Upwards of 260 Indigenous youth in Niagara and across southern Ontario will receive a leg up in overcoming barriers to job training and employment over the next four years, thanks to an $8-million boost from the federal government.

Among those youth is Hunter Williams, who was on-site as Patty Hadju, minister of employment, workforce development and labour, stopped by a Welland Habitat for Humanity build site on Afton Avenue Thursday to announce the funding for two Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board (NPAAMB) projects, which are aimed at providing skills and job training to Indigenous youth.