(July, 25 2011) - Participants of the First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program (FNNRYEP) will be at Confederation College this week (July 25 - 28) participating in a number of activities within the Natural Resources Science and Technology Camp. This is the 12th year of the program that sees First Nations youth from across northern Ontario learn and gain practical experience in resource management.

The week began with courses in career planning, and Forest Management Planning and Inventory. Students will also learn about environmental monitoring, soils, land use planning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The week also includes presentations and tours of the college campus, Aviation Centre of Excellence, Lakehead University and industry.

The First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program (FNNRYEP) is in its twelfth year, with 14 first year and 15 second year students from 17 First Nations taking part.

“Over the past 12 years the First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program has promoted the pursuit of education and encouraged a sense of accomplishment for over 270 youth,” said Brian Kurikka, Manager of the Natural Resources Centre at Confederation College.

“Graduates of this program have gone on to rewarding careers in government, industry and within their own communities.”

Responding to a call by First Nations to empower their youth and provide skilled workers in the natural resources sector, educational institutions are providing training for a relevant workforce. The study and hands-on application of Mapping Technologies (GIS), Land Use Planning, Mining and Forestry are skills in great demand in their respective communities. These are a few of the many workshops the participants will experience at Confederation College, before the remainder of the employment program continues at Firesteel Camp in Upsala.

The First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment program is made possible through the significant financial contribution and support of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, INAC, First Nations and industry supporters.

"I am very happy the Ontario government is playing an ongoing role in helping First Nations youth learn in a practical way about our natural resources,” said Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey. “They and generations beyond will benefit from the work students are doing through this summer program.”

This is a program that's clearly working well, and it's more important than ever as we look to the future with the incredible mining employment opportunities around the corner in the Ring of Fire area. Our government has committed significant funding for training and education specific to Aboriginal and Northern people, and this is a complementing piece that will spur First Nations youth on to careers in mining and natural resource management" says Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

President of Confederation College, Jim Madder, is proud to be a part of such a worthwhile program. “I am extremely impressed with the content, the organizers, instructors and supporters. This is truly an example of how great things can happen when people come together to support Aboriginal youth.”

Dave Bradley, Manager, Outland Inc. states: Education combined with practical work experience from industry gives youth a well rounded view of resource opportunities in Ontario.

Kurikka commented that without the funding and support of the entire partner group (see listing attached) this program would not be possible.

Graduation and closing ceremonies will take place August 11th at Firesteel Camp in Upsala