Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Peoples in the Trades

There are excellent opportunities for Mi’kmaw/Indigenous people in the skilled trades. Certified tradespeople are in demand in the Nova Scotia labour force. So, if you want rewarding career, now is the time for an apprenticeship program. The Agency is committed to working with Mi’kmaw communities, Indigenous organizations, and employers to prioritize the hiring of Indigenous apprentices in housing, construction and other projects in Mi’kmaw communities and surrounding areas. As well, the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee provides a forum for networking and discussion to identify employment opportunities for Mi’kmaw/Indigenous people and address barriers and gaps in trades training.

 

Cailin Gerrard and AAAC logo

Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee (AAAC)

The work of the AAAC supports the successful participation of Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Peoples, both on and off reserve, in apprenticeship training & certification. As well, the AAAC provides a forum for networking and discussion to identify employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and address barriers and gaps in trades training.

AAAC Logo Design | As a way to identify the long-standing collaboration between Mi’kmaw communities, Indigenous organizations, and NSAA, the AAAC had a logo created to highlight al future endeavours. Drawing on the very basis of apprenticeship, Graphic Artist Cailin Gerrard from Millbrook First Nation created the logo using Mi’kmaw ideograms, or pictographs, representing “telikina’makunenu” or “They will teach us”. The logo is designed to compliment the branding of the Agency with a similar sail shaped outline. The AAAC and the Agency are excited to continue to promote the skilled trades to Mi’kmaw/Indigenous communities under this new branding.

AAAC Members and Info

Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee Members

AAAC Member Representing
Tracey Johnson, Chair Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC)
Ann Sylliboy, Vice-Chair Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK)
Kristopher Archibald Citizen Service & Program Delivery Branch, Service Canada
Valerie Bowers Miꞌkmaw Employment Training Secretariat
Susan Googoo Waycobah First Nation
Ryan Gould Mi'kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO)
Sheila Isaac Province of Nova Scotia, Higher Education
Justine Maloney NS Native Women’s Association
Tracy Menge KWILMU’KW MAW-KLUSUAQN
Lee Paul Aboriginal Peoples Training & Employment Commission (APTEC)
Cory Rafuse Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC)
Melanie Sack Miꞌkmaw Native Friendship Centre
Karen Strang Citizen Service & Program Delivery Branch, Service Canada
Courtney Gouthro Skills Canada Nova Scotia
Dale Crawford Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Marjorie Davison Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Jude Gerrard Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Donna MacGillivray Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Kate Wray (recorder) Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee Members

AAAC Member Representing
Tracey Johnson, Chair Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC)
Ann Sylliboy, Vice-Chair Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK)
Kristopher Archibald Citizen Service & Program Delivery Branch, Service Canada
Valerie Bowers Miꞌkmaw Employment Training Secretariat
Susan Googoo Waycobah First Nation
Ryan Gould Mi'kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO)
Sheila Isaac Province of Nova Scotia, Higher Education
Justine Maloney NS Native Women’s Association
Tracy Menge KWILMU’KW MAW-KLUSUAQN
Lee Paul Aboriginal Peoples Training & Employment Commission (APTEC)
Cory Rafuse Aboriginal Peoples Training and Employment Commission (APTEC)
Melanie Sack Miꞌkmaw Native Friendship Centre
Karen Strang Citizen Service & Program Delivery Branch, Service Canada
Courtney Gouthro Skills Canada Nova Scotia
Dale Crawford Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Marjorie Davison Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Jude Gerrard Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Donna MacGillivray Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Kate Wray (recorder) Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Advancing Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Apprenticeship Events

The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee plans an annual conference for frontline workers to support their knowledge of and engagement with the apprenticeship system. Native Employment Officers, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey School Advisors, NSCC Student Advisors, Indigenous Organizations, Pathway Consultants from the Department of Education and Apprenticeship staff among others come together to participate in workshops and activities and listen to guest speakers, panellists, and workshop facilitators. The AAAC also hosts sessions to support communities and organizations to maximize the potential of Joint Registration Agreements and to facilitate employer and industry engagement.

Partner Links

Kiskajein Success Stories

The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Advisory Committee created the following posters that feature successful certified tradespersons. 

Success Story

Eldon Gould, Red Seal Plumber

Eldon Gould discusses the apprenticeship pathway.

Success Story

Austin Christmas, Red Seal Plumber and Welder

Austin Christmas discusses the apprenticeship pathway.

Success Story

Jason Dorey, Red Seal Cook

Jason Dorey discusses the apprenticeship pathway.