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News & Stories from Trade Winds

Honourable Steven MacKinnon
February 19, 2025

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon Announces $5 Million Funding Agreement to Support Indigenous People Pursuing Careers in Red Seal Trades

January 29, 2025 Edmonton, AB A momentous step forward was taken in the advancement of the Indigenous workforce as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Steven MacKinnon, officially announced an investment of $5 million over five years for Trade Winds to Success’ Residential Construction […]

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0001 scaled 1 image on Honouring Indigenous Excellence in the Trades: 2024 Somerville Awards
January 15, 2025

Honouring Indigenous Excellence in the Trades: 2024 Somerville Awards

Somerville’s Commitment to Career Development for Indigenous Apprentices Since 2020, Robert B. Somerville established the Somerville Indigenous Trades Apprentice Award in partnership with Trade Winds to Success to demonstrate their dedication to improving the ability of Indigenous employment candidates to pursue a meaningful and sustainable […]

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20241206 124813 2 image on Alberta Government Announces $1.5 Million Funding Agreement to Support Trade Winds to Success in Increasing Indigenous Participation in the Trades 
December 12, 2024

Alberta Government Announces $1.5 Million Funding Agreement to Support Trade Winds to Success in Increasing Indigenous Participation in the Trades 

Edmonton, Alberta – December 6, 2024  The continued success of Trade Winds to Success is driven by partnerships that result in a comprehensive training and support system for its students. On December 6th, the Government of Alberta announced their pivotal partnership with Trade Winds through […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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