Friday, May 5, 2023

Why Names Matter

In the world of apprenticeship, using the correct terminology can help—or hurt—our understanding, and learning about the history of some common phrases can shed light on what we need to do to improve access for all

By Vinette Kooger, CLAC Training Alberta Project Coordinator

Apprenticeship sponsorship versus indenturing: why does it matter which word we use? Isn’t it the same process no matter what we call it?

Renaming the process from an indentured apprenticeship to a sponsored one helps us to move further from the term’s colonial origins and create more positive context around education in the trades. So yes, it’s the same process. But words matter—and removing the word indenture is more meaningful than you might think.

The term indenturing is rooted in the history of enslaved people in the United States and Canada. Indentured servitude was a system used to secure unethical labour by exploiting marginalized communities, especially black workers, Indigenous people, and women.

Does that mean indentured servants were essentially enslaved? According to a 2019 post by The Institute of the Black World 21^st Century:

”The truth is that the only real difference between the two forms of chattel bondage (slavery and indentured servitude) is that unlike slaves, indentured servants expected to be in bondage for a set number of years, and then freed…. Most indentured servants died within the first few years of service, and only a minority ever finished their term and received their ‘freedom dues.’”

We can all work to change the reputation of careers in the trades and move away from negative terminologies and systems—the ripples of these small actions will create lasting change!

CCDC graduate Angel described his experience beginning work as a first-year welding apprentice in Canada and cited his new job title as a major part of his new boost in confidence, financial freedom, and motivation to succeed.

“I am so proud to be an apprentice in Alberta,” says Angel. “It is wonderful to see companies, employers, everyone trying to improve the experience of trades work. I am proud to share what I do and to share the opportunities with my children, with my daughter especially. I would recommend a trades career to any person. I did not always feel that way.”

Using positive verbiage like sponsorship is an easy step towards creating real, positive change for minorities and underrepresented groups in skilled trades professions, and for future generations of tradespeople.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of indentured servitude in North America, and Canada’s history of enslavement, check out this entry from The Canadian Encyclopedia.

Vinette Kooger lives and works in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Beaver Hills/Edmonton, Alberta) on Treaty 6 territory.

Why Names Matter

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