SASKATOON — The city of Saskatoon continues to work in fulfilling the calls to action compiled by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by giving Indigenous Peoples access to education, employment and training opportunities.
Atoskewin, Engaging an Indigenous Workforce Career Fair is under call to action No. 92. It aims to engage the Indigenous community in Saskatoon to join the city’s workforce reflective of the community it serves.
City of Saskatoon Human Resources Officer Chief Marno McInnes said the career fair is part of their goal of being fair and inclusive to everyone, especially Indigenous communities. Workshops were held for participants by community partners to prepare their resumes.
“The career fair is key to achieving a more inclusive workplace. We look forward to welcoming new employees that will work with us to make Saskatoon a great place to live, work, learn and play,” said McInnes.
The career fair will be on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge on 20th Street West and is open to everyone hoping to start a career opportunity under the city of Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the Gabriel Dumont Institute Inc. have joined forces with the city in organizing the career fair.
STC Chief Mark Arcand said career fairs like these are beneficial for those looking for employment and give advancement opportunities to those currently employed.
“The job fair could open doors for anyone, and the Saskatoon Tribal Council encourages all, especially our relatives, to explore the opportunities available to have a good quality of life,” said Arcand.
SIIT Vice-president for Employment Development and Career Services Lisa Shingoose added they had always been pleased to partner with the City of Saskatoon, especially in a career fair that is part of their efforts of continuing engagement with the city’s Indigenous community.
“Indigenous participation in all workforces is critical for economic reconciliation, and we have such an opportunity in communities like Saskatoon to shape that reconciliation. Our Indigenous voice and perspectives will continue to enrich Saskatoon’s economic growth and labour force development,” said Shingoose.
GDI Executive Director Lisa Bird-Wilson said it had been their Training and Employment Department’s mandate to have Métis people get the training and sustained employment opportunities they need.
“Creating a strong link between training and sustained employment of Métis people is part of GDI’s [TED] mandate. We are thrilled to join our partners in the career fair, to connect our Métis community clients to opportunities for sustainable employment with the City of Saskatoon,” said Bird-Wilson.
For more information, contact: [email protected].
