September 9, 2014 - Tofino, British Columbia - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Today, Parliamentary Secretary for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Mark Strahl, met with Nuu-Chah-Nulth youth who are receiving personalized support so that they can secure the skills training that will help them find a job and achieve the self-sufficiency that they deserve.
In total, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Enhanced Service Delivery program currently has 93 affiliated youth undertaking Enhanced Service Delivery, which supports First Nations in identifying individuals’ employment needs and establishes a plan to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to employment. The goal: connecting youth with jobs, like Donald.
As a resident of the Opitsaht Reserve in Clayoquot Sound, the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Donald’s participation in the Nuu-chah-nulth BladeRunners Program, allowed him to build much needed skills and self confidence. This was due in part to the Government of Canada’s investments in skills training for First Nations youth. Upon completion of the program, Donald secured employment as a sea kayak guide with Tofino Sea Kayaking.
On January 31, 2014, Minister Valcourt announced that nearly 4,000 First Nation youth from across Canada will participate in an effort to reduce reliance on Income Assistance by providing youth with access to a wider, more personalized, range of training, education and career counselling programs that will help them get jobs.
By investing in jobs and skills training for First Nation youth, the Government of Canada is taking concrete steps to help build more prosperous, self-sufficient First Nation communities.
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
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