First Nation people benefit from northern mining boom

There is a mining boom in northern Ontario and Native people are reaping some of the benefits of this development.
Eight area First Nation people celebrated their graduation from mining training at a ceremony held at the Timmins Inns and Suites June 23.
These graduates completed four months of training by Dumas Mining in a partnership program with Wabun Tribal Council, the Matachewan Aboriginal Access to mining jobs Training Strategy (MAATS) and Goldcorp Inc.
All of the graduates have been guaranteed positions with either Dumas Mining or Goldcorp Inc.
“On behalf of the graduates, we want to thank Wabun and our respective communities for the support and encouragement you have provided over the course of this training. We were also privileged to have the opportunity to work at Goldcorp for our training and we are thankful for the valuable instruction we received from Dumas Mining,” said graduate Paul Minarik, of Mattagami.
The graduates completed training in their respective fields to prepare them for a career in the mining industry. Six of the graduates completed training in basic underground mine training.
They are: Courtney Batisse and Paul Denomme of Matachewan First Nation, Steve Denomme, Matachewan affiliate; Jean Loiselle, Mattagami; Minarik and David Tookate, Attawapiskat.
Steve LaRocque, of Matachewan, received training in heavy duty mechanic apprentice taining and Natasha Lefebvre, of Metis affiliation, completed training in human resources assistant training.
The graduation event was opened and closed with a prayer by Elder Marie Boucher, of Matachewan, along with ceremonial drumming by the Matachewan Women’s Drum Group composed of Boucher and Elders Vina Hendrix and Laura Flood.
The training program was initiated by Dumas Mining as part of the Ontario government’s Northern Partnership Training Fund.
This graduation of eight trainees is the first in a series of training programs under the fund that Dumas is planning in conjunction with Goldcorp Inc and Northgate Minerals Corp.
These upcoming training programs will focus on providing basic underground mining, heavy duty mechanics and office administrative training.
As part of the program, Dumas Mining partnered with Wabun Tribal Council to provide training for Aboriginal individuals.
“Dumas has always had a good relationship with Wabun Tribal Council and the partnership has had positive results. We are very happy with the results of this training today and we are grateful for the support and assistance we received from both Wabun Tribal Council and the MAATS team in making this possible,” said Stephen D. McGinn, director of human resources for Dumas Mining.
Wabun leadership was able to share its experience in mining training opportunities through the MAATS program in Matachewan, one of the tribal council’s member First Nations.
“Partnerships such as this establish a way forward for First Nations to have their members gain access to the experience and job skills that they need to take on high paying and secure employment. Dumas has opened up a lot of doors for our people in the mining field and we appreciate that,” said Shawn Batise, executive director of Wabun Tribal Council.
On behalf of the chief and council of Matachewan First Nation, Coun. Jean Lemieux congratulated the graduates on their successful training.
“This training opens up all sorts of opportunities not just for immediate employment but for the long term career options in the mining industry. I see the look of hope on their faces today,” Lemieux said.
Theresa Hall, of Mushkegowuk Council and former chief of Attawapiskat, explained this training has provided First Nation individuals with more than just practical information.
“I have always advocated for education and training for our people. Any valuable skills or training our people can acquire provides them and their families with a sense of self esteem and pride,” said Hall.
Goldcorp Inc. provided equipment and onsite job opportunities for the trainees at its Timmins mining operations.
“It was a privilege to help bring together these graduates and work with all our partners to give them a start in the mining world,” said Paul Miller of Goldcorp Inc.