Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Skilled Trades & Technologies!
Connecting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth with mentors, culture, and career opportunities.
Through our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Initiatives, we do our best to ensure that our programs are led by and inclusive of Indigenous peoples. As we connect youth to Indigenous community members, we develop and deliver programs with this as our top priority. Skills Ontario is dedicated to respecting Indigenous culture; we try to employ FNMI peoples in positions relating to FNMI youth where possible and consult with local First Nations communities when we run events in their area, seeking mentors, elders, and youth to participate.
Our Impact
Thank you to our FNMI Program Sponsors:
This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Indigenous Role Model Campaign
Hear the stories of Indigenous skilled tradespeople and their journeys into their careers. Skills Ontario First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives aim to increase the awareness of Indigenous youth in the rewarding career opportunities that exist in the skilled trades and technologies. A classroom flyer in English and Ojibway is also available for download.
French classroom flyers are also available on the French section of our website. Please click on the ‘Français’ button in the upper right corner of this webpage to access the French section of our website.
| DAN WHITE | Ojibway Flyer | English Flyer | Video |
| DEVIN BOOMHOUR | Ojibway Flyer | English Flyer | Video |
| HOLLY FOSTER | Ojibway Flyer | English Flyer | Video |
| KAELLA EARLE | Ojibway Flyer | English Flyer | Video |
| KRISTY CORBIERE | Ojibway Flyer | English Flyer | Video |
| RJ DEGAGNE | Ojibway Flyer | English Flyer | Video |
| NICHOLAS MANNING | Ojibway Flyer | English Flyer | Video |
| AJ MORNINGSTAR | Ojibway Flyer | English Flyer | Video |
| KURTIS BOLDUC | Ojibway Flyer | English Flyer | Video |
FNMI Student Conference
Since 2016, Skills Ontario has hosted a conference for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) youth at the Skills Ontario Competition. This event highlights the successes of Indigenous people working in the skilled trades and technologies and inspires youth to explore the hundreds of career options in these sectors.
The 2026 FNMI Student Conference will be held May 5 from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM in person in the North Building of the Toronto Congress Centre, and there is an option for youth to attend the event virtually.
Skip below for virtual option!
FNMI Student Conference Schedule
REGISTRATION- 10:30 AM (EST)
BOOTH EXPLORATION- 10:45 – 11:45 AM EST:
Youth will be encouraged to visit the interactive exhibitor booths hosted by Indigenous organizations, skilled tradespersons/apprentices, partners of Skills Ontario, Colleges, organizations and other skilled trade and technology related industries. The booths provide students an opportunity for networking and trying their hand at a variety of hands-on activities.
FORMAL PROGRAMMING- 12:00- 1:00 PM EST
- An inspirational keynote message
- A Speaker Panel of Indigenous Skilled Trade or Technology Professionals
- Interactive exhibitor booths hosted by Indigenous organizations, skilled tradespersons/apprentices, partners of Skills Ontario, Colleges, Organizations and other skilled trade and technology related industries. The booths provide students an opportunity for networking and trying their hand at a variety of hands-on activities.
LUNCH: 1:00 PM EST
Registration Opens: Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 at 10:00 AM (EST)
Register early as this event fills up quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration fee is $20 per person (for both students and educators). If cost is a barrier, please contact MaKayla at massiniwai@skillsontario.com.
Important registration notes:
- Skills Ontario will invoice you after the event for the total number of reserved spaces, unless canceled by April 7, 2026.
- You can make registration changes by contacting MaKayla (massiniwai@skillsontario.com) until April 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM. After that, registrations are final. To cancel all spaces, notify MaKayla by April 7; cancellations after this date will incur a charge. Substitutions are allowed.
- If the event is full, you can join the waitlist by contacting acuglietta@skillsontario.com.
VIRTUAL FIRST NATION, MÉTIS, and INUIT STUDENT CONFERENCE
Tune in live on Tuesday, May 7th, from 10:45 – 11:45 AM EST. Attend the conference remotely to hear from Indigenous Skilled Trade or Technology professionals. For the first 500 people that register- you will receive a complimentary kit and kit build video to complete after the formal programming.
There is NO registration fee to attend virtually.
Virtual Registration Opens: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 9:30am
Skilled Trade & Tech Summit
In partnership with The North Shore Tribal Council, Skills Ontario is offering a student summit. This summit is open all students in Grades 7-12, but the focus will be to highlight Indigenous success and support. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore trade and tech booths featuring hands-on activities, hear from Indigenous skilled trade professionals, and enjoy a meal. This is a great opportunity to network, gain insights, and learn about the many viable career paths in skilled trades and technologies.
Learn more by checking out the following resources!
