Photo courtesy of imii.ca/et/
Saskatchewan’s big mining companies are looking at innovative ways to create new opportunities for Indigenous people and to increase the number of women working key roles in the minerals sector.
It is putting up a million dollars and issuing a challenge to meet those objectives. The mining sector is already one of the biggest employers of Indigenous people in the province, but it wants to do better.
The executive director of the International Minerals Innovation Institute, Al Shpyth, says one way to do that is to partner up with post-secondary institutes and even Tribal Councils to come up with some innovative training programs.
“There is certainly the hope and the belief that we can do better,” he said. “What we hope this call does is generate these innovations in education and training.”
The training program could be as long as two years, and receive up to $250,000 in funding. Shpyth says another aspect to the challenge is to get more women involved.
“We need to tap more into those communities of women and Indigenous people,” he said. “And if we do better at that, we all win.”
Shpyth adds the training programs could be used as a blueprint for other industries, as well as encourage the targeted groups to look for employment in mining-related fields and support industries too.
Interested parties have until June 9th to submit a preliminary proposal.
More information on the program and how to apply can be found on the institute’s website at: imii.ca/et/