First Nation grads start work in mining

Six First Nation trainees are ready to start work in the mining sector thanks to a partnership program between Matachewan First Nation, Northgate Minerals Corp. and Dumas Contracting. The graduates of the Underground Miner Training program, which was provided under the Matachewan Aboriginal Access to Mine Jobs Training Strategy (MAATS), were honoured at a community gathering in Matachewan First Nation, May 26.
This is the second group of trainees to graduate from the MAATS program. The six new graduates will now move on to employment positions at Northgate Minerals and Dumas Contracting. The group will work at the Young Davidson mine site in Matachewan. The six graduates are David Batisse, Dustin Roy, John Cloutier and Chad Larkman of Matachewan First Nation, Katlin Maurer of Beaverhouse First Nation and Kohl Porter of Mattagami First Nation.
“On behalf of myself and my fellow graduates I would like to thank Matachewan First Nation, Northgate and Dumas for the valuable training and employment opportunities we received,” said graduate David Batisse.
The opening and closing prayers were provided by Roberta Oshkawbewisens, a traditional grandmother from Wikwemikong First Nation. Ceremonial drumming and singing was provided by the Matachewan Women’s drum group, composed of Elders Marie Boucher, Vina Hendrix and Gertie Nolan.
“Our graduates here today are exceptionally fortunate in that they are moving on to employment right away. They are not just going on to another job, they are embarking in mining careers. I am very pleased with how well everyone including Northgate Minerals, Dumas Contracting and Matachewan First Nation have worked together to provide these graduates with valuable training and employment,” said Anne Batisse, executive director of MAATS.
The success of the graduates was based on a program that featured hands-on training with the support of Northgate Minerals management and Dumas contracting personnel.
“In most training programs, employment is not certain but in this case, all of our graduates have been guaranteed employment with Northgate Minerals or Dumas Contracting. Thanks to the trainees for all their hard work and dedication and of course we are also grateful to our funding partners for making this possible,” said Jamie Mortson of Dumas Contracting.
“Congratulations to all the graduates and for everyone involved in getting them here today. We need skilled mining employees. These positions are not easy to fill at a time when there are so many mines developing in the North. We really appreciate the fact that these new employees are coming to us with knowledge through training and they are prepared to go to work,” said Andrew Cormier of Northgate Minerals.
Matachewan Chief Alex Batisse and his council sent along a note of congratulations to the trainees, as did Chris Rockingham of Northgate Minerals on behalf of the MAATS board of directors.
Former chief and Elder Mario Batisse commented on the success of the partnerships in providing opportunities for First Nation people.
“Back when I was chief we had to work hard just to get a little funding to put our people to work on projects here and there. Those times were tough and it was not easy for First Nation people to find employment. Thanks to the development of these training and employment opportunities with Northgate Mines at their Young Davidson Mine, our people are starting rewarding careers in mining,” said Batisse.
Three graduates were hired by Northgate Mines and three by Dumas Construction.
The mine will provide jobs for 600 people during its two-year construction period and long-term employment for 275 individuals over the 15 year life of the mine. The company is aiming to start gold production in 2012.
During mine development, the company worked closely with the various surrounding communities and in July 2009 signed an impact and benefits agreement (IBA) with Matachewan First Nation, a member community of Wabun Tribal Council. Cooperation and partnership between Northgate, Wabun First Nations, the federal and provincial governments provided the multi-million dollar training program for Aboriginal people.
The Underground Miner Training was part of MAATS: a $4-million initiative that was announced in February 2009 by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) as a three-year partnership strategy.