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News & Stories from Trade Winds

women in trades blog image on Indigenous women break barriers in the trades, fill critical gaps as Alberta seeks thousands of construction workers to meet growing demand
March 6, 2025

Indigenous women break barriers in the trades, fill critical gaps as Alberta seeks thousands of construction workers to meet growing demand

Spotlight on Indigenous women shaping the future of trades during Women in Construction Week (March 6, 2025, Edmonton, AB) As Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day shine a spotlight on the contributions of women in male-dominated industries, Trade Winds to Success is proud […]

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ramona blog image on Ramona Soosay: Building a Legacy in the Trades
Steamfitter & Pipefitter
March 5, 2025

Ramona Soosay: Building a Legacy in the Trades
Steamfitter & Pipefitter

Ramona Soosay is the second child of five born to Sylvia Arcand and the late Corporal Ray Arcand in Edmonton, Alberta. A proud Cree woman raised on Alexander First Nation in Treaty Six Territory, Ramona has always carried the strength of her heritage with her. “Being […]

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tiffany image on Tiffany Wapass - Apprentice Welder
March 4, 2025

Tiffany Wapass – Apprentice Welder

I am Tiffany Wapass from Thunderchild First Nations, I am an independent millennial mother of two. I always knew about Trade Winds; in 2014 I came to an info session but didn’t pursue it at that time, because I knew I wasn’t ready for the […]

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shinea image on Shinea Small - Carpentry Apprentice
March 4, 2025

Shinea Small – Carpentry Apprentice

My name is Shinea Small, and I am Indigenous from Ermineskin Cree Nation within Maskwacis on Treaty Six Territory. I am a mother to a five-year-old boy. I practice traditional ways of life and incorporate the beliefs and values in our everyday lives. Including tanning […]

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shaniya image on Shaniya Twin - 2024 Residential Construction graduate
March 4, 2025

Shaniya Twin – 2024 Residential Construction graduate

I am from originally from Swan River Nation, but as a young teenager my mom switched my band to Samson Cree Nation. As a child I was always athletic and played basketball, volleyball, badminton, and others as the years went by. I had a good […]

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image on Roxy Mitchell - Electrical Apprentice
March 4, 2025

Roxy Mitchell – Electrical Apprentice

When I had realized I was starting to go through the path of drinking everyday, suffering from depression and anxiety, that’s when I was at a crossroads in my life. When a family member who had recently finished the Trade Winds carpentry program, I had […]

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lisa image on Lisa Fitzsimmons - Steamfitter Apprentice
March 4, 2025

Lisa Fitzsimmons – Steamfitter Apprentice

My name is Lisa Fitzsimmons and I am Métis of the Métis Nation of Alberta. I found out about Trade Winds from Rupersland Institute when I was inquiring about what programs where available to get me employed. I was really excited and motivated to enroll […]

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aggie image on Agathe-Mae Steinhauer
March 4, 2025

Agathe-Mae Steinhauer

Tansi, my name is Agathe-Mae Steinhauer. I am from Saddle Lake Cree Nation Alberta and have a daughter whom I raise on my own. I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, and I didn’t really have the best upbringing due to the fact that both of […]

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ladaria image on Ladaria Scott - 2024 Welder Apprentice Graduate
March 4, 2025

Ladaria Scott – 2024 Welder Apprentice Graduate

My name is Ladaria Scott, from the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation in Saskatchewan under the Treaty Four territory. I am 27 years old and became independent at a young age who bounced between Saskatchewan and Alberta as I grew. I now live in Edmonton, Alberta working […]

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melissa image on Melissa McDonald - Apprentice Electrician
March 4, 2025

Melissa McDonald – Apprentice Electrician

I am North Slave Dene, born and raised in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. I moved to Edmonton in September 2018 to try and build a different life. I wasn’t happy with the one I had in Inuvik. Unfortunately, I gave into my past trauma and became […]

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