May 25, 2006

Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford today congratulated the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and its partners on the official opening of the Atoskiwin Training and Employment Centre of Excellence (ATEC) in Nelson House.

"As a non-profit, community-based post-secondary training facility, ATEC is serving northern Manitobans who want to upgrade their education and employment skills while living closer to home," McGifford said. "I’m very pleased the Manitoba government’s commitment to rural and northern development is being realized through development of successful training facilities and programs such as those in Nelson House."

Manitoba’s $10-million investments in the Hydro Northern Training and Employment Initiative is a key component of the Northern Development Strategy. The initiative is preparing northern Aboriginal people to work in a variety of jobs such as designated trades and construction support services. In the past five years, almost 1,000 individuals have taken an education or training program and 70 people are active in apprenticeship programs.

To date, the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has received over $8.2 million in provincial and federal funding for pre-employment training and education initiatives. Manitoba’s contribution to the $60.3-million Hydro Northern Training and Employment Initiative has helped the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation to train close to 300 of its members in areas such as carpentry, cooking and heavy equipment operation.

"By establishing a range of services that include employment readiness, upgrading and on-the-job technical and professional training, we are investing in education programs that will create long-term benefits for northern Aboriginal people," McGifford said. "Developing a northern workforce is a building block for creating economic growth and strong communities."

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