AFNQL announces the realization of the Aboriginal Vocational Training Centre<br>with support from Human Resources and Skills development Canada

MASHTEUIATSH, QC, Nov. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) announces the official opening of the Centre de formation professionnelle pour Autochtones dans les métiers de la construction et secteurs connexes (CFPAMC). The inauguration is the result of the collaborative efforts between the First Nation communities of Mashteuiatsh and Kahnawake and La Commission de Construction du Québec (CCQ). It is anticipated that there will be many elected representatives and senior officials from all levels of government attending the event.

The CFPAMC is a training institute where Aboriginal people can obtain the necessary accredited training and skills they need to take advantage of job opportunities in the construction industry. The training centre will assume the coordination role of recruitment, follow-up and placement of the Aboriginal clientele into existing training programs through-out the province and finally to employment in the construction trades.

The AFNQL Chiefs gave their support to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Program (ASEP) project. This project will allow the Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec (FNHRDCQ) to forge a strategic partnership with the major players in the construction field.

The ASEP is designed to maximize training and job opportunities in major economic development projects across Canada.

The Consortium pour la formation Autochthone en construction au Québec (CFACQ) that was assembled to create the CFPAMC is managed by an eleven member board with the majority of the members being Aboriginal and its main mandate is to administer the ASEP Agreement. The Aboriginal members are: Conseil de la Nation Attikamekw, Conseil des Innus de Ekuanitshit (Mingan), Conseil des Montagnais du Lac St-Jean (Mashteuiatsh), Cree Construction and Development Company Ltd, FNHRDCQ, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, Quebec Native Women and Regroupement Mamit Innuat.

Funds will be used to train aboriginals and provide them with skills directly related to, and required by, the Construction industry. As well, the clientele will have access to basic skills programs. Two hundred Aboriginal people are guaranteed employment in the construction or construction-related industries as a result of this funding.

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) is a regional organization regrouping the First Nations Chiefs of Quebec and Labrador.

For further information: Alain Garon, Communications Officer, AFNQL, [phone] or Cell [phone]