Dignitaries at the presentation of $10,000 to the MNO for the
Aboriginal Apprenticeship Centre at Sault College (Left to right)
Les Dunbar (RBC), Anthony Pucci (RBC), Art Bennett (MNO),
Ron Common (Sault College), Caroline Kelly (RBC), Beverley
Szatanski (RBC(Sault Ste. Marie) On June 21, Art Bennett, Regional Councillor of the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), Dr. Ron Common, President, Sault College and Carolyn Hepburn, Director of Native Education and Academic Upgrading, accepted a cheque for $10,000 from Caroline Kelly, Vice President, Branch Manager, RBC Dominion Securities, on behalf of the RBC Foundation. These funds will directly support the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) at Sault College.
The AAC is a partnership between the MNO and Sault College and provides a client based approach to pursuing careers in the skilled trades to individuals in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area. The AAC’s goal is to increase Aboriginal participation in apprenticeship, increase youth awareness of trades and provide support systems for successful completion of apprenticeship training. The AAC engages the MNO’s Education and Training Branch, Sault College’s Native Education and Training Department, industry representatives and the Aboriginal community. “We believe that supporting Métis students and learners, to reach their highest potential, will have life-long inter-generational positive effects,” stated Regional Councillor Bennett, “Not only will Métis citizens, families and communities benefit, but it will help build a stronger Ontario and Canada as well. The jobs of today and tomorrow depend on a skilled workforce and the support from the RBC Foundation will make many dreams a reality!” Councillor Bennett represented MNO President Gary Lipinski at the ceremony. President Lipinski commented: “The MNO greatly appreciates the support from the Royal Bank Foundation and are confident it will be of great assistance to Métis learners at Sault College.”
“Sault College continues to be an education destination for Native students from around the province. Native Education is a key priority for the institution,” said Common. “Donations such as that provided by the RBC Foundation will ensure that Sault College continues to develop relationships and work in partnership with all Aboriginal peoples in the province to better their skills and improve their participation in Ontario’s labour market and economy.”