Friday, June 21, 2024

Celebrating Indigenous Women in the Skilled Trades

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and celebrate Indigenous women in the skilled trades

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and celebrate Indigenous women in the skilled trades. Meet three Indigenous women from across Canada who have made their mark in the construction world.

Carol Alexander

Carol Alexander is a heavy equipment operator, Local 151 member, and a Gitksan woman who has worked all over Canada making a good name for herself and her people:

“I got my start in the transportation industry driving tractor trailer for 20 years with a perfect professional driving record. From this, I was offered an opportunity to learn various heavy equipment. Learning how to operate different types of heavy equipment has been my passion. Over the years on this path of learning, I have encountered many like-minded women on my travels and have always encouraged and mentored them to strive in the pursuit of excellence and never stop until they have reached their goals.

"It's encouraging to see the increase in women in the trades and specifically Indigenous women--I see more and more succeeding in a traditionally male-dominated industry. It is important that all women have equal opportunities to succeed in the construction industry. I will always continue to learn, mentor, and encourage all women to strive for excellence and help fulfill their dreams. It is important for those of us that have established ourselves in a highly competitive industry to ensure these new women in the trades who desire to learn and work for a career in construction have the encouragement and support they need to succeed as I have.”

Shanika Littletent

Shanika Littletent is a member of Kawacatoose First Nation. Shanika is currently enrolled in CLAC’s Engagement to Employment Program in Saskatoon, which is an eight-week program that involves working on projects (such as building tiny homes) within her community.

“Young people in my community look up to me because I’m building a house, and I’m the only girl they know in the construction world,” she says. “Construction is such an awesome career because you can make something and then admire the work you did.”

Lauralee Munro

Lauralee Munro is a Local 151 member, journeyman structural ironworker, and Cree Métis woman from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan:

"My father’s family is from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Manitoba, and my mother’s side is from a Metis settlement by the name of Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan,” says Lauralee.

"As an Indigenous female leader in the trades, I feel like I have a big voice. I am so proud to be here. It’s been a tough journey in what’s been a male-dominated industry for quite some time. But I feel like my experiences can shed light on those minority groups that are considering joining the trades. Being an Indigenous female means setting that positive example, providing guidance and extra support along the way. It means taking up space, being a mentor and opening up the floor for everyone. I like to give that extra reassurance: I see you, I hear you, and I’m here.

"I love seeing the way the industry has been moving. There’s more allies and supports along the way to get into the trades. I am one of them! I have always been a strong-minded woman. In my culture we call those matriarchs. I am blessed to be part of a family full of them.

I’ll end this with one of my favourite inspirational quotes by Rupi Kaur:

I stand

on the sacrifices of a million women before me

thinking

what can I do to make this mountain taller

so the women after me

can see farther."

If you’re an Indigenous woman or an individual looking to start an exciting career in an in-demand field, please visit clac.ca/apprenticeship and explore all the opportunities available.

Celebrating Indigenous Women in the Skilled Trades

Carol Alexander

Shanika Littletent

Lauralee Munro

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