Yellowknife (Dec 10/03) - The Aboriginal work force in the NWT is expected to prosper, thanks to a recent announcement from the federal government.

Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew recently announced that the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS) will be renewed for another five years, building on the $1.5 billion dollar project that was launched in 1999.

"This is a momentous occasion for aboriginal people and the nation of Canada," Blondin-Andrew said.

"We are helping to build the skilled aboriginal work force that Canada needs."

Under the existing AHRDS, Blondin-Andrew said more than 60,000 aboriginals in Canada were able to find jobs.

With the renewal of the strategy for another five years, 100,000 more are expected to enter the work force.

The announcement was well received by a number of representatives who attended the conference at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife.

Among them was newly elected North Slave MLA Henry Zoe, who thanked Blondin-Andrew and the minister of human resources Jane Stewart for their determination to renew the project.

"It has been very beneficial because this program is used and controlled by the aboriginal people."

North Douglas, president of the North Slave Metis Alliance, agreed that many of his members have already benefitted from the AHRDS.

Back to school

"Several of our members have gone back to school and one of them is becoming a doctor," he said.

Blondin-Andrew said the selling point of the program is the number of jobs created which allow aboriginal people to participate in the labour market.

She said it has been successful because those who receive funding under the agreement are responsible for distributing it based on the requirements of their own community.

The renewed AHRDS will come into effect April 1, 2004 and enhancements to the program are currently being negotiated.