January 31, 2014 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
More than 1,500 young First Nation adults in Alberta will be connected to skills training and jobs thanks to the Government of Canada’s new initiative to improve on-reserve Income Assistance. These investments will provide personalized supports to First Nations youth as they secure the tools needed to find meaningful employment and reduce their reliance on income assistance.
In Alberta, the Maskwacis Employment Centre, Tribal Chief Ventures Inc., Blood Tribe, and the Paul First Nation will be implementing the new Enhanced Service Delivery in 11 First Nation communities. All of the 11 of First Nations communities are participating at the request of their local First Nations leadership. These organizations will be working with Six Independent Alberta First Nations of Hobbema, Tribal Chiefs Employment and Training Services Association, Community Futures Treaty Seven, to provide on-reserve First Nations youth ages 18-24 with personalized assessments and job training plans.
This is part of the over $19.4 million in funding being provided this year by the Government of Canada to 22 Tribal Councils, First Nations and First Nation organizations to begin work in 70 First Nation communities across the country, providing support to young First Nations income assistance clients. A total of 22 pairs of joint proposals (22 Enhanced Service Delivery and 11 First Nations Job Fund) were approved. Together these organizations will ensure that eligible income assistance clients have access to necessary training through the newly created First Nations Job Fund.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
