The province has earmarked $320,000 to look into labour market trends for 10 area First nations.
The report is expected to be released in October after interviews with major employers, small businesses and up to 1,000 First Nations community members. The goal is to produce a skills inventory, long-term approaches for aboriginal labour force development, and a human resources strategy.
The project is in partnership with the Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association and will hire a co-ordinator, a research assistant and field interviewers to help identify training needs.
"The strategy will include current and projected labour market needs, information on the current composition of the aboriginal workforce, identification of training and education needs and strategies to meet," said the release, which also mentioned "LNG opportunities."
The project involves Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Lheidli T'enneh Band, McLeod Lake Band, Nadleh Whut'en Band, Nak'azdli Band, Saik'uz First Nation, Stellat'en First Nation, Takla Lake First Nation, Tl'azt'en Nation and Yekooche First Nation.
Other communities can also opt-in.
Jobs minister Shirley Bond announced the funding in Prince George early Monday morning.
"It is critical that we work in partnership with First Nations as we grow our economy," said Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount, in a statement. "This study will give us the information we need to create a labour market strategy to ensure that First Nations are full participants in our economic growth both today and in the future."
The Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation said working with communities is most important.
"By taking a community level approach, this program will help ensure First Nations and the Province are well-prepared to take advantage of future employment opportunities and a growing economy," said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad in a statement.
