University College of the North (UCN) is hosting its annual Linkages Conference this month, but this time in a new location. This will be the first time UCN’s Linkages Conference will be held in Thompson.
“Linkages Thompson is going to be held this year on February 13 and 14,” said UCN Communications and Events Coordinator Jackie Rechenmacher. “This is the first year for Thompson to have Linkages, and we look forward to hosting the event in both communities in the future.
“The theme of the conference is around skill and development of the trades in the north. UCN and the Mining Association of Manitoba have partnered for the Linkages Thompson conference as there is a strong emphasis in the northern mining economy and the skilled workers that we will need to sustain it.” This year’s line-up of keynote speakers is im pressive and ranges from television celebrities, former sports stars and Indigenous leadership. “Mike Holmes, the television personality and professional contractor, will be presenting on engaging youth in the trades and the importance of trades in any economy,” said Rechenmacher. “We also have Ken Coates, who is a historian focused on Canadian north and Aboriginal rights and Indigenous claims, as well as a leading thinker on the Canadian future. “Our third keynote is JR LaRose, who is CFL Grey Cup Champion and is a member of the One Arrow First Nation. He shares his experiences of facing adversity, resilience, and how he has persevered through the struggles both he and his family has faced. “The Linkages Conferences focus on how reconciliation and reconcili-action are worked into many different industries and sectors across the board,” said Rechenmacher. “The pro gram will have sessions from sector leaders who are Indigenous and will be speaking about how Indigenous communities deal with industry, specifically the mining industry. Additionally, a presentation from Dr. Ramona Neckoway, Vice President of Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation at UCN will be providing a presentation on Northern Manitoba Reconciliation, what is in the process and what is coming up next.” Although Linkages will be held in Thompson this year, the overall for mat will be similar to the conferences held in the past. “Conference attendees can expect a similar for mat as the Linkages conferences in The Pas,” said Rechenmacher. “There will be many opportunities to network, learn, and ask questions from leaders in various fields.