Aboriginal Mining Education Forum (AMEF)
June 11-12, 2012
Cambrian College, Sudbury, ON
GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCHERS
OVERVIEW OF THE AMEF
The AMEF is a 1.5 day event bringing together representatives from Aboriginal organizations,
education and mining and mineral exploration. The AMEF will be a strategic networking event
resulting in an improved understanding of the issues of Aboriginal education as it critically
applies to human resources management in mining and mineral exploration and the economic
development of Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) communities.
As retirement rates increase, under-utilized sources of labour supply increase in importance to
maintaining the vitality of the sector. Further, many mining and mineral exploration companies
have an acute desire to work collaboratively with the communities in which they operate. The
AMEF aims to bring together these important groups to discuss these issues. While the mining
and mineral industry is able to provide rewarding careers for qualified individuals, this can only
be the case if potential employees are provided with the right skills and training. Discussing
these issues surrounding Aboriginal education is the first step in mitigating human resource
challenges in this rapidly expanding sector. You will have the opportunity to network with these
groups, sharing ideas, strategies and plans for the future of the mining workforce.
GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCHERS ROLES
MiHR is looking for six, Canadian Graduate Students to collect, synthesize, analyze and report
primary research gathered through discussions during the AMEF’s two rounds of Break-out
Circles. Topics of the first Break-Out Circles are: Motivating Learners, Creating Support
Systems and Increasing Awareness of the Industry and Career Options. The second round of
Break-Out Circles will be an opportunity for delegates to share current issues, brainstorm and
develop action plans to increase the success of Aboriginal education leading to careers in
mining and mineral exploration.
Specifically, students will:
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Participate in two pre-forum workshops via webinar on Culturally Appropriate Primary
Research Gathering and Collecting, Synthesizing and Communicating Results.
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Webinars will be hosted by an Aboriginal research expert and MiHR’s Director of
Research. Workshops will occur in May, 2012
Attend 3-5 conference calls with the AMEF Advisory Group and Break-Out Circle teams
to discuss the core issues to be addressed and establish roles and responsibilities
Assist with the facilitation by recording primary information in the Break-out Circles (two
students per Circle – Student Research Partners)
Summarize and present proceedings from the Break-Out Circles to the full delegate
group after each session (one student per Circle)
Post-Forum, analyze research notes, meet with research partner to review and
synthesize outcomes, provide report to MiHR in MS Word.
BENEFITS TO STUDENT RESEARCHERS
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$2,000 for providing the services and participating in the activities outlined above
Travel reimbursement for the AMEF based on Treasury Board standards
Training on Culturally Appropriate Primary Research Gathering and Collecting,
Synthesizing and Communicating Results
Experience conducting primary research at a national Forum on Aboriginal education
and mining
Exposure to leading experts in mining, education and Aboriginal issues
Recognition on the MiHR’s AMEF Outcomes Report that will be disseminated across
Canada
Permission to use the research gathered to support academic studies (following MiHR’s
Research Ethics Protocols)
REQUIREMENTS OF STUDENT RESEARCHERS
MiHR is seeking Graduate Student Researchers conducting their studies in fields related to
Aboriginal education and/or mining, such as Aboriginal Studies, Cultural Studies, Education,
Mineral Exploration and Mining with a focus in CSR, Political Science, etc. Students must be
fluent in English and able to travel.
Questions? Contact Mel Sturk: msturk@mihr.ca