Algonquin College helps Indigenous youth gain trade skills and an education
Posted on Tuesday, May 26th, 2020
OTTAWA (May 26) – Algonquin College has taken a prominent role in a unique nation-wide pilot project to provide Indigenous youth with trades training while they attend school.
The $1.2-million project, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, is mandated through Indigenous YouthBuild Canada, a national job-readiness program that brings local communities together with educational institutions, government, and corporate partners to help Indigenous youth acquire job-ready skills while extending their education.
While modelled on an American YouthBuild program that has helped thousands of young people since the 1970s, Indigenous YouthBuild Canada focuses on this country’s Indigenous youth.
Under the program, Algonquin teamed up with two other post-secondary institutions and two Indigenous organizations to provide First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth with this earn-as-you-learn opportunity.
College leaders highlighted Algonquin’s leading role in the project. “Indigenous YouthBuild Canada speaks to our vision of an inclusive community where Indigenous learners see themselves as active participants in the wider Canadian community,” said President Claude Brulé.
“These young men and women simply need a chance to obtain an education, gain skills needed for employment, and build their confidence to become contributing members of their communities,” said Ron (Deganadus) McLester, Algonquin’s Vice President, Truth, Reconciliation & Indigenization.
Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, also applauded Algonquin’s involvement. “Supporting innovative projects led by and for Indigenous people is one of the many ways we can help build a stronger and more inclusive Canada for generations to come,” she said.
“Right now, Indigenous youth are facing serious challenges finding work and educational opportunities due to the impacts of COVID-19. Indigenous YouthBuild Canada’s project, will offer professional growth opportunities, help them develop skills, gain valuable experience and confidence, all while working on projects that matter to them and their communities.”
Workers preparing for solar panel installation in Nisichawayashik.
Algonquin’s partners in this pilot project include the Akwesasne Education & Training Centre in southwestern Quebec, the Atoskiwin Training & Employment Centre in northern Manitoba’s Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, the Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology in Winnipeg, and Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C. Collectively, they will use the federal funding to bring at least 80 Indigenous youth into the program. Algonquin provides oversight on the project and manages the funds.
“This positions us to have a significant impact in creating generational change for Canada’s First Nations,” said Jeff Turner, the College’s Partnership Development Specialist, noting that it’s the only program of its kind in Canada.
For more information:
Ruth Dunley
Communications Manager
Algonquin College
Office: 613-727-4723 ext. 6452
Mobile: 613-406-0970
dunleyr@algonquincollege.com
Chris Lackner
Communications Officer
Algonquin College
Office: 613-727-4723 ext. 2091
Mobile: 613-220-3479
About Algonquin College:
The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 185 programs. Based in the Ottawa Valley, Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario.
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