Kenjgewin Teg and Legend Mining ink new partnership to advance Indigenous participation in Northern Ontario’s mining sector

From left: Jade Peltier, Trades Coordinator, Kenjgewin Teg; Debbie Debassige, Dean of Postsecondary Education and Training, Kenjgewin Teg; Beverley Roy, President, Kenjgewin Teg; Scott Ringuette, General Manager, Legend Mining; and Judy Christie, Health and Safety Manager, Legend Mining. – Photo supplied

M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION, ON – On the eve of Kenjgewin Teg’s annual Employment and Training Expo event, it was fitting that a new agreement was inked today between Kenjgewin Teg and Legend Mining, a Sudbury-based mining contracting company. It was a natural and seamless discussion that first started early this summer to explore common goals to build Northern Ontario’s Indigenous workforce in the skilled trades, as it is a shared priority for both organizations.

Kenjgewin Teg has been increasing its role in skilled trades career mobilization over the past five years in its success as an approved training centre for the Canadian Welding Bureau. Now, it looks to further expand its role in the mining and resource industries as led by the needs and priorities of First Nations, by partnering together with Legend Mining Contracting, one of the leading Mining Contracting Companies in Northern Ontario. Legend Mining prides itself in exceeding industry standards and offers certain training and related services in conjunction with health and safety programs throughout Ontario and the related training Ministries.

Competitive training costs, logistical details, and planning will now begin to offer entry-level training (one-day duration) to more comprehensive training (25 days duration) in several areas, including:

  • Common Core for Non-Production Workers in Smelter Operation
  • Surface Miner
  • Hard Rock Common Core Underground Miner Certification Entry level
  • Basic Hard Rock Common Core
  • Service Underground Common Core
  • Underground Supervisor Training

Program announcements will start as early as November 2024 and details on all programs will be available by contacting Jade Peltier, Trades Coordinator, or Debbie Debassige, Dean of Postsecondary Education and Training at Kenjgewin Teg.

 Quotes

“Kenjgewin Teg is excited to be part of mobilizing skilled trades careers for Anishinabek people living in urban and on-reserve communities and their First Nations who are looking to advance sustainable development in their traditional territories. We look forward to being an integral and critical partner with Legend Mining to help build Northern Ontario’s skilled workforce for years to come,” shared Beverley Roy, President of Kenjgewin Teg.

“At Legend Mining Inc, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Kenjgewin Teg, an initiative that marks a significant step toward empowering Indigenous communities through meaningful training opportunities. This collaboration goes beyond just knowledge transfer; it’s about fostering a sustainable future within our shared community. With our team of experienced trainers who possess extensive expertise in underground mining, both in development and construction, we are well-equipped to provide hands-on learning experiences that meet the needs of future miners. We are proud to be part of a meaningful initiative that honours the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples while paving the way for a thriving mining workforce of the future. Together, we can build a legacy of success, resilience, and shared prosperity,” said Scott Ringuette.

About Kenjgewin Teg:

Situated on the picturesque Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) in Northern Ontario, Kenjgewin Teg remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Grounded in the rich history, ancestral knowledge, stories, and traditional teachings of the land, Kenjgewin Teg is dedicated to nurturing students’ identities and sharing the richness of the Anishinabek language (Anishinabemowin), culture, and tradition. Kenjgewin Teg is one of nine Indigenous Institutes in Ontario recognized under the Indigenous Institutes Act of 2017. In January 2022, Kenjgewin Teg was declared an accredited Indigenous Institute in Ontario by the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC).

Learn more at kenjgewinteg.ca 

About Legend Mining: 

 Legend Mining Contracting is a Sudbury-based mining contracting company. Legend Mining’s success extends beyond the boundaries of its operations. It encompasses the communities impacted, especially Indigenous communities whose lands and traditions are intertwined with the company’s mining activities.0 Legend Mining is committed to fostering respectful and productive relationships with Indigenous communities as a cornerstone of their business practices.

Learn more at legendmining.ca

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Beverley Roy, Ph.D., President, Kenjgewin Teg
beverleyroy@kenjgewinteg.ca

Scott Rienguette – General Manager, Legend Mining
srienguette@legendmining.ca