Feds invest $500K in First Nations forestry company
by CM Staff
Natural Resources Canada says the investment will support the training of up to 40 First Nations people
The federal government announced a $500,000 investment in Agoke Development Corp., a forestry company owned and operated by the First Nations of Aroland, Eabametoong and Marten Falls, based in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Natural Resources Canada says this investment will support the training of up to 40 First Nations people, to provide them with the technical skills required to join the forest sector labour force.
Mark Bell, Aroland Nation and board director for Agoke Development Corp. commented on the initiative in a statement, “For the Agoke Development Corp. the training programs are key to improving the social and economic conditions in our First Nations and advancing our regional economy. As older workers are planning to retire, we are readying our communities to be positioned to play our part in filling the skilled trades gap. We are taking a lead role to unlock the immense potential of our youth and integrate millennials into the workforce by providing them with the tools, inspiration, experiences and personal support they need to succeed.”
This project is funded by Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative.
