LiUNA Local 607 First Nations and Indigenous Workforce Development Organizations Partnership Strategy

In 2025-26, Medow Consulting worked in collaboration with Bridging Concepts to develop LiUNA Local 607’s First Nations and Indigenous Workforce Development Organizations Partnership Strategy. Supported by Ontario's Skills Development Fund, the strategy provides a roadmap for building meaningful, long-term partnerships with First Nations communities and Indigenous workforce development organizations across Northwestern Ontario. 

How the Strategy was Developed

• Environmental Scan: Reviewed leading practices that support apprenticeship pathways for Indigenous peoples. 

• Key Informant Interviews: Engaged partners to better understand regional priorities, opportunities, and barriers. 

• Roundtable Engagement: Facilitated the Building First Nations Partnerships to Support the Talent of Tomorrow roundtable in Thunder Bay, bringing together Indigenous employment and training organizations, Indigenous Institutes, K-12 education partners, contractors, and regional workforce development organizations. 

What’s in the Strategy
The strategy establishes a set of partnership values and a flexible, relationship-based partnership model. Together, these provide a practical framework for how Local 607 builds, strengthens, and sustains partnerships with First Nations communities and Indigenous workforce development organizations, supporting training, employment, and long-term opportunities in the skilled trades.  

Designed as a living document, the strategy will evolve as Local 607 builds relationships and deepens partnerships across Northwestern Ontario.