Anishinabek Employment and Training Services

Anishinabek Employment and Training Services
Type	Organization

Anishinabek Employment and Training Services is an employment and training organization based in Thunder Bay.

In Anishinabek News

• October 2013: The agency delivers training to nine First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. Representatives presented information about their Mining Essentials Course during a regional workshop in October 2013.
• November 2017: The organization hosts Supercom Industries LP training coordinators and advisors.
• February 2018: The agency partnered with SuperCom Industries LP to launch a regional training initiative in early 2018. It assisted in providing education to over 200 people preparing for work on the East-West Tie Transmission Project.
• June 2018: The organization hosted an Elders Gathering on June 11, 2018, to discuss a new Elder-in-residence program. It is relocating its main office to the Waverly Resource Library and plans to open a second site at the Brodie Resource Library. A high school program featuring land-based courses is scheduled to begin through the organization in the fall of 2018.
• June 2019: The organization moved its office to the Waverley Resource Library in 2018, resulting in an increase in client visits. As of June 2019, the organization has 15 staff members who provide services to communities including Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Michipicoten, Pays Plat, Pic Mobert, and Red Rock Indian Band. The organization offers workshops on topics such as resumes, cover letters, job searches, and life skills.
• June 2019: This organization serves nine First Nations within the Superior Region. It operates as a service delivery provider for the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program.
• August 2019: The organization is one of several partners LiUNA intended to work with to assist with recruitment for training programs as of August 2019.
• August 2019: The organization secured approximately $16.9 million in federal funding over a ten-year period starting in 2019. It celebrated the grand opening of its office located in the lower level of the Waverley Resource Library in Thunder Bay. The funding allows the corporation to conduct long-term planning for programs serving youth and community members from the Northern Superior Region.
• January 2020: The organization launched its Aboriginal Leadership Program with a retreat in Thunder Bay on January 13, 2020. It employs staff such as Tannis Kastern to serve as a life skills officer.
• December 2020: This organization works to generate reliable labour force data for Indigenous communities.
• March 2021: The organization organized a virtual professional workshop on March 25, 2021, to encourage organizations to improve their Indigenous workplace inclusion practices. It partnered with Indigenous Works and Magnus Theatre Company Northwest to deliver the program using an artistic and engaging approach. The group works with First Nation citizens located throughout the Northern Superior Region.
• December 2021: This organization provides continuing education and pre-apprenticeship programs for people affiliated with First Nations. The agency serves nine member communities in the North Superior Region but accepts applications from all First Nations. As of December 2021, the organization offered virtual high school credit programs and trade training in construction and cement finishing.
• March 2022: The organization is conducting a Labour Market Information Survey to identify workforce gaps and match citizens with training and jobs. It is analyzing data to improve education and employment services for nine First Nations in the Northern Superior Region. The agency partnered with Confederation College to deliver health training programs for personal support workers and pre-health students in March 2022. A virtual event featuring Tonto's Nephews was organized by the group to promote Indigenous workplace inclusion.
• October 2022: The organization is partnering with Biigtigong Nishnaabeg to deliver a land-based learning conference and two high school courses in late 2022. The agency's board of directors represents nine First Nations, including six communities from the Northern Superior Region. The organization aims to develop a skilled Indigenous workforce through various training pathways and partnerships.
• December 2022: The organization celebrated the graduation of 26 students from carpentry and high school programs on November 24, 2022. It partnered with Carpenters Union Local 1669 and Confederation College to deliver skilled trades training in Thunder Bay. The programs focused on providing First Nation citizens with pathways to employment through education and hands-on placements.
• March 2024: Joshua LeClair has conducted numerous art and culture workshops for participants at Anishinabek Employment and Training Services.
• March 2024: The organization hosted an Elders Gathering on March 19, 2024, to provide education on financial abuse prevention and online safety. It partnered with the Thunder Bay Literacy Group to deliver workshops aimed at empowering Elders. A virtual session of the financial savvy spending workshop was also held via Zoom on March 21, 2024.
• November 2024: The organization co-hosted the Mshkiki gathering in Thunder Bay in October 2024. The gathering focused on teaching participants about traditional medicines and bear grease.
• July 2025: The organization hosted the Elder Conference 2025 in Thunder Bay to provide training on financial literacy and online safety. It provides services to communities including Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, and Red Rock Indian Band. The agency aims to help Elders age well at home by increasing their awareness of technological and financial scams.
• July 2025: The organization held an open house on July 17, 2025, to celebrate its new office location in the Matawa Wellness and Training Centre in Thunder Bay. It provides education, training, and employment services to nine First Nations located east of Thunder Bay, including Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and Red Rock Indian Band. The agency operates out of two spaces in Thunder Bay, including a location at Goods and Co.
• December 2025: The organisation hosted an Elders Dinner and Square Dance on December 1, 2025, at Delta Hotels Thunder Bay. The event was part of the Age Well at Home program serving nine First Nation communities. Executive director John DeGiacomo stated that the current funding for the senior-focused programming is scheduled to end in March 2026.
• April 2026: The organization hosted a two-day moccasin-making workshop for Elders on March 30-31 in Thunder Bay. Staff and students on placement from Confederation College helped organize the event for participants.
• April 2026: The organization is one of eight holders of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program in the northwest. It provides wraparound supports for youth entering training programs and for organizations looking to hire Indigenous youth.
• June 2026: The organization hosted a presentation on building self-confidence at its Park Avenue office in Thunder Bay on June 18, 2026. The agency uses its Facebook page to promote upcoming workshops and educational presentations for the communities it serves. Future programming may include budgeting education to assist citizens receiving annuity payouts.
• July 2026: The organization received the national Indigenous Skill and Employment Office Award in July 2026 for its impact on workforce development. Peers from across Canada selected the office as one of two recipients from a group of 122 Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Agreement Holders. A new elevator lift will be unveiled at the organization's Park Avenue location on July 15, 2026, to improve accessibility for clients and staff.
• July 2026: The organization unveiled a new elevator lift at its Park Avenue location in Thunder Bay on July 15, 2026. Funding for the accessibility project was provided by the federal Enabling Accessibility Fund. Students from the organization's construction training program performed the concrete work for the installation.
• July 2026: The organization hosted a budgeting workshop at its Park Avenue location in Thunder Bay on July 16, 2026. It provides life skills support and financial planning assistance to clients from nine member communities. The agency uses its Facebook page to promote upcoming workshops and presentations.