The Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs and North West Regional College signed a memorandum Jan. 18, to agree to work together to increase First Nations participation in the provincial workforce.
The memorandum begins by noting that, though education and training is essential to First Nations prosperity, there are many barriers in the way of First Nations students - lack of affordable housing, daycare and transportation for example.
The BATC and NWRC therefore agree to undertake a large variety of programs - to work together to identify needs of the community in terms of skill and labour force development and training strategies, to provide expanded elder services for First nations students at NWRC, improve access to counselling services, to find short-term and long-term solutions to a lack of affordable housing, daycare for First Nations students with children, and to establish scholarships for local First Nations students.
The agreement was the result of eight months of talks and negotiations.
Brian Nylander, president and CEO of North West Regional College, described the process of creating the agreement as a "very enjoyable" one, adding that, though 48 per cent of the students at NWRC are of aboriginal ancestry, the college still needs to do more to increase access for local First Nations students, arguing that Saskatchewan's growth is only truly sustainable if First Nations people participate fully.
Nylander also thanked the BATC chiefs for their "forward thinking, co-operative spirit, and commitment to their people."
The chiefs in attendance also expressed their support of the memorandum.
Chief Larry Ahenakew, of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation described the agreement as a "good start," saying the great expenses associated with attending college, including daycare and rent costs. Without parental assistance, college is simply too expensive for many.
Chief Velma Night, of Saulteaux First Nation, described the troubles faced by residents of Salteaux - many cannot attend NWRC for lack of transportation. The new agreement will hopefully produce some solutions to the issue, potentially by providing driver's education to Salteaux residents. But ultimately, the agreement, Night hoped, would help get her people off of government assistance, and make them into productive members of society.
Lori Whitecalf, who was recently elected chief of Sweetgrass First Nation stated more simply that seeing the partnership in her lifetime was "awesome."
