Yellowhead Tribal Council
Meeting Update:
Yellowhead Meets with Metrax to Discuss Housing Construction Training for Youth.
Edmonton, AB – May 17, 2024 – The Yellowhead Tribal Development Foundation (YTDF) recently held a strategic meeting with Metrax Indigenous Corp. to explore collaborative opportunities for providing housing construction training to Indigenous youth from the Yellowhead Tribal Council (which includes Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Alexander First Nation, O’Chiese First Nation, and Sunchild First Nation).
The meeting was inspired by the success of a recent program where 10 students from the Yellowhead Tribal Council completed the Introduction to Construction training program offered in collaboration with NAIT Polytechnic. This initiative aims to equip Indigenous youth with essential skills in the construction industry, fostering economic growth and sustainable development within their communities. The positive outcomes from the NAIT Polytechnic program underscore the potential benefits of such training opportunities.
About the Meeting
The meeting between YTDF and Metrax focused on discussing ways to expand training opportunities for Indigenous youth in the council. Both organizations share a commitment to empowering future leaders through practical education and skill development, with an emphasis on culturally relevant training programs that respect and integrate Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Statement from the Yellowhead Tribal Development Foundation
” We are excited about the potential collaboration with Metrax Indigenous Corp.,” said Yvette Alexis, Coordinator of ISETS (Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy) at the YTDF. “Our recent experience with NAIT Polytechnic’s Introduction to Construction program has shown us the tremendous impact that hands-on training can have on our youth. By working with Metrax and NAIT, we hope to build on this success and offer even more comprehensive training programs that will prepare our youth for rewarding careers in construction.
Statement from Metrax Indigenous Corp.
“The entire Metrax team is enthusiastic about this collaboration,” said Glenn Hughes, Chairman of Metrax Indigenous Corp. “Our mission is to provide practical, hands-on construction training to Indigenous youth all over Canada, and partnering with YTDF aligns perfectly with our goals. We look forward to creating meaningful opportunities that will empower Indigenous youth and contribute to the development of sustainable communities.”
Next Steps
The discussion between YTDF and Metrax outlined several key areas for potential collaboration, including:
- Expanding the Introduction to Construction training program to more students.
- Developing advanced training modules in various construction trades.
- Creating pathways for certification and employment in the construction industry.
- Integrating cultural elements into the training programs to ensure they are relevant and engaging for Indigenous youth.
About Yellowhead Tribal Development Foundation:
YTDF is dedicated to supporting the economic and social development of over 7980 Yellowhead Tribal Council members through education, training, and other capacity-building initiatives. The foundation also runs the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ISETS) Program, which is funded by the Government of Canada. This program aims to improve the employment opportunities of Indigenous Peoples and enable them to fully participate in the Canadian economy.
About Metrax Indigenous Corp.:
Metrax Indigenous Corp. empowers Indigenous youth through a Learn-By-Doing housing construction training program, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience to address housing shortages and improve employment prospects within Indigenous communities.
Contact Information:
Yellowhead Tribal Development Foundation
17304 105 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 1G4
Phone: +1 (780) 484-0303
Email: yvette.alexis@ytcadmin.ca
Website: www.yellowheadtribalcouncil.ca/departments/ytdf-asets
Metrax Indigenous Corp.
163 Valley Ridge Green NW
Calgary, AB T3B 5L6
Phone: +1 (587) 973 6496
Email: info@metraxindigenous.com
Website: http://www.metraxindigenous.com
For more information about the Yellowhead Tribal Development Foundation and Metrax Indigenous Corp., and their collaborative efforts, please visit the respective websites or contact them directly.