Five students from graduated from Northern College’s Underground Hard Rock Miner common core program Friday, in a ceremony held at the college’s Quill Lounge.
The five students Michael Gregoire, Ian Shaganash, Steve Gelinas, Andrea Naveau and Gordon Matinet all graduated after they completed an intensive, 14-week, hard rock mining common core program at Primero’s Black Fox mine.
The common core miners program was offered in partnership with Primero Mining Corporation and Wahgoshig First Nation.
The five students are the final group of four intakes supported by Ontario’s Aboriginal Economic Development Fund.
Andrea Naveau was the valedictorian for the graduating class.
“We started this course 14 weeks ago, as strangers,” said Naveau. “And today we leave as family.”
“I want to thank Wahgoshig First Nation for helping to fund this program under the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund and Primero Black Fox mine for making us feel part of team,” she added.
The graduates were welcomed by dignitaries such as Chief Walter Naveau of the Mattagami, First Nation; Fred Gibbons the President of Northern College; George Sakaney of the Wahgoshig First Nations; Christine Heavens, Northern College Community Development Office; and Ken Cook, Safety and Emergency Response Manager for Primero Mines
The graduation ceremony took place In the traditional territory of the Mattagami First Nation.
Northern College elder David Faeries played the traditional ceremonial drum as the five graduates walked into the room and took their place on the podium for the ceremony.
Chief Walter Naveau, chief of Mattagami First Nations said he was proud of all the graduates.
“You persevered, you have done something tremendous, you have not only accomplished something for yourselves, but you have set the bar higher for first nations, “Chief Naveau said.
“To parents be proud, this is a very momentous occasion to see your sons and your daughters graduating,” Chief Naveau added. “The way I look at it, they are living my dream. They have gone where I could never go. They have done something tremendous, that speaks volumes.”
“You have proven that to want something you have to have a hunger and a perseverance, I am very proud as chief, and as a dad to see what you have done here,” he said.
The 14-week course was a highly focused and intensive training experience.
“I want to commend you on choosing an unconventional road, if I can use that expression, in your pursuit of training and education,” Gibbons said. “Many people take the traditional two or three programs, but you chose a very intensive 14-week course.”
“Your training will be beneficial to our community” Gibbons added. “I note here that two new mines will be opening shortly in Timmins, IAMGOLD off Highway 144, not far from Mattagami First Nation and Gowest Gold in North Timmins.”
“There is a world of opportunity that awaits you,” said Gibbons.
Safety is important in every workplace said Gibbons and especially in mining.
“Canada has experienced for the first time in its history the first time it has not experienced a workplace death in its history,” said Gibbons.
“Mining is a safe industry, if you follow the safety practices you were taught,” said Gibbons.” But it can be a hazardous industry if you let your guard down and don’t practice those skills.”
Ken Cook, the Safety and Emergency Response Manager at Primero Mines also emphasized the safety message in his remarks to the graduates.
“You have the skills to succeed in mining,” said Ken Cook. “Practice your safety skills, because at the end of the day you want to go home to your family.”
George Sakaney, the Aboriginal Liaison officer at Primero for the Wahgoshig First Nations thanked Northern College and Primero Mines for the opportunity for the young people to be trained in mining.
“On behalf of Wahgoshig First Nation Chief and Council I want to thank Northern College and Primero for giving a unique opportunity for having our young people to be trained in mining.
“We have had 24 students who went through this program and 74 percent of them are working in the mining industry,” said Sakaney. “This is a great opportunity for our young people.”
As for the future, the five graduates want to enter some aspect of the mining field.
Gord Matinet said he really enjoyed the portion of the course that dealt with heavy equipment. He wants to work with heavy equipment and is interested in pursuing his AZ and DZ licences.
Steve Gelinas enjoyed everything about the course because it was all hands on. Steve, he wants to find work in the mining field and will gladly take any job that comes his way.
Ian Shaganash also liked the hands-on activities especially jackleg drilling. Shaganash who is from the Thunder Bay area said he will go where the mining jobs are and will gladly relocate.
Andrea Naveau enjoyed everything about the course. She said she wants to eventually become a “nipper” – one who delivers fuel, grease and powder. In the meantime, she starts at Goldcorp and will drive haul trucks.
Michael Gregoire also enjoyed the jackleg drilling and will apply and get a full-time job in mining.
