Invitation
Treasury Metals is invited to join PDAC Mining Matters to participate in the expansion of our Aboriginal
Youth Outreach Program by launching two two- day summer camps in Ontario First Nation communities
specifically Eagle Lake and Wabigoon First Nations during the summer of 2011.
Summer Camp Program
The PDAC Mining Matters summer program for Aboriginal youth provides participants an exciting
educational experience in a camp setting to:
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Involve youth in exploring Earth science, mineral exploration and mining through meaningful
learning activities beyond the classroom and curriculum
Connect industry professionals with youth in our communities in a mentorship capacity
Inform youth about employment opportunities and career paths in mineral exploration, mining
and the related supply and service sector
Promote understanding and discussion of key environmental, economic, and social issues
associated with natural resource development in the north
Provide career guidance, leading youth to informed post-secondary academic and career choices
The Earth Science and Mineral Resources Youth Camp is designed to engage Aboriginal youth using
authentic data, resource materials, field trips and activities that explore the technological advances that
have made Canada a world leader in mineral exploration and mining. The program illustrates real-world
experience with Earth science, mineral exploration, and mining—not just theories and concepts. Youth
will learn about rocks, minerals, and metals and their importance in everyday life, provincial and local
geology, and the mining sequence. A special series of experiences focuses on Canadian diamonds,
teaching youth about diamond-bearing deposits, diamond formation, and modern technology as it is
applied to the discovery, extraction, and processing of diamonds.
Youth are provided with opportunities to develop skills, competencies and knowledge in Earth science,
career and skills development education. A strong focus on activity-based learning ensures the youth
remain interested and engaged in the subject matter. Earth science is a natural partner for this style of
learning, hence the positive response to the program from youth, partners and educators.
The idea of mentorship guides program instruction, since educational experience and networking
opportunities are not readily available in small Aboriginal communities spread over a large geographic
area. Mentoring includes hands-on workshops, field work and excursions, demonstrations, one to one
counselling and when feasible, a trip to an operational mine or exploration site. Mentors are sought from
geoscience, prospecting, education, environmental science, geographic information systems, engineering,
skilled trades, mineral exploration, mining, health and safety, traditional ecological knowledge and
entrepreneurship. Career information and exploration is provided by the Mining Industry Human
Resources Council and certified Guiding Circles career counsellors.
At the conclusion of each camp, youth showcase their interest and knowledge in Earth science, mineral
exploration and mining to members of their own community during an evening community gathering.
The Opportunity
Building on the expertise and success of the Aboriginal Youth Outreach Program, PDAC Mining Matters
is seeking to strengthen its education, industry, government and Aboriginal partnerships to expand
programs in northwestern Ontario over the next three years.
Canada's mining industry is forecasting the need for thousands of additional workers each year up to the
year 2020 and the stability of the industry is strong with exciting job opportunities in all aspects of
exploration, development, operations, and site reclamation. The spin-off growth in the mining supply and
services sector will also present employment and business opportunities.
The Aboriginal population is growing six times faster than Canada's non-Aboriginal population. With
some 1,200 Aboriginal communities located within 200 km of a producing mine or exploration property,
local peoples are an ideal source of human resources.
In northern Ontario, mining companies have identified that First Nations traditional territories offer
opportunities for exploration in chromite, phosphate, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, gold, silver, rhodium,
cobalt, and diamonds.
It is critical that Aboriginal communities fully participate and benefit from career opportunities that will
arise in the minerals industry over the next decade.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an innovative education and skills development program
for youth of Aboriginal communities in order to allow them to take advantage of emerging mineral sector
employment. All stakeholders will benefit from participation in PDAC Mining Matters’ nationally
recognized educational program which aims at capturing the excitement of Aboriginal youth in Earth
science and mineral resources.
Benefits include:
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Establishment of educational initiatives that will positively impact the quality of education for
youth
Enhanced skills in science literacy, numeracy, teamwork, technology use, problem solving, and
critical thinking for youth
Increased school attendance rates
Increased interest in Earth science, mineral exploration, mining, the environment and future
career opportunities
Aboriginal Nation input to all community camp programs developed and delivered for youth
Support of local economy, including employment opportunities for camp support staff and
service/supply requirements
Increased awareness of the important role that rocks, metals, minerals and mining play in their
lives
Enhanced relationships between Aboriginal communities, resource sectors and government
Opportunities to profile the leadership of participating mining corporations willing to invest in the
skills development and employment success of Aboriginal Canadians
Positioning company partners as a potential employer of choice among Aboriginal youth
Positive media attention for partners and has proven to be in line with organizational CSR
initiatives
A program outline for two consecutive two-day summer camps in partnership with Treasury Metals will
follow. It is hoped that this proposal will serve as a starting point for discussion regarding course content.
We look forward to working with you to establish a highly regarded program that can be offered for
Aboriginal youth year after year.