SUMMARY
This paper argues that governments, industry, and educational institutionsneed to engage better with Aboriginal communities when it comes to training andeconomic development initiatives in Northern Saskatchewan. Building accessibleprograms and engaging with youth are keys to sustainable development. The socialcapital in northern communities is resilient and embedded in kinship networks,but with the fast-growing youth population, increased collaborative engagementbetween communities, governments, training institutions, and industry is requiredto help build relevant programs for youth. Findings from the 2009–2012 NorthernAboriginal Political Engagement study suggest that, given the opportunity andproper incentives, northern Aboriginal youth want to and will engage in thedevelopment of themselves and their communities. Most youth believe that priorityshould also be given to address problems with addictions (alcohol, drugs). At aminimum, these findings imply that better coordination is needed between healthprograms (mental health and addiction) and training and economic developmentprograms for youth. This paper is part of a special collection of brief discussionpapers presented at the 2014 Walleye Seminar held in Northern Saskatchewan,which explored consultation and engagement with northern communities andstakeholders in resource development.