A rich seam of knowledge has been uncovered in Chetwynd and 20 aboriginal students will be given the chance to mine it as a result of an arrangement between First Nations and a dozen resource companies in the province.
The B.C. Aboriginal Mine Training Association announced details of the $100,000 partnership to cover the costs of training the students in the environmental technician certificate program, which came as the result of an initiative of the McLeod Lake Indian Band and its Duz Cho Construction subsidiary.
"I'm so proud to say that Duz Cho and the McLeod Lake [Indian Band] were able to partner with BCAMTA and put on this great opportunity," said Duz Cho administrative assistant Melissa McLaughlin. "It's a great opportunity for 20 aboriginal people in this community to get a brand-new career or a new career opportunity."
The students have been selected from four First Nations communities -- Halfway River, McLeod Lake, West Moberly and Saulteau -- all of which are in the Chetwynd area north of Prince George.
The five-week course is offered through Vancouver Island University at Chetwynd's community centre. The course will be taught from an aboriginal perspective and students will have access to academic coaches and elders.
Companies funding the program include BC Hydro, Teck Coal, Walter Energy, TransCanada Corporation, Canadian Kailuan Dehua, EDF EN Canada, Avro Wind Energy, Landsong Heritage Consulting, HD Mining, Canadian Dehua and Canadian Natural Resources.
The companies involved are operating on First Nations land and have agreed to hire the students upon the completion of the course.
