Blood Tribe, Fort McKay form employment partnership

The Blood Tribe and Fort McKay First Nation have developed an employment partnership, creating viable training and employment opportunities. The Blood Tribe, Canada’s largest First Nation community in southern Alberta with approximately 12,000 members, has an available labour force which can be utilized in partnership with Fort McKay First Nation, a community of just over 650 members, located north of Fort McMurray. The Fort McKay First Nation requires a large work force for a number of upcoming capital projects which will serve as a training ground for members of both communities. Ultimately, this program will improve the quality of life of the participants in their respective communities by bolstering their knowledge and technical skills, as well as increase the pool of qualified Aboriginal workers in the oil sands region. The pilot program is the first of its kind and entails an 18-day training program for Blood Tribe members on their reserve followed by 70 days of safety and on-the-job training with Fort McKay First Nation. There are presently 100 members in the program and that number could increase to 200 over the next five years. The Blood Tribe is using existing training funding to support the program. Once an employee has completed training the Fort McKay First Nation will pay the total wage.