Saskatoon Tribal Council helping navigate transition from rural to urban
- EFN Staff | April 27, 2015
The
Government of Saskatchewan recently announced a $330,000 investment in the
First Nations Urban Navigator Project – Saskatoon Tribal Council’s newest First
Nations employment project.
The Urban Navigator Project will support the transition of participants and
their families from rural to urban life by helping them secure sustained
employment and overcome barriers that they may be facing, from housing to
transportation to childcare.
“The First Nations Urban Navigator Project aligns directly with our
government’s goal of improving First Nations engagement in the workforce,”
Minister responsible for Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Jeremy Harrison
said. “By investing in people, our government is ensuring that
job-seekers have the skills they need for available jobs to help keep
Saskatchewan strong.”
In the 2015-16 Budget, the Ministry of the Economy committed a record $30.8
million for skills training and employment initiatives for First Nations and
Métis people.
Urban Navigator staff will work closely with employers and industry to identify
employment opportunities for First Nations people, assist employers throughout
the hiring process, and develop strategies and best practices with regard to First
Nations hiring and retention.
“The Saskatoon Tribal Council’s goal is to improve the quality of life for
First Nations people living in Saskatoon,” Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Felix
Thomas said. “We work hard to create strong partnerships with the city,
government and several organizations to ensure we can offer programs and
services for people living on and off reserves. One of our main goals is
to collaborate with funders and organizations to help create training and
employment opportunities for newcomers to the city to ensure their adjustment
is successful. We are doing this with the Urban Navigator Project as it
helps First Nations leaving the reserve and relocating to the City of Saskatoon
to build roots and foundations here. The funding provided by the
Government of Saskatchewan for this program is helping achieve these goals.”
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