Discovery HouseConstruction Craft Worker

Training Program

© Produced by Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services. Any duplication of this document without written prior permission of the Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services is prohibited.

KIIKENOMAGA KIKENJIGEWEN EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING SERVICES28 Cumberland Street North, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4K9

Ph: (807) 768-4470 Email: kkets-reception@matawa.on.ca Web: www.kkets.ca

Mission

To provide culturally appropriate opportunities for education, training, and employment by providing professional advisory, support services, relevant systems and programs to empower individuals to take initiative for change in their own lives.

Vision

Create a sense of awareness and ownership in communities, including strong relationships and partnerships that will increase the number of educated and employed individuals who are active competitors in the workforce and will ultimately result in healthy and prosperous communities.

Goal

Mino Bimaatisiwin in Ojibwe means living a good life. KKETS wants to incorporate positive self-talk into each of the training sessions. The use of positive affirmations has been found to increase student self-worth when used and practiced in a classroom setting. KKETS wants to instil positive healthy version of self in all of our students to improve success in their personal lives, workplace and the community.

Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services

1

Staff Directory

Joe Baxter, PresidentAroland First Nation

Kelvin Moonias, Vice PresidentNeskantaga First Nation

Lawrence Atlookan, TreasurerEabametoong First Nation

Josie Baxter, SecretaryMarten Falls First Nation

Ron Wesley, Board MemberConstance Lake First Nation

Maurice Wapoose, Board Member Ginoogaming First Nation

Richard Roundhead, Board MemberNibinamik First Nation

Norman Shewaybick, Board MemberWebequie First Nation

Dave Neegan Executive Director Dneegan@matawa.on.caExt. 4479

Theresa MorrisseauExecutive AssistantTmorrisseau@matawa.on.caExt. 4480

Tracey WilloughbyProject OfficerTwilloughby@matawa.on.caExt. 4508

Caitlyn BaxterIntake & Referral OfficerCabaxter@matawa.on.caExt. 4495

Roxann ShapwaykeesicAboriginal Employment & Wellness CounsellorRshapwaykeesic@matawa.on.caExt. 4515

Lloyd RoeEmployment Community Coordinator OfficerLroe@matawa.on.caExt. 4491 Kara PearsonFile & Data ClerkKpearson@matawa.on.caExt. 4472

Daren SakaneeDiscovery House CoordinatorDsakanee@matawa.on.caExt. 4506

Wayland MooniasDiscovery House CoordinatorWmoonias@matawa.on.caExt. 4487

KKETS Board of Directors

KKETS Staff

KKETS Discovery House Staff

2

President of the KKETS Board of Directors

KKETS Executive Director

Joe Baxter

David Neegan

Boozhoo Wachay I am Joe Baxter, from Aroland First Nation and President of the KKETS Board of Directors. On behalf of the KKETS board and staff we look forward to working with Patrick Casey and the Discovery House project to deliver innovative training to our on-reserve Matawa members. One the many struggles our members have had to endure while training is temporarily relocating for the duration of programs. But with this three year program it will be delivered in the communities so our members do not have to worry about relocating. The Construction Craft Worker Training program is one of the longest

training KKETS will help to deliver and I am excited to be a part of this revolutionary achievement. The KKETS staff have worked hard and tirelessly to help bring this project to life and I am looking forward to all that we can accomplish and the great things this program will bring to our communities.

My name is David Neegan from Constance Lake First Nation. KKETS is pleased to be working in partnership with the Discovery House to deliver training to the Matawa First Nations. This is an excellent opportunity to bring a three-year-long training and work into the remote communities. Not only is this a three yearlong training program that will bring jobs to many youths, but it will give a once and a lifetime experience. After the completion of this training, it will bring sustainable employment to the communities; through the building and addressing the food security within the communities providing fresh green produce. As for KKETS, this will be an excellent opportunity to network with various

partners that shares the same goal and ambitions that will enhance our capabilities to further train and support our First Nation communities. I look forward to working alongside Discovery House and the participating students and all the future opportunities that it will bring.

