The B.C. government is helping Aboriginal youth prepare for strong, vibrant and successful futures by supporting their attendance at the 13th annual Gathering Our Voices Aboriginal youth conference.

Gathering Our Voices is co-ordinated by the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), a major partner with the Province in the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Action Plan and the B.C. Skills for Jobs Blueprint.

The conference is co-hosted by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. This year’s conference is sold out. More than 1,000 youth aged 14 to 24, as well as chaperones, presenters and guests are registered to be a part of the inspiring event.

From March 17-20, participants will connect with their peers, elders, mentors and employers, attend workshops, take part in cultural activities, learn about healthy living through sport and recreational activities, witness performances by talented artists, and explore employment opportunities.

Aboriginal youth are the fastest-growing demographic in British Columbia, with almost 50% of the Aboriginal population under age 25. As such, the participation of young Aboriginal people in a full range of future careers - including skills and technical training programs - is critical to the economic success of B.C. To provide information and showcase in-demand job opportunities, especially in the North, this year’s conference features a highly interactive career and education fair.

The Gathering Our Voices conference is designed to motivate, uplift and inspire participants to use the tools and opportunities available to them to improve their lives and build a bright future for themselves, their families, their communities and the province of British Columbia.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“Gathering Our Voices is a tremendous event where Aboriginal youth come together to be inspired and discover ways to live rewarding lives. Aboriginal youth are vital to the future economic prosperity of our province. I am happy to take part in the opening ceremonies and address attendees about the many opportunities waiting for them.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“With almost 50% of the Aboriginal population under the age of 25, there is no doubt that Aboriginal youth have a critical role to play in the workforce of the future. We want to ensure that these young people have all the information they need to make them aware of the opportunities they have as our economy continues to grow. The Gathering Our Voices conference is the perfect place to share information about B.C's Skills for Jobs Blueprint as our Aboriginal youth work to find their fit in B.C.'s economy.”

Paul Lacerte, executive director, B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres -

“Aboriginal youth have so much to offer their communities and the province. Through the information and networking they will do at the Gathering Our Voices conference it’s my hope they will return home energized, informed and motivated.”

Quick Facts:

• The provincial government, B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Métis Nation of B.C., Union of B.C. Municipalities and federal government collaborate on the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Action Plan to improve socio-economic outcomes for the 78% of Aboriginal people who live in urban/off-reserve.
• Gathering Our Voices attendees include participants from the following regions: North (34.7%), Interior (25.8%), Island (15.2%), Fraser (10.2%), Vancouver-Coastal (8.9%), out of province (5.2%).
• More than 40,000 Aboriginal British Columbians live in northern communities. Almost half of all Aboriginal people in B.C. are under the age of 25.
• Aboriginal people are a priority in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, which has an overall goal of adding 15,000 more Aboriginal workers to B.C.’s workforce within 10 years.
• By 2022, one million job openings are expected in the B.C. labour market, two-thirds driven by retirements. A total of 44% of these job openings are expected in the trades and technical occupations.
• More than 78% of future jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, and 43% will be in trades and technical occupations.
• With Budget 2015, government is extending the BC Training Tax Credit program for an additional three years to the end of 2017.
• To encourage participation in trades, individual Aboriginal and employer tax credits are being enhanced by 50%.
• The B.C. government intends to increase support for Aboriginal skills training this year as part of a comprehensive plan to ensure Aboriginal young people and First Nations communities have more opportunities to benefit from the growth of the resource sector.

Learn More:

For more information on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, visit: www.workbc.ca/skills

To find out more about the BC Jobs Plan, visit: engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

To find out more about regional LNG Energy Seminars, visit: www.engage.gov.bc.ca/lnginbc/

Media Contacts:

Edward Hill
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 812-2671