatoose First Nation.

“All program partners are working together with the Saskatchewan Government to promote full participation of all people in the economy of our province,” First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said.  “In Saskatchewan, we share a vision, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and realize their dreams of building a better future right here in the province.”

“This partnership is an opportunity to provide training and employment opportunities,” Kawacatoose First Nation Band councillor Bill Strongarm said.  “This capacity building will eventually lead to a better quality of life for our members.”

“Canada’s New Government is taking positive steps to increase employment and economic opportunities for Aboriginal people,” Federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Jim Prentice said.  “We will work together to create a winning and visionary workplace that will remove barriers and enhance the participation of the Aboriginal workforce.”

Through the Aboriginal Employment Development Program, the Saskatchewan Government is building a representative workforce that has First Nations and Métis people represented at all occupational levels in proportion to their population numbers in the province.

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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