February 15, 2002

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES RESULT FROM CASINO TRAINING PROGRAM
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New Course Results in Employment for 50 Northerners at Aseneskak Casino

THE PAS -- Fifty northern and Aboriginal people will soon begin working in the gaming industry following their completion of a special training program supported by the Manitoba government.

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson made the announcement today at the official opening of the Aseneskak Casino in The Pas.

Robinson said an important component of the provincial government's Northern Development Strategy (NDS) is the creation of employment and training opportunities.  "The goal of NDS is to create long-term economic development opportunities for northern and Aboriginal Manitobans.  This training program develops the skills necessary to ensure participants have an opportunity to use their new skills in jobs in the gaming industry."

Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin said First Nations and other Aboriginal people have found employment opportunities in other jurisdictions when gaming has been pursued.

"Our government supports the economic development aspirations of First Nations and other Aboriginal people in Northern Manitoba," said Lathlin.  "The funding provided for this casino training will equip northerners with the skills needed to work within this growing industry."

With the assistance of the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation, the Aseneskak Casino Training Program provided training to 50 individuals to allow them to perform various duties in gaming establishments.

All of the graduates who undertook the training have been offered employment at the Aseneskak Casino.

The provincial government contributed $66,000 through the New Careers North Program which is designed to assist employers and community organizations in enhancing sustainable employment opportunities in Northern Manitoba.

The Aseneskak Casino is expected to create 150 to 200 jobs including security, surveillance, slot attendant, cashiers, dealers, accounting and clerical and management positions.

Aseneskak Company Inc. is a joint partnership between Chemawawawin Cree Nation, Grand Rapids First Nation, Mosakahiken Cree Nation, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Sapotewayak Cree Nation, Wuskwi Sipihik Cree Nation and Swampy Cree Tribal Council.