New Ring of Fire training facility to boost remote communities

The grand opening of the Neskantaga Training Centre was recently celebrated in Neskantaga Territory, Ontario, Canada, showcasing the new innovative facility and collaboration technology which delivers training directly to the remote community. Construction and infrastructure development group Aecon Group and KKETS, a Division of Matawa First Nations, have entered into a strategic partnership, starting with a joint commitment to provide local access to community-based education, trades and apprenticeship training for First Nations in northern and remote areas surrounding Ontario’s Ring of Fire mining development.

The Neskantaga Training Centre is a multi-purpose facility with construction components designed to be flown into remote communities and assembled on-site. The centre is outfitted with state of the art technology, including Cisco TelePresence, high-definition two-way video communication and collaboration technology, a 70 in Smart Board, a 70 in LED HDTV, high-speed satellite broadband connectivity, as well as individual laptops. The centre directly connects to e-learning tools and programs to offer a wide variety of curriculum including access to secondary and post-secondary institutions, safety training courses, trades and technical certifications.

“The partnerships formed to build this facility, along with all of the hard work, have culminated in a facility that will have a positive impact on the people of Neskantaga for many years to come,” said Chief Peter Moonias of Neskantaga First Nation during the opening ceremonies. “This is an integral step in the right direction – providing access to higher learning directly in our community so that our youth have the opportunity to succeed.”

Aecon, in collaboration with the Matawa First Nations’ Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services (KKETS), led the Neskantaga Training Centre project team comprised of ATCO Structures & Logistics, Bell Canada, Cisco Canada, Galaxy Satellite, Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario and Confederation College. Funded by the Province of Ontario, the Neskantaga Training Centre is owned and operated by the Matawa First Nations.

“I’m thrilled the province could play a role in this collaborative project. By improving access to education and training, the Neskantaga Training Centre will open up new doors to a world of possibilities for learners in Neskantaga. Everyone involved in this initiative should be immensely proud,” said David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.  “The development of this innovative concept was made possible through the collaboration and contributions from best-in-class companies and organizations that have the combined objective to create a sustainable solution for training in remote communities,” said Teri McKibbon, Aecon’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Training and education are keys to success and we are very proud to be a part of bringing such opportunities to Matawa First Nation communities.”

“Bell is proud to be part of the team delivering this innovative training initiative to the people of Neskantaga,” said Geoff Kereluik, Vice President, Bell Business Markets. “The Neskantaga Training Centre is a great example of how broadband communications technology can enable distance learning programs for Canadians in remote communities.”

“Cisco Canada strongly believes in the transformation of education delivery to Canada’s most remote communities,” said Rick Huijbregts, Vice President, Smart+Connected Communities, Cisco Canada. “Leveraging our collaboration technology, we are delighted to join Aecon and its partners in connecting Neskantaga’s youth with the valuable job skills training they need to play an important role in the growth and prosperity of their community.”