3

Discovery House Project Executive Director

Wah-ka-Ih-Kun Student

Patrick Casey

Ricky Ostamus

The Discovery House is pleased to be able to partner with the Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen to deliver an innovative training program that will have 64 youth learn about food security, road & facility design as well as constructing a building onsite in their home community. The Construction Craft Worker training will be done remotely in the participating communities using smart classrooms allowing participants to remain in their community for the duration of the program. Included trainees will have the opportunity to visit sites such as Ottawa, CF Borden and Orlando, Florida where innovative technology is currently in operation.

The discovery house project will deliver unprecedented industry leading automation in vertical horticultural, aquaculture and agricultural product processing that will achieve energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, environmental responsibility and production levels previously unattainable. This will allow communities historically marginalized by isolation to tackle growing agricultural challenges in the areas of food security-safety-sovereignty- affordability- accessibility-sustainability-ownership and environmental stewardship.

Hello my name is Ricky Ostamus and I am from Neskantaga First Nation. The reason why I decided to apply for the construction craft worker training program is to gain a better understanding of the trade and having new opportunities along with experience. The housing issues in my community and other Matawa communities has been an on-going issue for many years and what I would like to see come out from this program is new housing that will support families in need and survive the conditions we face up north. I am excited to begin this program in my home community and see what the future will bring along with the buildings we will be creating.

4

Wah Ka Ih Kun – Mamo Anokiwin An elder had a vision of buildings being built in remote northern communities. The building would include a green house and solar panels. The elder stressed that the only way it will happen is if everyone works together. That is where the name Wah-Ka-Ih-Kun – Mamo Anokiwin originated from. Wah-Ka-Ih-Kun – means house, Mamo Anokiwin means working together. Inspiration for the logo was taken from the Discovery House and the meaning of Wah-Ka-Ih-Kun- Mamo Anokiwin. The nine feathers represent each of the eight communities and one feather represents Matawa. The teepee, greenhouse, and solar panels symbolize the creation of the new residence that will be built. The two people signify our communities working together to build a brighter future.

Wachiiya, my name is Daren Sakanee, my home community is Neskantaga, First Nation. I work with KKETS and the Discovery House Project initiative. I’m proud and pleased to work for the Matawa communities and the Discovery House Project. I am incredibly excited to see all the participants work together with perseverance and determination to accomplish their goals. I am looking forward to achieving the tasks that are sets out for us. My primary role is to act as a liaison between KKETS, Discovery House, participants, training partners, and employment partners to accomplish the objectives.

I have been developing new skills and knowledge throughout the years with KKETS as NEAT Program Support Officer. I’m glad to share my past experiences on this new journey. A little bit about myself, I’m a team player, energetic, accountable, and very easy going. I’m looking forward to working with the Matawa Communities and Discovery House Project to see all we can accomplish together. Meeqwetch.

Greetings, my name is Wayland Moonias, and I am from Neskantaga First Nation. I am honored to be a Discovery House Coordinator and thrilled to be a part of something as revolutionary as this project. This project will bring many jobs for our First Nation members, along with more housing. We face many housing issues up north, and

I believe this will tackle those issues and help our people grow as a nation with the technology such as solar panels and greenhouses. I am looking forward to continue working with our communities and learn a lot with this Discovery House project.

Discovery House Coordinator

Discovery House Coordinator

Daren Sakanee

Wayland Moonias

5

Breakdown of ProjectThree-year training for 64 youth participants ages 16-30 years in Construction Craft Worker. The youth participating in the training will receive an allowance of $15.25 an hour for 30 hours a week, during training time with pay raises as training continues. Participants who are on Ontario Works (OW) or whose family member is on OW will not affect their OW agreements. One of the goals of the Discovery House Project is to transition as many youths from OW to the workforce. By creating lifelong employment opportunities.

