First Nations Voice

PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 2012 Mining Employers, Educators and Aboriginal Communities Commit to Actions that The Aboriginal Mining Education Forum brought together over 150 participants on the Nov. 20-21 to discuss issues pertaining to Ab- original Education to employment in the Cana- dian mining sector. The event, hosted by the Min- ing Industry Human Resources Council, brought together experts from the mining/exploration in- dustry, Aboriginal organizations and educational institutions. Taking place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in To- ronto, the Forum opened with a prayer from Elder Julie Ozawagosh, one of four Elders that contrib- uted their insight and wisdom to the conversa- tions that took place throughout the two-day col- laborative event. Day one began with an expert panel featuring representatives from mining, edu- cation and Aboriginal organizations who shared perspectives on their initiatives to increase Ab- original education leading to careers in the mining and minerals industry. Panelists included Sylvia Barnard, President of Cambrian College, Sean Willy, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility with Cameco and Karihwakeron Tim Thompson, Director of Education, Jurisdiction & Governance from the Assembly of First Nations. As the keynote speaker, Glenn Nolan, Presi- dent of the Prospectors and Developers Asso- ciation and Vice President of Aboriginal Affairs, Noront Resources emphasized the importance of partnerships between education, industry and community to posi- tively impact Aborigi- nal people across the country."What we are trying to do is promote greater participation by Aboriginal people; what can we do to be more respectful and more sensitive to the issues within the Aboriginal communities but also, what can we do to learn from the Aboriginal communi- ties about their issues, so that we can be more respectful, we can understand and adapt our pro- grams to meet their concerns" he said, acknowl- edging the cultural sensitivity that is needed to make these collaborative efforts a success. Breakout circles featured heavily in the Forum, with each delegate committing to one action that The Elders – L-R: Sally Kate Qimmiunaaq Webster/ Julie Ozawagosh/ Rene Gravelle/ Reta Gordon they believe will help further Aboriginal education leading to employment outcomes. Melanie Sturk, Director of Attraction, Retention and Transition at the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), will be follow- ing up with participants on their actions. "We want to see the ripple effect of bringing these groups together and gauging how much im- pact we can have if we commit to change" she concluded in her wrap- up speech. This event follows the recent release of Lessons Learned: A Report on HR Components of Aboriginal Community and Mining Company Partnership Agreements, a report commissioned by MiHR to discover best practices for a 'win-win' outcomes in HR negotia- tions between mining companies and Aboriginal communities. The Forum's report outlining event details will soon be released, as well as an on- line Aboriginal Mining Education network, where will Create Career Opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples One of three Breakout Circles comprised of Educators, employers and Aboriginal communities sharing ideas, showing Elder Sally Kate Qimmiunaaq at the front of the room members can connect and collaborate to discuss various challenges currently facing Aboriginals in mining communities. MiHR would like to thank its sponsors: Cam- eco, Cambrian College, Prospectors and Devel- opers Association of Canada and the Govern- ment of Canada's Sector Council Program. MiHR and this project are funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Pro- gram. About the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) MiHR is the national council for Canada's min- erals and metals industry. MiHR contributes to the strength, competiveness and sustainability of the Canadian mining industry by collaborating with all communities of interest in the development and implementation of solutions to the industry's na- tional HR challenges. For more information, visit www.mihr.ca. - Melanie Sturk, Director, Attraction, Retention and Transition, MiHR

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