Thunder Bay's Confederation College, Couchiching First Nation to launch trades school

A Thunder Bay college and a northwestern Ontario First Nation are working together to establish a trade school in the area.

Confederation College and Couchiching First Nation signed an agreement on Monday that proposes the community will provide the facility and the college will deliver post-secondary skilled trades and engineering technology, or other training programs.

"Couchiching First Nation as an ancient gathering place has always been a place of learning," said Chief Sara Mainville in a news release.

"This partnership with Confederation College will continue to honour the location where education has always happened for the Anishinaabe," she said.

Mainville said the venture will assist in her community's  economic sustainability, while college president Jim Madder said the partnership will help address the shortage of skilled workers in northwestern Ontario.

"Confederation has long been committed to its Indigenous communities and our work with Couchiching First Nation will further support that commitment," he said.