THUNDER BAY — An Indigenous-owned forestry company based in Thunder Bay has received a $500,000 investment from the federal government.
Natural Resources Canada on Tuesday announced funding for the Agoke Development Corporation to train First Nations people for work in the forest industry.
Agoke is owned and operated by Aroland, Eabametoong and Marten Falls First Nations.
Under the corporation's workforce development program, 26 individuals have been recruited and trained to date.
The new funding will help it work toward its goal of recruiting 40 future workers.
The program includes a job retention coordinator who works with industry partners to familiarize recruits with job requirements through mentoring.
It also consults with First Nation elders to develop and introduce Indigenous cultural awareness training for employees, government agencies and industry.
"This training program will ensure that our people's participation in the forest sector is prioritized, supported and valued," said Aroland Chief Dorothy Towedo.
Towedo added "We are already seeing a drastic reduction in the unemployment rate in our First Nation."
Just last week, Agoke received the Forest Sector Champion of the Year award from the Ontario Forest Industries Association.
Lawrence Baxter, an Agoke board member from Marten Falls, said the corporation is looking to expand over the next few years into other sectors such as construction, energy and mining.
