First Nations Training Institute

06/25/2008

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke today announced the signing of a First Nations Training Institute Program worth over $18 million dollars.

The program consists of apprenticeship training in 26 different construction trades and five skills, open to First Nations people. The program will satellite between First Nations communities, with a base in Kahnaw�:ke.

The project has been over four years in planning and development and consists of a four-year program, with plans to make the project permanent. The deal was completed two weeks ago in Victoria, British Columbia. Chiefs Johnny Montour and Kenneth McComber were present.

�It�s a big change,� said Chief Kenneth McComber, �There will no longer be waiting lists for First Nations people to get training in a trade program. They will learn the A to Z�s as an apprentice and complete the program as a Journey-person.�

Linked to major construction sites, over 200 jobs have already been committed to. A consortium is currently in the process of being formed, composed of First Nations people, industry leaders, and the Human Resources Development Commission.

�With this confirmation, we now begin the task of searching for appropriate facilities,� said Chief McComber.