Applicants from all Matawa communities are welcome to apply. Participants from road access communities must be willing to relocate to one of the five remote communities (Eabametoong, Marten Falls, Webequie, Nibinamik, and Neskantaga) once the construction phase begins.

What does this mean for the remote communities?Each of the five remote communities; Eabametoong, Marten Falls, Webequie, Nibinamik, and Neskantaga, will have a Discovery House structure built in their community.

Eabametoong will have 64 units with the other remote communities having 32 units that are approximately 1,700 square feet.

Each of the buildings will be self-sufficient. The buildings will create new housing to meet the much-needed housing need. The house will have a greenhouse located on top of the building, giving the community access to fresh local vegetables.

Wah-ka-ih-kun Mamonokiwin

6

The Discovery House Prototype EaRTH (ENVIRONMENTAL AND RELATED TECHNOLOGIES HUB) networks Discovery House will leverage renowned academic institutions, leading innovative businesses, community and government partners in disrupting and strengthen the entire agriculture and food value chain, from environmental technologies, through growing and processing automation, to food distribution. Discovery House will develop unprecedented Industry leading automation in vertical horticultural, aquaculture and agricultural product processing that will achieve energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, environmental responsibility and production levels previously unattainable. Allowing communities to tackle growing agricultural challenges in the areas of food-security-safety-sovereignty-affordability- accessibility-sustainability-ownership and environmental stewardship.

While delivering outcomes that are ecologically sustainable, inclusive and equitable. Discovery House will replace cycles of social and economic dependence with autonomy and a meaningful sense of dignity and ownership in a more sustainably rooted local agricultural economy. The Discovery House Prototype will make a substantial contribution to improving food security across Canada in the decades to come by introducing localized agriculture to remote communities.

Discovery House Overview

7

The Discovery House Prototype - When compassion is at the Heart of Innovation Discovery House strives to revolutionize the agriculture and agri-food sector by integrating agriculture, technology and infrastructure into urban areas to build more resilient local food systems. The Discovery House Prototype will facilitate a collaborative, cross-sectoral approach engaging non-traditional industries into the agriculture sector to spur the emergence of disruptive technologies. This will assist Canada in meeting its climate change commitments, build an adaptive multidisciplinary workforce, and create new opportunities locally and nationally to enhance Canada’s impact on food source stabilization.

ChallengeTo deliver on Discovery Houses objectives for Canada’s northern communities the Discovery House Project was created. After nine years in development Discovery House will deliver unprecedented Industry leading automation in vertical horticultural, aquaculture and agricultural product processing that will achieve energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, environmental responsibility and production levels previously unattainable.

ValueDiscovery House will replace cycles of social and economic dependence with autonomy and a meaningful sense of dignity and ownership in a more sustainably rooted local agricultural economy. The Discovery House Prototype will make a substantial contribution to improving food

security across Canada in the decades to come by introducing localized agriculture to remote communities. The Discovery House Prototype is currently under construction just outside CFB Borden at the following location “5929 Concession 5 NewLowell” the closest significant settlement is Barrie. Over the 9 years of its development, The Discovery House Prototype has received funding and or support from CMHC, Defense Research and Development Canada, The National Research Council of Canada and many more government as well as non-government and corporate organizations.

8

Smart Classrooms and TrainingGalaxy Technologies will be installed in remote communities with Satellite Internet connections. Smart Classrooms will make remote learning faster, safer and more comprehensive with large Samsung screens installed in learning spaces within the remote communities. Each student will have a tablet or laptop to use for training.

Samsung Flip and Cisco Webex Room Kit will be installed in each smart classroom in the remote communities. Interactive features make the Flip a powerful collaboration tool anytime, anywhere. And when combined with Cisco’s leading video conferencing technology, people can come together like never before whether in a meeting room or working remotely from multiple locations.

