Gordon Kagegamic - Oshki Graduation

Thunder Bay, March 10, 2016 – Today, Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute (OSHKI) and Goldcorp celebrated and honoured the second graduating class of OSHKI’s Aboriginal Mining and Skilled Trades Entry Program (AMSTEP). The AMSTEP Graduation Ceremony was held at Goldcorp’s Musselwhite Mine.

AMSTEP is a partnership between OSHKI and Goldcorp to bring Mining Essentials and skills training to Aboriginal youth in First Nations signatory communities under the Musselwhite Agreement. Ten participants from Cat Lake First Nation and Kingfisher Lake First Nation successfully completed an intensive 5-month, 800-hour skills training and work experience program at the Musselwhite Mine.

The ten graduates received certificates from OSHKI, and industry-recognized Mining Essentials certificates jointly issued by OSHKI and the Mining Industry Human Resources Council. The graduates also received training certificates from Cambrian College, Windigo Catering, and YES Employment Services.

“This is an innovative program for expanding opportunities for Aboriginal youth and creating local workforces that meet industry workforce needs,” OSHKI Executive Director Rosie Mosquito said.

“From their very first day on site, we expected a lot from the participants and their transformation has been incredible. I believe this program will be life changing for many,” said Bill Gascon, Mine General Manager of Goldcorp’s Musselwhite Mine.

Graduation is a time of celebration and acknowledges the hard work and commitment of the graduates.