Government of Canada supports First Nation’s Development Corporation Capacity Building

Press Release

Federal government investment furthers capacity development and jobs creation in the North

January 15, 2019 – Yellowknife, NWT – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

A skilled workforce and access to employment opportunities are central to the economic wellbeing of communities in the North. That is why the Government of Canada is investing $300,000 in a three-year pilot program intended to increase capacity and job creation for Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) members.

The announcement was made today by Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament (Ville-Marie–Le Sud-Ouest–Île-des-Soeurs), on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor.

Funding will go to the Det’on Cho Corporation (DCC), the economic development arm of the YKDFN, to develop five qualified community members by placing them in strategic roles within the company’s management structure, with progression to leadership positions. In addition, the job creation component will focus on removing barriers to employment for YKDFN members.

Quotes

“Empowering Indigenous communities to determine their own economic development is key to ensuring sustainable prosperity in the North. The Government of Canada is proud to support the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in a project that will see its capacity increase alongside the creation of new employment opportunities for its members.

– Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor.

“The Government of Canada continues to support capacity building programs that empower economic growth and prosperity within First Nation communities. This pilot program is a positive step towards increasing employment rates and leveraging new opportunities in Indigenous communities.”

– Marc Miller
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament (Ville-Marie–Le Sud-Ouest–Île-des-Soeurs)

“It is truly exciting to see the Yellowknives Dene First Nation leading the way towards a bright economic future for its members. I am happy to see the Government of Canada supporting projects that will create stronger capacity and better access to the workforce.”

– Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories

“With CanNor’s assistance, Det’on Cho is able to increase their focus on corporate career development for Yellowknives Dene First Nation. This program is specifically targeted at building a generation of Business leaders that will help our community prosper for years to come.”

– Bobby Drygeese
Chair of the Det’on Cho Corporation and member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation

Quick facts

• CanNor funding for this project is $300,000 with a further $771,000 investment from the YKDFN and $75,000 per year for three years from industry partners. Total funding for the project is $1,296,000.
• The YKDFN is a First Nation of 1,200 people located in two communities adjacent to Yellowknife, Ndilo and Dettah.
• The pilot program’s capacity building positions are in business development, community liaison and human resources, while barriers to employment will be addressed through initiatives such as technical skills training and apprenticeship programs.
• As a result of the program, DCC will increase the capacity of Indigenous people to move into progressively more responsible roles within its group of companies, as well as improve the employment rate in the YKDFN communities.

Contacts

Dani Keenan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-1710

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Traolach Ó Murchú
Communications Advisor
867-667-3302
traolach.omurchu@canada.ca

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

Det’on Cho Corporation
Paul Gruner
President & CEO
867-873-6533
paul@detoncho.com

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