The Cisco Webex Room Kit Mini is a compact video conferencing and collaboration device optimized for small meeting rooms. Combined with a flat-panel displays it brings people together to collaborate across any distance. Perfect for long distance learning within the remote communities.

There will be three cycles of training with breaks in between. All training will follow the COVID restrictions initiated by the province and the COVID protocols implemented by each First Nation community. Training will be done through smart classrooms virtually. Further into the project other training is scheduled to take place in Ottawa, CF Borden and Orlando once all COVID restrictions have been lifted.

9

Solar Panels

Solar panels are made out of photovoltaic cells that convert the sun’s energy into electricity.Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between llayers of semi-conducting materials such as silicone. Each layer has different electronic properties that energize when hit by photons from sunlight, creating an electric field. This is known as the photoelectric effect – and it is this that creates the current needed to produce electricity.Solar panels generate a direct current of

electricity. This is then passed through an inverter to convert it into an alternating current, which can then be funneled into the grid or used by the home or business the solar panels are attached to. Solar panels will be located on top of the building.

10

Geothermal Heating

Discovery House will replace cycles of social and economic dependence with autonomy and a meaningful sense of dignity and ownership in a more sustainably rooted local agricultural economy.

Access to clean, affordable energy is seen as key to improving the living standards of the Canadas poorest communities. By 2100, renewable sources are expected to be providing 30–80 percent of total energy consumption. Ther-mal energy is one of the most important energy resources for energy generation/storage and is also used directly in heating, food and agriculture,

aquaculture and some industrial processes within the discovery House Complex. The unsatisfied demand for a sustainable supply of affordable energy in Canada and in particular its isolated northern communities is therefore a major constraint to development of the agriculture and agro-industry sectors in Canadas emerging northern development strategy.

What is Geothermal Heating During the winter, heat from the ground is absorbed by the water solution as it circulates through pipes in the ground. The warmed water is carried into the home where a water-to-air heat pump concentrates the thermal energy and transfers it to air in a conventional ductwork system, which is circulated to heat the home. In the summer time, this process is reversed and excess heat is pumped from the home either into the ground or redirected to heat domestic hot water in order to cool the home.

11

Access to Fresh VeggiesLocated on the roof of the building will be a greenhouse that will grow vegetables eight or so months out of the year.

The house will produce a viable low light cold climate production facility in a high-function, fully automated structure heated and cooled with an advanced thermal storage and harvesting system in low light cold climate conditions, and with fully integrated automated supplemental lighting and nutrient systems.

An advanced AI will be used to assets in the extensive automation of the facility. Actively collecting data that will monitor and asses crop quality, quantity, days to harvest and planting dates creating an active and idyllic work plane for

farming, food processing and facility/energy management. Findings on which crops are viable in the low light solutions will be shared in a final report, which will also offer recommendations on how to construct low-cost, high-function structures that will withstand snow accumulation in far northern conditions, encourage and maintain plant growth/crop productivity and maximize light exposure and minimize input costs such as artificial lighting and heating.

12

Employment and Economic DevelopmentIt would be best to look at this as 5 Discovery House complexes consisting of 31 employees each. Please have a look at the breakdown listed below. One manager will be employed in each community. 30 individuals will be employed in Eabametoong and 10 from each of the other communities. Each Discovery House complex is structured as a community owned agricultural co-op with the following staffing breakdown.

8 full-time seasonal construction staff2 full-time facility maintenance staff4 full-time horticultural and food processing staff10 full-time seasonal horticultural and food processing staff4 full-time sales staff2 full-time community outreach staff

Please note that construction and horticultural activities will only take place 8 months out of every year as a result of environmental conditions in the community.

13

Kiikenomaga KikenjigewenEmployment & Training Services

28 N. Cumberland St, 3rd FloorThunder Bay, ON P7B 2X9

Phone: 807-768-4470Fax: 807-768-4471

Toll Free: 1-888-688-4652

www.kkets.ca