Understanding Barriers and Local Priorities

Unify worked alongside Shared Spirits Economic Development Corporation and Partner Advantage to support a regional workforce and economic development strategy guided by the priorities of Lac Seul and Wabauskang First Nations.

The work began with a barrier-to-employment study grounded in direct engagement with community members, leadership, and regional partners. Conversations focused on the realities people face when accessing training and employment, including gaps in supports, challenges navigating existing systems, and the types of pathways needed for long-term, stable work.

This phase also included interviews with relevant experts and a review of comparable projects to identify practical examples that could inform recommendations. Together, this ensured the work was grounded in lived experience and informed by approaches that have been applied elsewhere.

From Study to Strategy and Implementation

Building on these findings, the study progressed into a regional workforce strategy, bringing analysis and recommendations into a single, connected process.

The work mapped training and employment pathways, identified infrastructure and program gaps, and connected workforce planning to opportunities in mining and related sectors. It also assessed existing training programs, outlined where new or expanded programming would be needed, and identified the partnerships required to move projects forward. Funding pathways were developed alongside the strategy, aligning priority initiatives with relevant federal and provincial programs to clarify next steps for implementation.

Throughout, the focus was on improving coordination between communities, training providers, contractors, and industry partners–supported by case study examples to illustrate how key recommendations could be applied in practice.

The project has since moved into implementation, with partners working together to advance priority actions. This work provides a strong foundation for long-term workforce development and supports continued investment aligned with community priorities.