Treaty Relations

29 trcm.ca Dave Chomiak MLAforKildonan 204-334-5060 DaveChomiak.ca Ron Kostyshyn MLAforSwanRiver 204-734-4900 RonKostyshyn.ca Andrew Swan MLAforMinto 204-783-9860 AndrewSwan.ca Kevin Chief MLAforPointDouglas 204-421-9126 KevinChief.ca Erna Braun MLAforRossmere 204-667-7244 ErnaBraun.ca Eric Robinson MLAforKewatinook 204-943-2274 Eric-Robinson.ca Stan Struthers MLAforDauphin 204-622-7630 StanStruthers.ca Greg Selinger MLAforSt.Boniface PremierofManitoba 204-237-9247 GregSelinger.ca Peter Bjornson MLAforGimli 204-642-4977 1-866-253-0255 PeterBjornson.ca Flor Marcelino MLAforLogan 204-788-0800 FlorMarcelino.ca Gord Mackintosh MLAforSt.Johns 204-582-1550 GordMackintosh.ca TreatiesareapartofManitoba'shistory.We respecttheirspiritandintent. Theresa Oswald MLAforSeineRiver 204-255-7840 TheresaOswald.ca Investment in education and training is always a solid investment in the future, strengthening prospects for both the individual and the com- munity at large. Education means not only gaining skills and knowledge but also providing per- sonal empowerment and greater self-determination. According to Employment and skills Development Canada (EsDC), Aboriginal people are the youngest and fastest-growing segment of the population, represent- ing a very significant workforce. By 2020, more than 400,000 young Aboriginal peo- ple will enter the workforce adding to the 652,000 who are already of working age. statistics Canada reports that Aboriginal people have a harder time finding work and face higher unemployment than non-Aboriginal people. Education and train- ing was shown to have a positive effect on the employment rate for most people, including Aboriginal youth and young adults. incorporated in 2006, the federally-funded First Peoples Development inc. (FPDi) works with Manitoba First Nations communities to deliver education and training opportunities to help young Aboriginal people achieve their full potential. the Winnipeg-based administrative organization oversees 34 First Nations groups, referred to as sub-agreement holders, that have been given funding to deliver education and training programs for young people in their communities. the investment in education and training has been life-changing for many participants. "Before i was accepted for sponsorship, i was a single mom on social assistance with hopes and dreams, but no way to attain them," said Autumn who, through program funding, was able to access training in electrical applications at Winnipeg technical College. "After finding out that i was being sponsored, i felt so full of energy, hope and life. i am now employed full-time and making a great wage." "it's satisfying to know that youth and other individuals are benefiting from training toward a real career and better employment opportunities," said Joan harris-Warren, acting program manager for FPDi. harris-Warren noted the employment rate for program participants continues to grow. "it's stories like Autumn's that really inspire us to carry on," she said. "i think it's important to encourage, celebrate and share the success (of the program partici- pants)," said harris-Warren. "Education is so vital to their future well-being." A five-year program funded through the Aboriginal skills and Employment train- ing strategy (AsEts), FPDi supports the sub-agreement holder staff in areas includ- ing management of agreements, financial accountability, client data management, development of training programs and fostering partnerships with educational in- stitutions, industry and government. AsEts was launched in late 2010. "to date, over 7,500 individuals have been trained in various professions, skilled labour, job creation activities, employment-assisted services and partnership devel- opment," said harris-Warren. FPDi is currently working with the City of Winnipeg to recruit and train Aborigi- nal bus drivers. it is also involved in a project with Assiniboine Community College to train RCMP officers through the Aboriginal Police studies Program. FPDi joined the City of Winnipeg's Aboriginal Youth strategy and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic service, the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Centre for Aborigi- nal human Resource Development and the federal government in developing an 11-month primary care paramedic course for Aboriginal youth and young adults. Program participants are currently being specifically trained to meet the job quali- fications for the city's paramedic service. ❚ investing in educaTion, Training for aboriginal youTh FoR tHe FRee PRess

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