Aecon Group is teaming up with the Matawa First Nations to start training programs to prepare for development in the Ring of Fire.

The Toronto-headquartered construction giant announced July 8 it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS).

KKETS is the training arm of Matawa, a tribal council representing nine First Nation communities closest to the Ring of Fire in the James Bay lowlands.

Under the agreement, Aecon and KKETS will work to develop remote training centres for community-based education, trades and apprenticeship training.

An Aecon news release said the training centres will be outfitted with computerized technology systems and high-speed satellite broadband internet to connect communities.

“Our relationship with the Matawa First Nations and KKETS is an important component of Aecon’s strategic approach to community engagement and skilled labour development,” says Teri McKibbon, Aecon’s president and chief operating officer.

“In the past, First Nations did not have the same participation in the labour market, but through the process of developing and maintaining relationships with key employers, potential employment opportunities have been recognized,” said Morris Wapoose, KKETS’ program manager.

Matawa First Nation Management provides advisory services to the First Nation communities of Eabametoong, Neskantaga, Marten Falls, Nibinamik, Webequie, Constance Lake, Aroland, Long Lake # 58, and Ginoogaming.