Tsimshian Skills Training programs well received

A skills-training program put into place for members of the Coastal Tsimshian Nation is finding a strong response so far, with over 600 members of the communities of the Tsimshian First Nations taking advantage of training opportunities that have been created as part of the Tsimshian Unified Plan.

A three million dollar contribution by the Provincial government has seen a number of training opportunities put in place to date, designed to ensure that the Tsimshian membership has the skills and training to access careers in the Northwest.

Courses have involved areas of driver's training programs and training in essential skills related to environmental monitoring, trades training and other job related education programs.

The program features a number of key priorities to be delivered for  members of the six Tsimshian nations as plans continue to expand on the training options to be provided, they include:

Strengthening union partnerships
Attaining professionalization, work experience
Improving education outcomes
Removing personal barriers to employment
Building community capacity
Creating opportunities for regional training

The participation level of the 600 members of the Tsimshian Nation to this point looks as follows:

Kitsumkalum 144
Kitselas 116
Lax Kw'alaams 115
Gitga'at 93
Gtxaala 90
Metlakatla 55

Lax Kw'alaam training programs included: Environmental monitoring training, Marine operator training, Chainsaw safety and faller certification, Partners in trade events, Drivers' licence training program.

Metlakatla's areas of training included: Health Care assistant course, Large Transport Vehicle Training Course, Air brakes training course, Job Fair, Driver's licence training program

Both Chief Harold Leighton of the Metlakatla First Nation and Mayor John Helin of the Lax Kw'alaams Band have highlighted areas that the program has addressed for their communities.

“This funding supports the kind of skills training needed for a variety of job opportunities in the Northwest. It is helping Lax Kw’alaams members overcome employment barriers and improve their access to meaningful employment and careers.” -- Mayor John Helin, Lax Kw'alaams

“Funds supporting the Tsimshian Unified Plan have allowed Metlakatla members to receive important training here in the traditional territory of the Coast Tsimshian that will better prepare them to fill the jobs that will be coming to the area in the years ahead. Most importantly, this funding has allowed our members to pursue not just jobs, but careers for life.” -- Chief Harold Leighton, Metlakatla First Nation

Expanded training opportunities are expected to be rolled out as the year moves ahead.

Lax Kw'alaams, Metlakatla and the Gitga'at all have signed benefits agreements in recent months.

You can review more about the various programs in place from this information release from the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

More items of note from Lax Kw'alaams can be found here, while items of interest from Metlakatla can be reviewed here.