Indigenous Women Breaking Barriers and Building Futures in Canadian Trades Sectors

As a young woman considering my future, and what career path to pursue, I knew I wanted to do something active, a hands-on profession where I could learn an in-demand skill, in a field that would allow me to earn a solid income, in a role that did not require sitting at a computer most days.

The thought of working in the electrical field excited me instantly. As an Indigenous woman, it was not that simple. Considering work in a trades sector that, like most, is dominated by men, I was somewhat intimidated.

I knew that my dream was worth it.

I was determined to work incredibly hard, proving that I could succeed in this exciting skilled trades field, even if this meant facing challenges, such as bias, along the way. I was dedicated to overcoming any barriers on the path to being a Red Seal certified electrician.

As a Burnaby, BC resident, I was fortunate to discover a Metro Vancouver nonprofit organization with a focus on supporting urban Indigenous peoples with training, education, and employment services- ACCESS– Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society.

The ACCESS four-year electrical training program includes classroom academics and practical training, in partnership with the Electrical Joint Training Committee.

ACCESS provided me with financial support, allowing me to focus on my studies, although it’s their training cohort model where I feel incredibly supported as an Indigenous woman learning to lead in the electrical field. This model ensures that I am studying, training, and apprenticing with the same group of Indigenous peers throughout the program. This quickly became a consistent support I relied on as we encouraged one another, often relating to each other’s experiences. We are like family.

This summer, Canadian Indigenous trades advocacy group Trade Winds to Success launched See the Skill. Not Bias- an anti-bias campaign addressing the reality of what Indigenous peoples have been experiencing while working in the trades.

I was aware that I must be prepared for certain male electricians who feel women are not strong enough, or capable of succeeding in the industry. I knew that being Indigenous meant that there would be some jobsites where Indigenous workers feel under extra scrutiny, and that data shows that advancement opportunities often go to non-Indigenous workers.

I was not discouraged.

The cultural foundation that ACCESS incorporates into their programming, helped me to enhance my personal sense of pride as an Indigenous woman from the Sechelt Nation. Exposed minimally to my Indigenous culture while growing up I value the cultural foundation of the program, which includes elements such as Indigenous Elders coming to speak with us, teaching us about our beautiful culture, and encouraging us to take pride in who we are.

Recently, ACCESS partnered with SCWIST– Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology, bringing Indigenous women in the trades together for a Gathering Circle. Here, I gathered with strong Indigenous women who came together to share their stories, speaking openly about barriers they have faced in the trades, while sharing solutions to make the sector more inclusive for Indigenous women.

This was inspiring.

These tradeswomen are thriving in their careers and creating pathways for the next generation. Their voices, leadership, and resilience are helping shape a more inclusive future in the skilled trades.

It’s wonderful to see that Statistics Canada found that when Indigenous peoples entered the trades, they were more likely than non-Indigenous counterparts to pursue higher-paying Red Seal trades.

The Canadian construction and skilled trades sectors are facing a growing shortage of skilled workers. As women like me and my talented peers push ahead, we are helping to address an industry demand, while building a path for other Indigenous women to follow- a path to financial independence and long-term career stability.

My goal is to work in high voltage industrial electricity. I am confident that I will meet this goal.

Until then, I am determined to learn as much as possible, pick myself up when I fall, while improving daily.

I am dedicated to showing my peers and industry leaders how capable and dedicated I am, how hard I work, and the fantastic electrical industry leader I am confident I will become.

I am an Indigenous woman, and I will overcome any barrier along my path to becoming a skilled electrician.

MORE LIKE THIS