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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Brad Enge, chairperson for the NWT Mine Training Society, says his group has nine million reasons to smile.

The Mine Training Society received $9 million towards training and development that will help prepare aboriginal people for careers in mining and the mine service industry.

Chuck Strahl, minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, was at the Explorer Hotel Wednesday morning where he announced funding for major development programs that will benefit Northerners. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

"We need 500 new skilled miners in this jurisdiction and we're going to do our best to make sure that aboriginal and all Northerners take those jobs and have jobs to provide for themselves, their families and their communities," Enge said.

He said the funding will not only provide for entry-level skills development but also career employment.

"We don't want to see our aboriginal trainees remain at the entry level through their entire life," he said.

"We want to see them advance and get promoted and provide that support for them when they are ready. "

Chuck Strahl, minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, made the announcement at a press conference Wednesday morning in Yellowknife, emphasising the government's commitment to fostering the opportunities and growth potential in the North.

"It's clearer through our Northern strategy which seeks to strengthen our Arctic sovereignty, protect the North's fragile environment, promote social and economic development and improve and involve Northern governance so that Northerners themselves have a greater control over their destinies," he said.

The funding will be spread out over a three-year period and will train 500 aboriginal people and provide 288 long-term jobs in the mining industry in the NWT.

"This helps ensure that development in the North first and foremost benefits Northern people," Strahl said, adding results are already showing.

Bob McLeod, the territorial government's minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, was pleased with the announcement, made on behalf of Monte Solberg, minister of Human Resources and Social Development.

McLeod said it showed continued support for the NWT's partnership with the Mine Training Society and its successes.

"Its activities support two of the main actions of our government; building a better future for Northerners and maximizing the opportunities that exist within the industry," McLeod said, stating almost 300 jobs have been filled since the society started its work.