At Trade Winds to Success, we believe our journey is not one we walk alone. The path we tread is shaped by those who walk beside us — our funders, sponsors, employers, allies, and board members. Each plays a sacred role, helping us uplift Indigenous communities through meaningful training, employment, and cultural connection.
To honour their gifts, we turn to the teachings of our Ancestors — the Seven Grandfather Teachings — sacred laws given by the Creator to guide us in living a good life. These teachings are more than words; they are living principles that remind us how to walk in balance with all of Creation. Each partner in our circle reflects one of these teachings — and through them, we see how traditional wisdom continues to shape our modern work.
TRUTH
Our Funders
Federal and Provincial Governments
The Turtle carries the teachings of the Earth on her back — 13 moons and 28 markings, each representing cycles and natural law. In the beginning, Grandmother Turtle witnessed the Creator give the sacred laws to humanity. Our funders — both federal and provincial — walk with us in the spirit of Truth.
Their support is rooted in understanding and upholding the original intent of Trade Winds: to empower Indigenous people through culturally respectful, skills-based education. Their commitment ensures that the Truth of our purpose is not forgotten or lost — but carried forward with clarity and continuity.
COURAGE
Our Sponsors
Organizations Who Fund Us
In the wild, the Bear embodies bravery — protective, strong, and unwavering in love. Our sponsors — the employers and organizations who contribute financially to Trade Winds — embody this same courage.
They invest not only in a program but in people. It takes moral and financial bravery to step forward and say: “We believe in Indigenous potential.” Like the mother bear who defends her cubs, these partners face uncertainty with bold commitment, helping us build a future where Indigenous tradespeople thrive.
WISDOM
Our Employers
Who Hire Our Graduates
The Beaver uses its natural gifts to shape the world around it — building, adapting, and surviving through careful, thoughtful work. Our employers reflect this wisdom. They understand that success comes not just from hiring, but from honouring the gifts of each individual.
By welcoming Trade Winds graduates into their companies, they make wise choices that ripple outward — building stronger communities, healthier teams, and a future of shared prosperity. Their decisions are not just about filling jobs; they’re about fulfilling potential.
HUMILITY
Our Allies
Friends and Advocates
Wolves travel in packs, moving as one — with respect, patience, and balance. A wolf waits, shares, and considers the needs of the whole before himself. Our allies — those who advocate, speak on our behalf, invite us to events, and support us in countless unseen ways — live this spirit of humility.
They do not seek the spotlight but offer their energy selflessly. Like the Wolf, they know that community success outweighs individual recognition. Their humble support strengthens our spirit and reminds us that we are never alone.
LOVE
Our Board Representatives
High above, the Eagle flies closest to the Creator, carrying our prayers and returning with vision. True love, as taught by the Eagle, begins with knowing and valuing oneself — and extends outward to the world. Our Board Members soar with this sacred teaching.
Through their wisdom, time, and personal contributions, they guide Trade Winds with integrity, foresight, and deep care. Their leadership is not just strategic — it is spiritual. They offer us the pure medicine of love: the kind that sees beyond profit and policy and into the heart of what truly matters.
Together, We Walk in Balance
Each one of our partners reflects a sacred teaching, and together, they form a circle of support that is stronger than any single voice. They remind us that true success is measured not only in trades trained or jobs secured, but in the relationships we nurture and the teachings we carry forward.
To all who walk with Trade Winds to Success — Thank you. Mâsi cho. Marsi. Nitsíniiyi’taki.
