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By paNOW Staff

NATURAL RESOURCES

New provincial funding to help boost Indigenous partnership in natural resource projects

Apr 29, 2024 | 12:00 PM

The province is making a large investment to help grow Indigenous partnerships in the natural resource sector.

On Monday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a $400,000 investment in the First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence, which will help identify roadblocks faced by Indigenous peoples trying to find work in the natural resource industry.

“Engagement of Indigenous communities in the workforce is essential to the continued growth of Saskatchewan and is a key component of our province’s recently released Labour Market Strategy,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a release.

“Partnerships such as this help create new opportunities and ensure the Indigenous workforce has every opportunity to benefit from the jobs being created by Saskatchewan’s strong and growing economy.”

Meanwhile, CEO of the Centre of Excellence, Sheldon Wuttunee said they are constantly working toward creating a future where communities are valued partners and thriving in the energy resource sector.

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We are proud to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to identify gaps and create opportunities in the natural resources sector where First Nations communities can play an active role.”

One of the companies that will benefit from this partnership is NexGen Energy. The company operates the Rook I Project, a proposed underground mine and mill development in the southwestern area of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan.

“With an annual expectation of 700 positions during construction, and 500 positions during operations,” said VP of Regional Development, Dylan Smart. “This most recent initiative aligns strongly with NexGen’s consistent approach to working with industry and educational institutions to build a strong and prosperous Indigenous workforce that will strengthen these communities and the company for generations to come.”

The province said investments like this support the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, which outlines how the province is ensuring Saskatchewan has the labour force to meet employer demand.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com