Labourers union agrees to help train Matawa members

THUNDER BAY — Following up on years of co-operation, Labourers' International Union Local 607 and the employment and training arm of Matawa First Nations have signed an agreement that will lead to jobs for Matawa members as construction craft workers and cement finishers.

The agreement was finalized at a ceremony in Thunder Bay last Wednesday.

Similar to an accord with the Assembly of First Nations that was renewed at last summer's LiUNA national convention, the union's agreement with Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services recognizes First Nations governments and their socio-economic development needs as a key principle.

In a statement, the two parties noted that the 120,000-member national union has "accepted that construction projects will not proceed when First Nations are in opposition."

KKETS and LiUNA Local 607 said they had worked together over the past year leading up to the new agreement "so that Matawa First Nations members can receiving training and unionization, where appropriate."

"With this agreement we are building beyond 'projects for work' to 'life-long work in the trades and elsewhere' for our membership, said KKETS executive-director Roger Wesley.

Wesley said LiUNA has a proven track record of working with Indigenous organizations and communities.

Shane Fugere, LiUNA's Indigenous relations representative, said "Generational change is more than just about jobs. It's about building careers and a giving our youth hope for the future...and changing the past socio-economic status to a modern one."