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Feds commit $6.9M to Tlicho skills and employment training

A $6.9-million investment to boost training and employment for Tlicho peoples is on its way.

The federal government announced the funding Thursday, which will help 508 underemployed or unemployed people access skills training and long-term employment, states a June 28 news release.

MP Michael McLeod was in Yellowknife last week to make major funding announcements around the territory, including skills training for Tlicho peoples. Avery Zingel/NNSL photo

“Canada’s support of our Skill’s Development program shows an ongoing commitment to build the capacity of Tlicho Citizens and enable participation in the economy of the Tlicho region, NWT and Canada,” stated George Mackenzie, Tlicho grand chief.

“This funding enables Tlicho Government to deliver a three-year program of integrated, harmonized, training-to-employment services for Tlicho Citizens in Behchokǫ̀, Whatı̀, Gamètı̀ and Wekweètı̀.”

McLeod made the announcement on behalf of employment minister Patty Hadju, as part of the Skills Partnership Fund, which encourages partnerships between Indigenous organizations and government, business and community organizations.

“Investments like this ... will make a real difference in employing and empowering many people in the Tlicho communities,” stated MP Michael McLeod in a news release. “The importance of helping people get the skills and experience they need to help build strong communities and contribute to their families is a priority.”

The funding will be dispersed among the four Tlicho communities.

The funding is part of a $2-billion five-year funding model to bridge employment disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

The funding will break down employment barriers, stated Hadju in the news release.

“Helping Indigenous people get the skills and training they need to find good jobs will grow the economy, strengthen the middle class and help those working hard to join it.”

Between 2010 and 2017, the skills development program has worked with more than 33,700 Indigenous clients and helped 12,700 individuals gain employment in natural resources, trades, health, retail and tourism, the release states.

It has also helped 1,657 individuals go back to school.

Indigenous people are the fastest-growing segment of the population in Canada. Over the next decade, 400,000 youth will be ready to enter the workforce.