TIMMINS, ON: Takwata NPLH Drilling and Northern College are partnering to deliver a fully-funded Diamond Drilling Common Core – Basic training.

The project aims to develop a new skilled workforce, focusing on Indigenous peoples, women, and youth, trained to work in surface and underground drilling environments.

“I am incredibly proud of the strong relationship that has developed between NPLH Drilling and Taykwa Tagamou Nation through our Limited Business Partnership, Takwata NPLH Drilling. This collaboration is exemplified by the innovative Diamond Drilling Program opportunity in partnership with Northern College,” stated Dana Blaquiere, CEO, NPLH Drilling “Our shared mission is to actively recruit, train, and retain individuals in the drilling and mining sectors, with a particular focus on empowering Indigenous peoples, women, and youth.”

“We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent, providing support and resources for those eager to pursue careers in mining. Our goal is to build a robust, diverse workforce that not only reflects the rich heritage of our communities but also embodies the core values that NPLH Drilling is committed to upholding,” added Dana Blaquiere, CEO, NPLH Drilling “Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for all.”

Diamond Drilling Common Core – Basic will prepare students for in-demand careers while providing inclusive opportunities for those wishing to work in the mining industry. Individuals will benefit from this free-of-charge program.

“Finding innovative approaches to education is one of the main commitments of Northern College. We are proud to offer flexible training opportunities that will prepare a newly skilled workforce to meet market demand,” stated Dean Lessard, Senior Vice President, Academic of Northern College. “The theory and practical experience the trainees will receive in this program, will provide participants with excellent opportunities to secure full-time employment in the mining industry.”

By collaborating with Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) and NPLH Drilling through Takwata NPLH Drilling, the program aims to extend these opportunities to First Nation individuals, fostering both skill development and potential career pathways in the drilling and mining sectors.

“We at Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) are enthusiastic about strengthening our relationship and fostering active allyship with NPLH Drilling through our Limited Partnership, Takwata NPLH Drilling. We are committed to collaborating with Northern College to develop a comprehensive training program aimed at First Nation individuals who aspire to enter the rewarding fields of drilling and mining,” said Jara Archibald, Employment and Training, Taykwa Tagamou Nation. “This initiative not only provides valuable skills and knowledge but also opens pathways to potential employment opportunities with Takwata NPLH Drilling upon successful program completion.”

Programs will begin as early as Fall 2024, and those who are looking to learn more or apply, are encouraged to email gdesmaraisbrunet@nplhdrilling.ca

-30-

About Northern College

Established in 1967, Northern College leads the province in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). It holds the top ranking in the graduate employment rate category in the province of Ontario. It has the highest employer satisfaction score for Northern College alums compared to all English-speaking colleges in Ontario (2023). The College has four main campuses in Haileybury, Kirkland Lake, Moosonee and Timmins, and many Access Centres, providing post-secondary education and academic upgrading to Indigenous learners in remote communities along the James Bay coast. Northern College is a highly respected community and regional partner with nearly 50,000 graduates, including the Haileybury School of Mines (est. 1912); the College is critical in the region’s economic development and global mining influence. Northern College serves the educational needs of post-secondary, apprenticeship, and contract training, both on-site and through remote learning, as well as delivering academic upgrading and employment services. Its catchment area covers 160,000 square kilometres, roughly the size of France, and includes over 65 communities – 18 First Nations.

About Takwata NPLH Drilling

The business arrangement of Takwata NPLH Drilling is a Limited Business Partnership formed between Taykwa Tagamou Nation and NPLH Drilling. This partnership, forged under the leadership of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, Chief Bruce Archibald and NPLH Drilling, CEO, Dana Blaquiere, represents a collaborative effort aimed to foster economic growth economic growth and sustainability within the respective communities.

Takwata NPLH Drilling is a testament to the shared commitment to responsible resource development and Indigenous economic empowerment. Through this partnership, Takwata NPLH Drilling aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the drilling sector while upholding the values of environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. As such, the Limited Business Partnership is fully supported and endorsed by Taykwa Tagamou Nation, ensuring alignment with community interests and priorities.

Media Contacts:
Kyle Gennings
Communications & Government Relations Officer
Northern College
705.235.3211 x2276
genningsk@northern.on.ca

Gabriella Desmarais
Indigenous Relations & Community Engagement Lead
NPLH Drilling
gdesmaraisbrunet@nplhdrilling.ca
705.406.3300