Through a variety of technical and trades training, First Nations in north-central B.C. are working to ensure community members benefit from regional employment opportunities.

Approximately 75 members from Skin Tyee Nation and Nee-Tahi-Buhn Band are participating in training courses for welding, carpentry, professional cook, land stewardship reclamation, business administration, security, craft construction, driving and surveying. Successful participants will have a solid foundation to seek further education or employment in a range of natural resource and professional fields.

“These courses will provide the skills and education needed for participants to benefit from sustainable employment and new job opportunities that resource development brings to this region,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “We want to ensure Indigenous people can access the training needed to grow their careers and secure family-supporting jobs.”

The Province is providing $481,400 to support the program, which is being delivered in the Skin Tyee and Nee-Tahi-Buhn communities by the Lakes District Aboriginal Training to Employment Society (LDATES).

“Ensuring Indigenous people have access to technical, trades and career training is a priority for our government,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and MLA for Stikine. “The success of Indigenous people in post-secondary and the workforce contributes to the success of B.C. as a whole.”

The program is designed to provide the education and transferrable skills that fit the needs of the communities, and will provide new opportunities for jobs, careers and further education.

“I am pleased to see this investment made by the Province for our citizens to take part in and receive the various training opportunities provided by LDATES. This will help to make our members even more employable and competitive in the workforce,” said Rene Skin, Chief of Skin Tyee Nation.

“LDATES program has opened many doors for our Nations and their members,” said Ray Morris, Chief of Nee-Tahi-Buhn Band. “The training and employment opportunities are greatly appreciated and will be readily utilized. They will help in creating higher employment amongst our members on reserve, in turn, paving the way for a brighter future for our next generations.”

Ensuring that Indigenous people have equitable access to jobs, training, and education is one part of the Province’s effort to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.