Helping Indigenous people in Yukon gain vital job skills and experience

Press Release

January 31, 2018 Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction), Yukon Emmployment and Social Development Canada

A strong economy depends on a strong middle class where everybody has a real and fair chance to succeed. Despite being the fastest growing segment of the country’s population, Indigenous peoples continue to be underrepresented in Canada’s workforce.

Up to 250 participants will take part in a new project, which will be delivered by Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN). The Dän Tsʼänānän (a blessing for certain skills) program is aimed at moving more CAFN citizens toward self-sufficiency by supporting participants through personalized learning and training, and short-term work experience throughout the communities. The Yukon Literacy Coalition and Yukon College have also joined CAFN in this project to deliver individualized programs for skills training, trade certifications and accredited educational programming.

The Government of Canada will provide approximately $7.5 Million in funding for this project under the Skills Partnership Fund (SPF), which was announced today by Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

Quotes

“Breaking down barriers to employment for Indigenous people will ensure that everyone has a real and fair chance at success. Helping Indigenous people get the skills and training they need to find good jobs will help grow the economy and strengthen the middle class and help those working hard to join it.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“By providing more opportunities and training for Indigenous people, the Government of Canada is demonstrating the importance of helping all people get the skills and experience they need to help build strong communities. This project encourages new approaches to labour market training, with hands-on embedded learning situations, and support for participants’ emotional, mental, and physical needs. It is focused on participants who require support, and will help move more CAFN citizens toward self-sufficiency.”

– Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon

“This project is a major strategic initiative for CAFN as it touches on each of our key priorities of self- reliance, connecting and better government. We are enthusiastic that the Skills and Partnership Fund has invested in CAFN’s vision for this project that will positively impact the employment outcomes for hundreds of CAFN dän (people).”

– Dän Nätthe ada Kaaxnox (Chief Steve Smith), Champagne and Aishihik First Nations

Quick Facts

Indigenous peoples in Canada represent the youngest and fastest-growing segment of the country’s population. Over the next decade, 400,000 Indigenous youth will be preparing to enter the workforce.
The SPF receives $50 million in funding per year, and to date has leveraged approximately $250 million (cash and in-kind) from partnerships since its inception.
From April 2010 to March 2017, the SPF has served more than 32,000 Indigenous clients, which included helping over 12,000 individuals get jobs in natural resources, trades and the health sector and assisting 1,500 individuals return to school.
The Shadhäla, Äshèyi yè kwädän (Champagne and Aishihik First Nations) is a self-governing First Nation located in the Yukon Territory and northwest British Columbia. Our homeland is a land of kwata (forests), dhal (mountains), taga (rivers), man (lakes) and tan shį (glaciers), with spectacular scenery, diverse resources and cultural riches. CAFN has more than 1,200 Dän(people) and is one of the largest of the 14 Yukon First Nations.
The Dän Tsʼänānän program aligns closely with CAFN’s priority to uphold and entrench Dän K’é (our way) in all that we do. Dän K’é is a comprehensive concept that reflects our traditional values and includes language, social systems, education, economic development and more.

Associated Links

Contacts

Susan Moorhead Mooney
Office of Hon. Larry Bagnell P.C., M.P.
867-668-6565
larry.bagnell.c1@parl.gc.ca

Amy McKinnon
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
(867) 332-1973
almckinnon@cafn.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

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