THUNDER BAY - First Nation students in Matawa communities will benefit from new smart classroom technologies to learn about the construction trade, which will also bring new, net-zero housing units to remote First Nation communities.
Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services signed a memorandum of understanding with Discovery House to launch Wah-Ka-Ih-Kun Mamo Anokiwin Initiative, which translates to ‘Working together to build a house.’
The new initiative will provide training to 64 Matawa youth between the ages of 16 and 30-years-old in the Construction and Craft Work Training program.
“The Discovery House Project is pleased to partner with KKETS in delivering an innovative training program that will see 64 youth learn about food security, road & facility design as well as constructing buildings on site in their home communities,” said Patrick Casey, Discovery House Project executive director.
The participants in the program will also assist in the construction of self-sufficient, ‘net-zero’ living units in Matawa communities such as Eabametoong First Nation.
Eabametoong Nation is scheduled to receive a 64 Housing Unit that will include a greenhouse, solar power, geothermal heating and water filtration technology.
“This is an excellent opportunity to bring a three-year-long training and work experience in new ‘net-zero’ construction techniques to Matawa youth in Matawa communities,” said David Neegan, KKETS executive director. “Upon completion of the project, there will be full-time employment opportunities while the new infrastructure will address housing, food security and energy efficiency in remote northern climates.”
“The housing issues in my community and other Matawa communities have been an on-going issue for many years,” added Ricky Ostamus, Construction Craft Worker Training program student. “I look forward to being part of the solution and to see new housing that will support families in need and to better survive the unique challenges we face in the north.”
The greenhouses will also allow for the growing of vegetables eight months out of the year provide an opportunity to assess crop quality for viable crops in low temperature environments.
“This partnership puts people at the centre of a community-based solution to address housing challenges while taking steps to protect the environment for future generations,” said Minister of Health Patty Hajdu. “I look forward to hearing of its progress and learning more about the end result. Thank you for the leadership, collaboration and spirit that has brought this idea to reality.”
The Construction Craft Worker Training Program received $15.5 million over three years from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Discovery House.
