NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 850-106/010

2006 Western Premiers' Conference
Gimli, Manitoba - May 29-31, 2006

WESTERN CANADIAN ABORIGINAL TRAINING STRATEGY

Gimli – May 30, 2006 -- Western Premiers received an update on work related to post education and skills training undertaken in each jurisdiction in partnership with Aboriginal stakeholders. Premiers recognized the importance of advancing initiatives in this area and thanked all of the Aboriginal stakeholders that contributed to the process.

Many excellent examples of successful programs and initiatives promoting Aboriginal training, education and employment were identified through the process. Following is a sample:

• British Columbia ’s Bladerunners employment program;
• Alberta ’s Aboriginal Apprenticeship Project;
• Saskatchewan ’s Aboriginal Teacher Education Programs;
• Manitoba ’s Hydro Northern Training Initiative (HNTI);
• Yukon ’s Community Based Training Funds;
• Northwest Territories ’ Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnerships; and
• Nunavut ’s Teacher Education Program.

Premiers acknowledged the scope of work already being undertaken. They directed Advanced Education/ Learning Ministers to meet to review the feedback from the consultation process and prepare a preliminary report on best practices in advance of the summit on economic opportunities for Aboriginal people to be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan January 23 - 25, 2007.

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Contact Information:

Jonathan Hildebrand
Director of Cabinet Communications
Province of Manitoba
204-945-1494

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