News release

Better Access to Workforce for Aboriginal and Mi'kmaw Youth

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

Aboriginal and Mi'kmaw youth will play a key role in addressing Nova Scotia's labour shortage in the coming years.

This role and the workforce challenges faced by Aboriginal youth will be the topic of a conference in Debert on Thursday, Feb. 28 and Friday, Feb. 29.

The event is expected to attract more than 75 representatives from government, Mi'kmaw and Aboriginal groups, and employers such as Michelin, the Department of National Defence, Eastlink, Emera and the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission.

"While Nova Scotia's overall population is aging and in decline, the Mi'kmaw community is young and growing quickly, with 50 per cent of its population under the age of 25," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "Nova Scotia's Aboriginal and Mi'kmaw youth are a tremendous asset to this province.

"By working together more effectively, we can help connect youth to exciting and rewarding career opportunities that will fuel the economic growth of our province."

Workshops during the conference will target front-line professionals working with Aboriginal and Mi'kmaw youth in a variety of capacities. The workshop format will help workers identify contacts, resources and tools to help their clients make informed decisions about education, career and job opportunities.

"By developing closer working relationships with employers and government, we can help ensure our youth get the information they need about training and employment opportunities," said Valerie Whynot, a job developer with the Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission.

Michelin has already developed a partnership with the Aboriginal community in Nova Scotia as it prepares for huge economic and demographic shifts.

"We are experiencing significant economic and demographic demands as about 50 per cent of our staff become eligible to retire in the next seven years," said Jim Morrison, human resources manager, Michelin. "We recognize the talent and skill Aboriginal and Mi'kmaw youth can bring to Michelin, and we have been working with our partners to make sure they have the education, training and opportunity to come work for us."

The conference will be hosted by the Department of Education in partnership with the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement Holders, Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission and the Mi’kmaq Employment/Training Secretariat.