Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Peoples in the Trades
There are excellent opportunities for Mi’kmaw/Indigenous people in the skilled trades. Certified tradespeople are in demand in the Nova Scotia labour force. So, if you want rewarding career, now is the time for an apprenticeship program. The Agency is committed to working with Mi’kmaw communities, Indigenous organizations, and employers to prioritize the hiring of Indigenous apprentices in housing, construction and other projects in Mi’kmaw communities and surrounding areas. As well, the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee provides a forum for networking and discussion to identify employment opportunities for Mi’kmaw/Indigenous people and address barriers and gaps in trades training.
Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee (AAAC)
The work of the AAAC supports the successful participation of Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Peoples, both on and off reserve, in apprenticeship training & certification. As well, the AAAC provides a forum for networking and discussion to identify employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and address barriers and gaps in trades training.
AAAC Logo Design | As a way to identify the long-standing collaboration between Mi’kmaw communities, Indigenous organizations, and NSAA, the AAAC had a logo created to highlight al future endeavours. Drawing on the very basis of apprenticeship, Graphic Artist Cailin Gerrard from Millbrook First Nation created the logo using Mi’kmaw ideograms, or pictographs, representing “telikina’makunenu” or “They will teach us”. The logo is designed to compliment the branding of the Agency with a similar sail shaped outline. The AAAC and the Agency are excited to continue to promote the skilled trades to Mi’kmaw/Indigenous communities under this new branding.
Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee Members
| AAAC Member | Representing |
|---|---|
| Tracey Johnson, Chair | Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC) |
| Ann Sylliboy, Vice-Chair | Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) |
| Kristopher Archibald | Citizen Service & Program Delivery Branch, Service Canada |
| Valerie Bowers | Miꞌkmaw Employment Training Secretariat |
| Susan Googoo | Waycobah First Nation |
| Ryan Gould | Mi'kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO) |
| Sheila Isaac | Province of Nova Scotia, Higher Education |
| Justine Maloney | NS Native Women’s Association |
| Tracy Menge | KWILMU’KW MAW-KLUSUAQN |
| Lee Paul | Aboriginal Peoples Training & Employment Commission (APTEC) |
| Cory Rafuse | Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC) |
| Melanie Sack | Miꞌkmaw Native Friendship Centre |
| Karen Strang | Citizen Service & Program Delivery Branch, Service Canada |
| Courtney Gouthro | Skills Canada Nova Scotia |
| Michelle Bussey | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency |
| Monica Njoku | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency |
| Frank Boone | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency |
| Kate Wray (recorder) | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency |
Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee Members
| AAAC Member | Representing |
|---|---|
| Tracey Johnson, Chair | Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC) |
| Ann Sylliboy, Vice-Chair | Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) |
| Kristopher Archibald | Citizen Service & Program Delivery Branch, Service Canada |
| Valerie Bowers | Miꞌkmaw Employment Training Secretariat |
| Susan Googoo | Waycobah First Nation |
| Ryan Gould | Mi'kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO) |
| Sheila Isaac | Province of Nova Scotia, Higher Education |
| Justine Maloney | NS Native Women’s Association |
| Tracy Menge | KWILMU’KW MAW-KLUSUAQN |
| Lee Paul | Aboriginal Peoples Training & Employment Commission (APTEC) |
| Cory Rafuse | Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC) |
| Melanie Sack | Miꞌkmaw Native Friendship Centre |
| Karen Strang | Citizen Service & Program Delivery Branch, Service Canada |
| Courtney Gouthro | Skills Canada Nova Scotia |
| Michelle Bussey | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency |
| Monica Njoku | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency |
| Frank Boone | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency |
| Kate Wray (recorder) | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency |
Advancing Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Apprenticeship Events
The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee plans an annual conference for frontline workers to support their knowledge of and engagement with the apprenticeship system. Native Employment Officers, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey School Advisors, NSCC Student Advisors, Indigenous Organizations, Pathway Consultants from the Department of Education and Apprenticeship staff among others come together to participate in workshops and activities and listen to guest speakers, panellists, and workshop facilitators. The AAAC also hosts sessions to support communities and organizations to maximize the potential of Joint Registration Agreements and to facilitate employer and industry engagement.
Partner Links
- Aboriginal Connections in Trades and Apprenticeship
- Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC)
- Mi'kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO)
- Miꞌkmaw Employment Training Secretariat (METS)
- Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK)
- Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre
- Native Council of Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association
Kiskajein Success Stories
The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee created the following posters that feature successful certified tradespersons.
Success Story
Eldon Gould, Red Seal Plumber
Eldon Gould discusses the apprenticeship pathway.
Success Story
Austin Christmas, Red Seal Plumber and Welder
Austin Christmas discusses the apprenticeship pathway.
Success Story
Jason Dorey, Red Seal Cook
Jason Dorey discusses the apprenticeship pathway.