Start Here »
Building Potential

News & Stories from Trade Winds

Lonnie Machatis image on The Power of Collaboration: Lonnie Machatis’ Journey to Becoming an Electrician Lead Hand
October 29, 2024

The Power of Collaboration: Lonnie Machatis’ Journey to Becoming an Electrician Lead Hand

In 2019, Lonnie Machatis, a member of Cold Lake First Nation, found himself at a crossroads. After spending years working in the oil fields as a Rig Technician, he felt the pull to shift gears and pursue a new career path. His sights were set […]

KEEP READING »
dante circle image on Meet Dante Houle, Trade Winds Graduate
October 2, 2024

Meet Dante Houle, Trade Winds Graduate

“I discovered a goal to reach for, with a sparkle in my eyes.” Dante Houle grew up in Wabasca, Alberta, a small reservation town where everyone knew who you were. He says he was never a great student, especially when it came to math. After […]

KEEP READING »
2010 Trade Winds Class image on The Story of Trade Winds to Success: Building Lives, Careers, and Alberta’s Economy
September 20, 2024

The Story of Trade Winds to Success: Building Lives, Careers, and Alberta’s Economy

The journey of Trade Winds to Success is a story of vision, resilience, and impact. It began in the late 1990s as a series of discussions to address Alberta’s need for skilled tradespeople while creating opportunities for Indigenous communities. These conversations took root, growing into […]

KEEP READING »
justin h bio image on Meet Justin Halcrow, Trades Winds Graduate
September 5, 2024

Meet Justin Halcrow, Trades Winds Graduate

“The best decision I ever made.” Justin Halcrow grew up in gang violence, where things were very dark for him at a young age. After serving time in the Drumheller Penitentiary, Justin knew it was time for a change. “I was sick of trying to […]

KEEP READING »
Lance heart image on Honouring a Legacy: Trade Winds to Success Unveils Eco-Smart Small Home with Cree Artist Lance Cardinal
July 1, 2024

Honouring a Legacy: Trade Winds to Success Unveils Eco-Smart Small Home with Cree Artist Lance Cardinal

On a day steeped in significance—National Indigenous Peoples Day—Trade Winds to Success unveiled a remarkable project that speaks volumes about the power of community, culture, and education. This project, an eco-smart small home, was more than just a building; it stood as a symbol of […]

KEEP READING »
Screen Shot 2024 10 30 at 11.31.10 PM image on To fill a need for workers, the face of the skilled trades is changing
March 1, 2024

To fill a need for workers, the face of the skilled trades is changing

A SIMPLE BROCHURE changed the whole course of Andrea Osborne’s life. She was visiting the band office at her boyfriend’s reserve to apply for welfare when she spotted a pamphlet from Trade Winds to Success, a not-for-profit that connects Indigenous people in Alberta to training opportunities […]

KEEP READING »