20 Years - Trade Winds to Success

This year marks two decades of Trade Winds to Success — 20 years of learning, mentorship, and community building. We invite you to celebrate with us as we honour the students, staff, and partners who made it all possible.

Celebrating the people who built the Trade Winds story

Every program, every tool lifted, every milestone reached—it all begins with the people who have walked through the doors of Trade Winds to Success.

Over the past 20 years, thousands of Indigenous learners have transformed their lives through trades training, mentorship, and community. Their stories are the foundation of who we are and why we exist.

From our classrooms to job sites, construction yards, and communities across Alberta, Trade Winds graduates are building more than structures—they’re building belonging, confidence, and brighter futures for generations to come.

“The best decision I ever made in my life was following through with this program. Trade Winds has done a lot for me. A lot of people told me I couldn’t make it. But once you kick that door open … that’s the biggest thing that’s going to make you feel better about yourself.”

— Justin Halcrow, Industrial Mechanic Graduate

“Trade Winds gave me the tools to build a future I never thought possible.”

— Lonnie Machatis, Electrician Graduate

“As an artist and carpenter, I’m creating spaces that honour where I come from.”

— Keyanna Soosay, Finishing Carpentry Graduate & Designer of the one bedroom show home

Their journeys—filled with persistence, skill, and pride—are the truest measure of Trade Winds’ success.

I remember watching one of our students standing proudly in front of the eco-smart home they helped build at our Edmonton shop. When they talked about bringing those skills back to their community to help repair homes for Elders, I saw firsthand how Trade Winds changes lives—not just for our students, but for their families, their communities, and future generations.

Moments like that define what Trade Winds stands for: opportunity, inclusion, and the power of community-driven education. Every graduate carries the spirit of this place with them. They remind me that when you invest in people—when you believe in them—they can build extraordinary things.

Over the past few years, I’ve watched our team rise to every challenge—bringing training into communities across Alberta, supporting women entering the trades, and helping students rediscover their confidence and sense of purpose. I couldn’t be prouder of the instructors, staff, and partners who make it all happen.

As we celebrate 20 years, my vision for Trade Winds is simple: to honour our past while continuing to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous learners to build strong futures. Because when our students succeed, our communities grow stronger—and that’s what Trade Winds is all about.

- Shannon McCarthy, Executive Director

“When you invest in people—when you believe in them—they can build extraordinary things.”

— Shannon McCarthy, Executive Director, Trade Winds to Success

1999–2008

From Vision to Reality

Trade Winds began as an idea to create pathways for Indigenous people into the skilled trades. By 2005, it became a not-for-profit society, and within a few years, hundreds of students had completed training in carpentry, welding, plumbing, and more—setting a new standard for Indigenous trades education in Alberta.

2008–2018

Expanding Skills and Impact

With training extended to 10 trades, Trade Winds introduced the Outreach Residential Construction Stream, bringing hands-on training to communities such as Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, and Saddle Lake Cree Nation. Students gained both skills and pride as they built homes for their own communities—each project a testament to learning, culture, and collaboration.

2019–2022

Innovation and Resilience

When the pandemic disrupted in-person training, Trade Winds adapted. We relocated to a facility with a shop, launched our Residential Construction Program that builds eco-smart small homes , and developed new net-zero construction training.

Our first all-women’s cohort in John D’Or Prairie proved unstoppable—overcoming challenges to complete their program with teamwork and determination.

2023–2025

Renewal and Revitalization

When our Calgary office closed in 2023, it became the start of something new. Our redesigned Outreach Program brought a 15-week Residential Construction Program directly into communities across Alberta—from Lethbridge to Grande Prairie, Tsuut’ina Nation to Siksika Nation, and several Métis Settlements.

Each eco-smart home built in partnership with communities such as Bigstone Cree Nation, Whitefish Lake First Nation, Little Red River Cree Nation, and Gift Lake Métis Settlement became a symbol of renewal and shared success.

In 2024, Trade Winds launched its first all-women’s Finishing Carpentry Program, partnered with artist Lance Cardinal to design the Mary Collins Kokum House in memory of a beloved staff member, and secured over $7 million in funding to strengthen our programs and reach.

“As an Indigenous woman in the trades, I know I am sometimes overlooked, but there are people who recognize what I bring to the table. That support and recognition push me to keep going.” — Roxy Mitchell, Electrical Apprentice

2025 and Beyond

Honouring Legacy, Building the Future

In 2025, Trade Winds celebrated two major milestones: achieving official charitable status and earning an Emerald Award for Infrastructure for our High-Efficiency / Eco-Smart Homes for Indigenous Communities initiative, recognized by the Alberta Emerald Foundation.

This year, we also celebrate creativity and culture through alumna Keyanna Soosay, who designed our new one-bedroom show home. Her design blends Indigenous artistry with modern craftsmanship—a reflection of how Trade Winds continues to grow, evolve, and honour its roots.

Dave McGuinness

Lead Carpentry Instructor

“As an instructor for the carpentry trade, I have been able to witness what the new skill set creates for the student. The unknown and fear of tools is decreased as a safe and comfortable place allows them to gain confidence. Our shop is more hands on with less book theory which keeps the hands and mind connected. Each project instills pride of workmanship and success. Being exposed to team effort include communication with guiding each other to the best outcome.

The houses that we assemble use current technology for heat, energy, resiliency, and fire safety that helps them see the future of our housing needs. Their pride of being part of someone’s future comfort in their community is shown at graduation as they show off their work to family and friends.

The exposure to the trades here helps them pick their path and gain experience that employers see is a career choice. This is a start of a good relationship.

I feel good learning new knowledge and passing on my old knowledge to our next generation.”

Charlene Hansen

Student Support Advisor

“One of my most cherished memories at Trade Winds is the time I had the privilege of assisting the women from the RCP class in crafting their Ribbon Skirts for their graduation ceremony. The experience was incredibly rewarding, as the ladies were eager to embrace the cultural teachings that accompanied the creation of their skirts.

It was heartwarming to witness their enthusiasm and the connections we formed during this creative process. As we worked together, laughter and stories filled the air, creating a sense of community and shared purpose. When graduation day arrived, the joy on their faces was unmistakable; each woman radiated pride as she donned her beautifully crafted cultural attire. It was a moment of celebration, not just of their achievements, but also of the rich heritage we were honoring together.”

Awards and Recognition

Over the past two decades, Trade Winds to Success has been recognized for leadership in sustainable construction, Indigenous training, and community impact.

Emerald Award for Infrastructure 2025

Trade Winds to Success received the 34th Annual Emerald Award for Infrastructure from the Alberta Emerald Foundation for its High-Efficiency / Eco-Smart Homes for Indigenous Communities initiative. This award honours organizations that improve the environmental design of local infrastructure and lead the way in sustainability across Alberta.

“This 2025 Emerald Award recipient is building more than homes. They’re building opportunity, resilience, and sustainable futures.”

20 Years of
Building Futures

Celebrating the people who built the Trade Winds story

Four alumni. Four powerful journeys.