ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

The Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis Relations ministry joined with the Regina Catholic School Division today to sign an Aboriginal Employment Development (AED) partnership agreement that will enhance both the work life of Aboriginal people and the school experience of children.

Working through AED, the partnership will prepare the Regina Catholic School Division to increase First Nations and Métis participation within the school division's workforce which now stands at 1,777.

"Together we will prepare a more inviting workplace for First Nations and Métis people to compete on an equal basis for employment based on skill and merit," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude said. "This partnership will benefit both the staff and students in the Regina Catholic School system."

"One of the goals of the Regina Catholic School Division is to create an environment where all staff members are valued and included as we work toward our goal of quality Catholic education for all of our students," Regina Catholic School Board Chair Rob Bresciani said. "This partnership agreement is part of our ongoing efforts to focus on creating employment opportunities for First Nations and Métis people for the benefit of our students' education."

Regina Catholic School division serves 10,000 students in 24 elementary schools, four high schools and one K-12 alternative school. It has always been creative in its approach to supporting staff and students during its rich 110-year history.

The Aboriginal Employment Development initiative is focused on bringing the largely untapped First Nations and Métis workforce into Saskatchewan's growing economy. Through workplace audits, existing AED employer and other partners identify jobs into the future that will need trained employees. Educational institutions can then develop and offer programs to give First Nations and Métis people the skills they need to compete successfully for the open positions. All AED partners work to identify and address barriers to training, hiring and retaining First Nations and Métis employees.

With this signing, there are now 97 Aboriginal Employment Development partnership agreements in place. Agreements have been signed with public and private sector employers, organized labour, government ministries, First Nations and Métis organizations, post-secondary institutions, First Nations and Métis communities. Visit www.fnmr.gov.sk.ca/aedp/ to learn more.

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For more information, contact:

Bonny Braden
Communications
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: bonny.braden@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-530-2237

Jennifer Cartwright
Communications Officer Regina Catholic School Divi
Regina
Phone: 306-791-1734
Cell: 306-529-9395