On November 22, 2025, Trade Winds to Success Training Society celebrated two decades of transforming lives through skilled trades training for Indigenous students. What began as a simple but powerful idea has grown into a province-wide initiative that has supported more than 3,000 Indigenous students in launching careers across more than a dozen construction and commercial trades.
The Gala marked an incredible milestone and honoured all those who have shaped Trade Winds into what it is today—our students and alumni, as well as the employers, unions, and partners who believed in our vision from the very beginning.
“From our roots in Edmonton and Calgary, we’ve expanded to reach communities from Saddle Lake to Siksika, Grande Prairie to Lethbridge, and everywhere in between. Along the way, we’ve built more than training—we’ve built homes, hope, and a sense of belonging.”
Shannon McCarthy
Executive Director of Trade Winds to Success Training Society
To guide guests through the evening, we were honoured to have long-time Trade Winds supporter Lance Cardinal as our emcee. The program featured rich cultural performances, including prayers and stories from Elders, fiddle music by Colten Bear accompanied by guitarist Laura Wallbank, and the Abraham Lake drumming group representing both Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 territories.
As the night continued, guests were treated to special performances from the elegant Inuit throat singers Jana Angulalik and Brittney Porter; Cikwes, a brilliant soul singer and drummer from Bigstone Cree Nation who was a recent JUNO-nominee, classical vocalist Mary Stinchcombe; and internationally acclaimed hoop dancer Dallas Arcand Jr.
Throughout the evening, stories were shared celebrating the remarkable achievements of Trade Winds alumni stories of determination, resilience, and success that highlighted the profound impact of the program. These testimonials served as powerful reminders of the difference that mentorship, opportunity, and community support can make in shaping futures.
For Trade Winds, this was a night to remind students, staff, alumni, employers, unions, and partners how important they are in our mission to build a legacy that will be felt for generations to come.
A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, whose support made this unforgettable evening possible:
TC Energy – Presenting Sponsor
UA Local 488 – Catering Sponsor
Building Trades of Alberta – Emcee and Special Entertainment Sponsor
UBC Millwright Local 1460 – Cultural Entertainment Sponsor
Chemco – Name Badge Sponsor
Dow – Mocktail Sponsor
