Aboriginal youth receives funding boost from province

OSOYOOS — The Province of B.C. is providing the Okanagan Nation Alliance with $1.97 million to help Aboriginal youth with multiple barriers to employment find work through a unique experience that is rich in culture and heritage.

Building Resources for Innovative Development, Growth and Economic Stability will, in partnership with UBC Okanagan, provide individualized employment services to 140 Okanagan (Syilx) Aboriginal youth, aged 15 to 30 years, with a focus on their First Nations heritage in a culturally rich, on-the-land experience.

The goal is to break down systemic barriers to employment for Aboriginal youth and to find new and innovative ways to help them join the labour market.

They will accomplish this through the support of First Nations elders to learn about their heritage, as well as employment mentors who will identify barriers each individual faces and work to help them move past those barriers.

When they are ready, participants will enter job placements with local employers in a field of their choice, with the support of the BRIDGES team to help them reach their goals.

"I firmly believe every native person needs to be in a good-paying job. Jobs are a big part of a healthy lifestyle," Osoyoos Indian Band chief Clarence Louie said. "First Nations societies come from a working culture, where every person worked and contributed to their community. I want my people to have opportunity, which BRIDGES is providing. This is another step for my people to be selfsufficient."

This is a first-of-its-kind project in B.C.. Its employment and educational outcomes will be put side by side with a group of clients of similar age and background to compare results and find best practices for offering employment services to Aboriginal youth who face multiple barriers to employment.

A 2012 study by the Industry Training Authority entitled "Barriers and Successful Approaches to Preparing and Employing Aboriginal Trades People" influenced the design of the project. The study stressed the need for innovation at the grassroots, community level to address obstacles holding back potential workers.

These include educational prerequisites, employment readiness, access to transportation and funding for training, as well as employer willingness to sponsor apprentices.