Ya’ thi Néné awarded close to $1M in funding for workforce development programs in the Athabasca Basin
MEDIA RELEASE
December 16, 2022 – Saskatoon, SK – The Ya’thi Néné Land and Resource Office (YNLR) is very pleased to be the recipient of a $997,221 contribution from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) under the Jobs and Growth Fund to support the implementation of workforce development programs in the Northern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan.
The workforce development programs include Driller Helper, Digital Literacy and Mill Utility Programs. These programs will be developed and implemented in collaboration with industry partners that will provide training and work experience for over 50 Indigenous Athabasca Basin residents. YNLR and the industry partners will receive support and guidance on the project from the Athabasca Education Employment and Development Committee (AEEDC) which is a community-led consortium of Athabasca organizations that support education, training and employment initiatives throughout Nuhenéné (traditional territory of the Athabasca Basin communities).
“Our government is supporting the continued growth and diversification of the Indigenous workforce in the Athabasca Basin,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “This collaboration provides opportunities for local workers to develop their skills and knowledge for new jobs and, at the same time, provides employers with a resident workforce, keeping employment dollars in these communities.”
“Support from PrairiesCan and industry partners for this workforce development project is greatly appreciated and will advance the inclusion of Athabasca Basin residents into developments projects within their traditional territories. YNLR is proud to support the advancement of meaningful partnerships between government, industry, and the communities,” said Garrett Schmidt, YNLR Executive Director and Chair of the AEEDC.
Project activities include the development and promotion of a skills database of Athabasca Basin residents and the recruitment, selection, and assessments of trainees in the work placements. The three (3) month work placements will be subsidized by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) in collaboration with funding and in-kind support from YNLR and industry stakeholders. Participants who successfully complete the work placement and who meet eligibility requirements will be eligible for permanent positions with the industry partners. The program will help to address the training and employment needs in the Athabasca communities.
-30-
Media Contact:
Ya’ thi Néné Lands and Resources
Garrett Schmidt
C: 306-370-3358
E: garrett.schmidt@yathinene.com
About Ya’ thi Néné
Ya' thi Néné is a non-profit organization owned by the seven Athabasca Basin communities of Hatchet Lake Denesułiné First Nation, Black Lake Denesułiné First Nation, Fond du Lac Denesułiné First Nation and the municipalities of Stony Rapids, Uranium City, Wollaston Lake, and Camsell Portage. Ya’ thi Néné works on behalf of the Athabasca Basin communities to protect the best interests of the people and the land.
About PrairiesCan
PrairiesCan is the department that helps to diversify the economy across the Canadian Prairies. It leads in building a strong, competitive Canadian economy by supporting business, innovation and community economic development unique to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. The fund, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), including PrairiesCan, provides $700 million nationally over 3 years. This includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet eligibility criteria.
