First Peoples Symposium
Press releases
UQAT partners with the FNHRDCQ for the 8th Annual First Peoples Symposium
First Peoples and Employment
Val-d'Or, March 21, 2012 – For the first time, the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) is collaborating with the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec (FNHRDCQ) for the upcoming 8th Annual First Peoples Symposium. The event, under the theme 'First Peoples and Employment: Training, Cooperation, and Canvassing', will take place on May 29 and 30, 2012, at the First Peoples Pavilion on the UQAT Val-d'Or Campus.
This year, the event will also feature a pre-symposium on employment in an Inuit context. This new program element will provide a special showcase of the Inuit reality and of employability in a northern context. The topic of the pre-symposium is in line with the growing development trend in Nunavik.
A Rallying Theme
In recognition that the First Peoples now occupy a large share of the labor market and hold a prominent place in entrepreneurship, the 2012 edition will address issues relating to training and employability. UQAT provides education to professionals from the First Peoples; its academic services have multiplied in the past few years. "This symposium is designed to better respond to the needs of the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, but also in Quebec and Canada", says the Symposium Coordinator, Suzy Basile.
As for the FNHRDCQ, this partnership is consistent with its mission to promote, foster, support and develop initiatives for developing First Nations human resources. "The symposium provides an opportunity to demonstrate that we are being proactive and that we contribute, through canvassing, to establishing various initiatives that really support social inclusion and professional integration. We are active in 29 First Nations communities and responsible for providing employment services to Aboriginal persons living in an urban environment", adds Ralph Cleary, General Manager of the FNHRDCQ.
Prominent Speakers
The event is intended for employers, business people and individuals interested in training and employability. It is known for the quality of the guest speakers, including Mr. Jobie Tukkiapik, President of the Makivik Corporation; Mr. Joé Juneau, Manager of the Nunavik Youth Hockey Development Program; Mr. Ghislain Picard, Regional Chief of the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador; Mr. Ralph Cleary, Executive Director of the First Nations Human Resources Development Commission of Quebec; and Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band, British Colombia. The symposium will provide nine workshops covering a range of topics, including cooperation, social economy, community education, academic education, competence, youth, workforce development, labor market development and tourism. A panel discussion on success stories and best collaborative practices will conclude the two-day event.
A simultaneous translation service in French and English will be available during certain presentations. For more information, visit the Symposium website: www.uqat.ca/cpp.
Sources :
Marie-France Beaudry, Information Officer
Communication and Recruitment
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
819 762-0971 ext. 2663
Odile Joannette
Communication Advisor
FNHRDCQ
450 638-4903 | 514 220-6752
Press Release March 21, 2012 – First Peoples Symposium (PDF)
