Community-led skilled trades training program improves housing in Taykwa Tagamou Nation
Northern College, Keepers of the Circle, and Taykwa Tagamou Nation have partnered to deliver a community-led skilled trades pre-employment training program that helped elders with basic renovations to their homes.
In a news release Friday, the college said the program was designed to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue an apprenticeship in carpentry.
"Over eight weeks, skilled trades experts from the Taykwa Tagamou Nation worked with carpentry students in a hands-on learning process teaching them the basics of construction and home repair," the release said.
"Students completed several infrastructure projects in the community."
Projects included erecting three patios, two stairways, a ramp, siding on the back of a home, railings, and some interior work. They also built a gazebo for the community playground.
Participants will be receiving a certificate in Basics of Construction from Northern College, plus safety-related certificates, including Working at Heights.
“Our students made an impact on the quality of life for three elders and other community members’ homes by completing projects on their homes,” Cherilyn Archibald, employment and training coordinator with the Taykwa Tagamou Nation, said in the release.
"My favourite part of this project was the teamwork when we built the decks, everyone being together and helping each other," said participant Kristina Echum Pitawanakwat.
"I would recommend for anyone who is looking for a sense of accomplishment to join a project like this one. It's an honour for me to help elders and to see their gratitude from my work."
A small graduation took place in Cochrane, celebrating the completion of the program for eight students. They were joined by Elder Mary Martha Gelinas, who led a prayer and commented on the impact this program had on the community.
"It's good to create programs that take place inside Frist Nation communities, especially when elder needs are taken into consideration,” said Gelinas.
“They are helping to improve our life quality. They built a railing for Elder Pauline. She uses a walker so mobility safety was an issue, but now she feels safe in her own home."
“The program aims to provide participants with the self-confidence and skills they need to achieve new goals and opportunities in the construction industry,” said Dr. Audrey J. Penner, Northern College president and CEO.
"Northern College values its relationships with Indigenous communities, partnerships like this one represent a significant step forward in making sure that we create a workforce that serves those in the greatest of need."
Kathy Lajeunesse, partner liaison with Keepers of the Circle who supported students through the Culture, Confidence and Competence component concurred, saying, “The partnership with the communities and Northern College brings skilled trades training to rural and remote areas of northern Ontario.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.