Written by Ontario Newsroom on 04 April 2014
Ontario Supporting Careers in Ring of Fire, Other Mining Developments
Ontario is investing in training programs that will support jobs and improve the quality of life for First Nations communities near the Ring of Fire.
“I’m extremely proud of the support our government continues to show for programs and initiatives that deliver high-quality skills and training opportunities and help Aboriginal youth across Northern Ontario obtain rewarding careers. This investment will ensure that even more Matawa First Nations community members have access to this remarkable and unique program.” Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
Today, in conjunction with a graduation ceremony for 45 Matawa First Nations participants involved in the Aboriginal Skills Advancement Pilot Program (ASAPP), Ontario announced a new investment of $565,000 to support more skills and training opportunities through Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS).
The investment is in addition to $2.7 million Ontario has already provided KKETS for this training program.
Investing in skills, training, and second careers is part of Ontario’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths — its people and strategic partnerships.
“KKETS is making progress to ensure Matawa First Nation members are prepared, educated and trained for employment resulting from the Ring of Fire. Through the pilot year, ASAPP has seen 63 adult learners graduate with a high school diploma out of 101 participating students, which is tremendous success from a flexible and unique program. These great results prove that ASAPP is working and meets the needs of the individual learner in a culturally appropriate manner. It is KKETS’ anticipation to only see the number of adult high school graduates continue to increase for Matawa First Nations.” Morris Wapoose, Program manager, Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS)
Quick Facts
- The Ring of Fire, located 540 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, has a known mineral potential to be worth approximately $60 billion and includes the largest deposit of chromite ever discovered in North America.
- More than 60 participants have graduated from the Aboriginal Skills Advancement Pilot Program to date, and over 1,300 First Nations clients have received supports through skills and training programs funded by the province related to the Ring of Fire.
- On March 26, 2014, the province and the Matawa-member First Nations signed a historic framework agreement to move forward with a negotiation process on a community-based regional approach to development in the Ring of Fire.
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Posted in EDUCATION/School News, Greenstone, Indigenous Affairs, Matawa, Mining news, Municipal, Northern Ontario Headlines, Provincial, Regional | Comments Off on Ontario Enhancing Job-Skills Programs for First Nations Communities
Ontario is investing in training programs that will support jobs and improve the quality of life for First Nations communities near the Ring of Fire. 
