Aboriginals stakeholders in economy.

• Position: Aboriginal Business

BIRCH ISLAND - Northern Ontario generally experiences-unemployment rates that are significantly higher than the rest of the province. Now multiply that unemployment rate by five or six times, or even more, to get a picture of the current unemployment levels in First Nation communities in Northern Ontario.' This situation is compounded by the fact that there is growing youth population amongst Aboriginal people for which there are no new jobs in the community.

The good news is that there are concentrated and co-operative efforts being taken by Aboriginal people and First Nations to take their place, and participate, in this northern economy. These efforts have resulted in very real Northern Ontario success stories of which we can all be proud.

For one, the skill and, education levels of Aboriginal people, who make up a significant percentage of the Northern Ontario population, are increasing significantly, particularly among the youth. In this current school year, there are 2,070 Aboriginal students from Northern Ontario enrolled in post-secondary studies, most of whom want to live and work in the North. To assist with skill development, there are Aboriginal training and employment organizations in every region throughout the North who sponsor certified training for individuals or groups. These organizations also provide wage subsidies for companies, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, wishing to provide training on the, job to Aboriginal trainees. In addition, there are opportunities to hire Aboriginal post-secondary graduates through the various government internship programs. Internships can open doors for ongoing employment of young people, help bring new ideas to your company or organization, as well as create bridges between Aboriginal people and Northern Ontario businesses.

Many Aboriginal people and First Nations recognized that business development is the necessary path to generate jobs and strengthen local economies. In this part of the province over the past 10 years, more than 800 new Aboriginal...