Vale and MKO have put their matching support behind the Northern Employment Commuter Project to the tune of a $150,000 contribution.

The Commuter Project helps approximately 21 students who live within 100 kilometres of Thompson to gain employment and work experience by providing regular commuter access to Thompson.

Ryan Land, Vale’s manager of corporate affairs for Manitoba Operations, met with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief David Harper in Winnipeg at the MKO Economic Summit, Trade Show and Job Fair to announce the contribution.

“Vale is proud to join with MKO and our other partners by contributing $25,000 for each of the next three years to support the Northern Employment Commuter Project and the resource rangers, for a total of $150,000,” said Land.

The resource rangers program provides an opportunity each year for approximately 30 persons over the age of 16 to learn about and examine employment opportunities in the northern resource sector, including mining, forestry and hydroelectricity operations.

“MKO is very pleased to be joining with Vale to support these important and successful initiatives,” said Grand Chief Harper, “these have been so important to the MKO First Nations, particularly the youth of the MKO First Nations.”