INCREASED JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS PEOPLE

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

The Departments of First Nations and Métis Relations and Learning signed an Aboriginal Employment Development Program (AEDP) partnership agreement with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association.

“All program partners are working together with the Saskatchewan Government to promote full participation of First Nations and Métis people in the economy of our province,” Learning Minister Deb Higgins said on behalf of First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag.  “In Saskatchewan, we all share a vision, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and realize their dreams of building a better future right here in the province.”
 
“The AEDP is an important step for boards of education, their students and their employees,” Saskatchewan School Boards Association president Roy Challis said.  “It is an opportunity to support First Nations and Métis involvement in the successful employment future of boards in Saskatchewan.”

“The Aboriginal Employment Development Program will assist Boards of Education to develop welcoming workplaces that will help increase employment opportunities, employment success and the retention of First Nations and Métis employees,” Learning Minister Deb Higgins said.  “The Saskatchewan School Boards Association’s desire to participate in the program is truly praiseworthy.”

The Saskatchewan School Boards Association represents all 28 boards of education in Saskatchewan, serving approximately 164,000 students, and is the voice of the public in education.  It is an advocate for the kindergarten-to-Grade 12 public education system, supporting board members in their many roles and providing high quality services to its members.

Through the Aboriginal Employment Development Program, the Saskatchewan Government is striving to build 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 

Ardith Stephanson
Saskatchewan School Boards Association
Regina
Phone: 306-569-0750