Abstract:

To provide opportunities to the underrepresented demographic of First Nation, Metis and Inuit in the potash mining workforce in Saskatchewan, and the representative workforce goals set by the major potash mining organizations, a program named Digital Transformation in Potash Mining was developed by Morris Interactive in Saskatoon Saskatchewan.

The innovative nature of this course does not only lie within the customized, culturally relevant content, it stems from the collaborative alliance built within the project team. The genuine partnership, built on trust and mutual goals between Cowessess First Nation, the surrounding Nations – Zagmie Anishinabek FN; Ochapowace Nation; Kahkewistahaw FN – Mosaic, and Morris Interactive, has been nothing short of true teamwork. The team that united through the initial bi-weekly meetings at Cowessess First Nation, has quickly turned into a group of friends that genuinely appreciate one another’s different perspectives and skill sets. This partnership of First Nation and non-Indigenous organizations has grown to include Mosaic Potash – showcasing their commitment to the program through a 4-year $1 million contribution and the Gabriel Dumont Institute – the Metis training organization that supports the students. These groups provide various perspectives that led to a model that genuinely works for the students.

The program is the result of coming together to conquer one mutual goal, student success. The program includes 8-weeks of in-class learning, providing the students with the foundation skills used in mine automation, mine-specific resumes, interview skills, general potash mining knowledge, and most importantly access to industry. The program is run twice annually, once on a First Nation community near Mosaic’s Esterhazy operations – directed towards those living on or near their Nation, and in Saskatoon near Mosaic’s Colonsay mine – delivered to provide opportunities to those living off their respective Nation. Students are then welcomed onto Mosaic’s mine site for a 2-week practicum where students get access to operations underground as well as on surface.

To bolster stronger career opportunities, and genuinely help students secure meaningful careers, this program includes participation and partnership from a multitude of organizations. A key example of an Industry sponsor making a significant impact on the program is Peter Lucas who are providing the solution that connects students with potential employers. Peter Lucas specializes in building industrial project teams, utilizing their specialized knowledge and inhouse designed recruitment platform, the Bench. Student’s now have a better spotlight from the industry perspective through their Digital Resumes leveraging Bench technology. Their online profiles provide video introductions and a holistic view of each candidate’s strengths, experiences, and their performance in different environments. Peter Lucas’ involvement demonstrates how small businesses can use their internal resources to make meaningful advancements down the Path to Reconciliation.

This program, in Pursuit of Call to Action 92; Economic Reconciliation, has developed a student recruitment strategy that resulted in over 240 Indigenous applicants. This strong pool and the high-qualified subsequent students provide organizations with confidence in the graduates. Each graduate to the program is now accessible to potential employers through profiles like Bryce’s https://www.peterlucasbench.com/digital-transformation-profile/f75f993e-aa48-4f63-aedf-9059bb55a672.

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Lester Cey