It’s seen as a new approach to First Nations education and employment.
The leaders of the Lhoosk’uz Dene Nation, the Lhtako Dene Nation and the Nazko Nation celebrated the creation of the Quesnel Dakelh Education & Employment Society.
Karsten Henriksen is the interim CEO…
“Each partner nation has representation on the board and in addition to that we actually have industry representation on the board. We’re working closely with our partners at NewGold and West Fraser to provide some strategic direction for us to ensure that the services we are providing to our community members align with the needs of the economy, both today and into the future.”
Henriksen says they will meet with community members where they are to help create a pathway to the future for them.
He says they are breaking new ground…
“I think this is a first for British Columbia in terms of working collaboratively with industry to align education training and employment services to the needs of community members from a First Nations perspective. One of the interesting things about the society is its really about first nations taking ownership for education and employment services themselves.”
Henriksen says they also look forward to working with the Government of Canada and Premier John Horgan’s new government to implement new strategies.