The Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) is set to receive nearly $13 million in federal funding for its Dechita Naowo project, NWT MP Michael McLeod announced on March 22.
The Dechita Naowo project, operating since 2016, trains participants for employment in a number of areas, including the resources and remediation industry, the public sector, the renewable resources sector, trades, and the media and arts sectors.
The $12.8 million in funding for the project will be drawn from the the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF), a program that supports partnerships between Indigenous organizations and employers in order to provide job training for Indigenous people.
“This funding has allowed us to strengthen our existing programs and diversify our training streams, including delivering training programs with post-secondary partners,” said Dettah Chief Ernest Betsina. “We are excited to see our young people access more employment options because of this training.”
The Dechita Naowo project was selected as the recipient for this funding after an open call for proposals in spring 2022.
“This investment in YKDFN’s Dechita Naowo project through the Skills and Partnership Fund will help Indigenous people gain in-demand skills for long-term employment,” stated McLeod, who added it’s “crucial” to support initiatives that “empower Indigenous communities and create opportunities for meaningful employment.”