The Gwich'in Internship Pilot Project Will Create Job Training Opportunities for Participants - Initiative will support efforts towards self-government for the Gwich'in Tribal Council

OTTAWA, Feb. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and James Wilson, President of the Gwich'in Tribal Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding announcing the launch of an innovative new training and development pilot project: the Gwich'in Internship Pilot Project. This initiative will contribute to the conditions that lead to healthier, more self-sufficient and prosperous First Nation communities by creating job training opportunities.

This Pilot Project will provide Gwich'in participants year-long full-time internship positions within Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the Gwich'in Tribal Council. The paid internships will prepare Gwich'in participants for jobs in the public service and provide them with professional work experience in a variety of government functions.

The Project demonstrates the Parties' continued commitment to the successful implementation of the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement and provides valuable opportunities as the Gwich'in Tribal Council negotiates self-government.

Quick Facts

• The Gwich'in Internship Pilot Project will provide training and on the job experience for nine Gwich'in participants of the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claims Agreement. They will receive year-long full-time employment opportunities through paid work assignments with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the Gwich'in Tribal Council, who will both accept three interns each year, beginning in September 2015.
• The Gwich'in Internship Pilot Project will enable the Gwich'in Tribal Council to employ trained experienced staff to implement its land claim agreement and to operate its governance institutions.
• Interested Gwich'in participants are encouraged to contact the Gwich'in Tribal Council office for more information.

Quotes

"Our Government is pleased to work together with the Gwich'in Tribal Council to support Gwich'in participants in the implementation of the Gwich'in Land Claims Agreement and in their efforts toward self-government. This agreement will enable the Gwich'in Tribal Council to put trained and experienced staff in place to establish its governance institutions, serve its citizens and build a prosperous future for the communities."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"This is a very important day for the Gwich'in nation. This pilot project provides meaningful employment opportunities to Gwich'in who want to see their First Nation succeed. Everyone is a winner with this deal."

James Wilson
President, Gwich'in Tribal Council

"This announcement has been 18 months in the making. This is truly an example of what is possible when an aboriginal organization and a government roll up their sleeves and work together."

Norman Snowshoe
Vice-President, Gwich'in Tribal Council

Related products

Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement 
Annual Reports and Implementation Plan for the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement

Additional links

Gwich'in Tribal Council 
Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations - Government of the Northwest Territories
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; Patrick Tomlinson, Director - Intergovernmental Relations and Land Claims Implementation, Gwich'in Tribal Council, 867-678-0982; You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.