The United Native Friendship Centre played host to their first-of-its-kind “Leap Into Employment” Job Recruitment Fair at their 427 Mowat Avenue location on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Hosted by the Centre’s Apatisiwin Employment and Training Program, the job fair brought together area employers who are actively seeking staff, as well as job seekers armed with resumes, cover letters and references ready in order to both help those job seekers get in the door quickly, at the same time as getting local businesses much-needed support.
UNFC Apatisiwin employment counsellor Jay McFarlane said the event was hosted specifically to help fill existing gaps, rather than to get potential workers resumes on file for future openings, and noted that he has already heard from local businesses and organizations who could not make Thursday’s event, but are interested in participating in a future similar job fair to help find employees closer to the start of their busy summer seasons.
Participating businesses and organizations included McDonald’s, New Gold, Ontario Corrections, the Rainy River District School Board, Walmart Fort Frances, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Rainy River District OPP, Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre and more.
According to the Obtario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Apatisiwin Programs get their name from the Swampy Cree word meaning “employment, training and jobs,” and the program is aimed at helping Indigenous people gain education, experience and skills to achieve and maintain meaningful employment.
