Earth Series to promote jobs in mining sector

With the launch of Earth Series, the province is hoping to attract more Aboriginal youth to the mining sector.
Thanks to developments in the Ring of Fire area around Webequie, more and more attention and resources are being directed at the sector.
“(This program) will be a benefit to all Aboriginal students,” said Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle during the Earth Series launch at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School Sept. 7. “The common goal of all communities is prosperity … and Earth Series supports jobs and skills.”
In the Earth Series package, an Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council (OMICC) and Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology collaboration, 80 jobs are presented to youth showing what is available and what education is required to achieve them.
“The industry needs virtually every skill (available),” Gravelle said, adding to ensure all First Nation youth know about the program, information will be sent to each First Nation in Ontario.
The program was developed after consultation with Aboriginal communities, organizations, Elders and other individuals.
Brian Davey, manager of economic development for Matawa First Nations Management, said the Ring of Fire deposits are significant and all of Canada will benefit.
“A program like this will help improve the capacity of First Nation people,” Davey said.
DFC principal Jonathon Kakegamic said Earth Series should help empower youth through education.
Kakegamic highlighted the program with a few key words.
“Respect, trust, sharing; these are big words,” Kakegamic said, reading off words from the Earth Series materials. “We need to remember them throughout the program.”