First Nation Construction Industry Education (FNCIE) Program

The First Nation Construction Industry Education (FNCIE) approach specifically connected interested First Nation members with training and job experience in construction-related professions and trades including community members from Yunesit’in First Nation (100 km west of Williams Lake) and member nations of the Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG). Overall, the goal of FNCIE is to have 100% First Nation directed capital projects. It also maximized First Nation employment in the design and construction of teachers’ residences, community housing, a school gym addition and other local and regional projects.

FNCIE is a partnership with Yunesit’in First Nation and member nations of the Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to provide early education awareness of employment opportunities in the design and construction industry and strengthen effective governance. The project included career fairs, workshops with school children and youth and opportunities to shadow design professionals.

The FNCIE project is a great example of First Nation members working with the contractors on projects in their communities. Not only did this provide members with the training hours to work towards certification, it also increased the sense of community ownership over projects.