A local First Nation is taking steps to ensure families and the economy are sustainable.
The Splatsin will train 37 people in business management and leadership.
“We need to look at ways to give individuals skills so they can feed their family — the whole family, continuously on,” said Chief Wayne Christian.
“The more we can invest in (human) resource development, the better the region will be. The hands we give work will help build the country and the region we live in.”
A ceremony to announce senior government funding was held Wednesday in front of a community centre being constructed by the Splatsin.
“This building will be here for many years. It gives our families and children hope,” said Christian.
Up to two-thirds of the grant is contributed by federal government, to a maximum of $10,000, with the remaining portion coming from the employer.
The total funding for the local program is $154,000 and the band was reimbursed for$102,666.
The grant covers tuition, textbooks, software and other required training material.
“It’s for short-term training which can be provided in the classroom or online,” said Colin Mayes, Okanagan-Shuswap MP.
“The most valuable thing in this country is the people and they will build the country.”
The provincial government is also involved in the program.
“We need to work together to make skills training work for everyone,” said Greg Kyllo, Shuswap MLA.
