Eighteen Aboriginal learners from the Xeni Gwet'in First Nations will develop in-demand culinary skills and
industry certification through a community-based education and training partnership between Thompson
Rivers University (TRU) and the Xeni Gwet'in First Nations.
"Our investment in training opportunities for Aboriginal learners is an investment in B.C.'s success," says
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett in the announcement on behalf of Advanced Education Minister
Amrik Virk.
"The partnership between Thompson Rivers University and the Xeni Gwet'in First Nations is a good
example of how training partnerships can ensure Aboriginal learners are able to access training that puts
them on the path to a great future."
The program is focused on culinary arts, food preparation, safety and industry certification. It is one of five
new partnerships worth a total of $1 million that are enabling Aboriginal people to get skills and education
in their communities to prepare for jobs in B.C.'s growing economy. TRU and the Xeni Gwet'in First Nations
are receiving $218,200.
The other communities and organizations that will benefit from the partnership program with public post-
secondary institutions are Squamish Nation, Osoyoos Indian Band, Lhtako Dene Nation, and Ooknakane
Friendship Centre and En'owkin Centre.
This $1-million investment is in addition to the $6.4 million in joint federal and provincial government
funding previously announced for 23 projects to create partnerships between public post-secondary
institutions and local Aboriginal communities.
These projects are expected to deliver education and training that ranges from academic upgrading to
skilled qualifications to more than 440 Aboriginal people. Today's announcement builds on that
investment, and will provide training for a further 105 participants in five communities.