Skilled Trades and Technology Days
Experience the power of community and career exploration with Skills Ontario Trades and Tech Days!
These immersive events offer an exciting opportunity for youth who identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuit (FNMI), and non-Status to connect and hear from mentors already succeeding in the skilled trades and technologies.
Alongside powerful mentoring, students receive dynamic presentations and interactive workshops, giving them a firsthand look at the skills and knowledge behind skilled trades and tech jobs. Over 90% of attendees say they’re more interested in pursuing these careers after attending, and educators are enthusiastic about the program’s impact and need in their communities.
Discover the benefits of working in the skilled trades and technologies today! Contact MaKayla at massiniwai@skillsontario.com for more information.
| Date | Region | Target Audience | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | – | Grades 7 – 12 | Registration Link Event Package |
| TBA | – | Grades 7 – 12 | Registration Link Event Package |
| TBA | – | Grades 7 – 12 | Registration Link Event Package |
| TBA | – | Youth | Registration Link Event Package |
FNMI Career Awareness Workshops/Presentations
Opportunities in the Skilled Trades and Technologies
We’re thrilled to continue to educate and inspire youth to explore the skilled trades and technologies, and are now offering our presentations virtually on multiple platforms. Book a presentation for your classroom here.
The FNMI Initiatives program offers a hands-on, culturally relevant workshop tailored to introduce students to a wide range of careers in construction, motive power, service, industrial, and technology sectors. This interactive, multimedia session lasts 45-60 minutes and is updated annually.
Available in communities, cultural gathering places, and schools, the workshop encourages FNMI youth to explore the skilled trades and technologies, helping them discover their hands-on potential.
Participants will:
- Explore the benefits of careers in skilled trades and technologies through hands-on activities
- Take a visual tour of various trades, learning about salaries, job roles, training, and qualities needed
- Understand apprenticeship pathways and other career routes
- Learn how to build skills and gain experience
- Discover the importance of employability skills for job success
- Access resources to kick-start their career journey
Skills Ontario’s FNMI Workshops are an ideal fit for career exploration or development courses.
FNMI-focused Summer Camps
The FNMI Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Summer Camps provide participants with the opportunity to explore careers in the skilled trade and technology fields in a hands-on camp setting! Our camps allow youth throughout the province of Ontario to gain access to information on career pathways and opportunities as well as develop the skills needed to enter the workforce and for daily life.
Our summer camps are intended for participants entering Grades 7-9. Visit the Summer Camps page for more info.
By the Fire Series
In 2025, the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Initiatives, launched a new Skilled Trade and Technology Inclusivity Series, By the Fire!
Delivered virtually, the series features a spotlight presentation and a guest speaker. Our By the Fire conversations aim to bring a sense of closeness, as if our youth are talking to an auntie or uncle. These are conversations where we listen to the stories that are shared and learn more about the skilled trades and technologies!
Dates for 2026 will be announced shortly.
Meet The Team
Brittany Raymond (On Leave)
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives Program Manager
braymond@skillsontario.com
I’m Brittany, a Métis woman from Sudbury, Ontario. Before joining Skills Ontario, I was a CWB-licensed welder, though it wasn’t my first career.
After excelling academically in high school, I pursued a B.A. in Anthropology with a focus on not-for-profits, economic development, and international aid. I worked in the field for years but felt unfulfilled behind a desk. After being laid off, I spent months searching for work but had an epiphany after one interview—why return to an office? I registered for welding school, and just three days after finishing, I landed a full-time job and felt empowered like never before.
Now, as the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Program Manager for Skills Ontario, I combine my passions to inspire youth across the province. I truly believe there’s a career for everyone in the skilled trades and technology sectors. Feel free to reach out to me or anyone on the FNMI team!
Bill Couchie
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives Program Facilitator
bcouchie@skillsontario.com
My name is William Couchie, but most people call me Bill, and I am a First Nation, Metis, Inuit Program Facilitator with Skills Ontario. I started my career at Skills Ontario in the fall of 2015 and I really enjoyed what I get to do at Skills Ontario.
I am originally from Nipissing First Nation near North Bay, Ontario. I did my BA in History at Nipissing University and in 2007, I moved to London, Ontario to begin a Master program in Indigenous History at the University of Western Ontario. I graduated in with an MA in Indigenous History in 2008 and began my career search. I worked several jobs after university, but I just didn’t feel like I was accomplishing anything or felt content about my job. I applied for the FNMI Liaison position at Skills Ontario and began working in 2015. Within the first few weeks, I realized that I had found job that allowed me to be happy and accomplished.
I really enjoy educating students as well as adults about the opportunities and benefits of working in the skilled trade and technology career fields. I get to assist people with the difficult decision of making post-secondary pathway and career choices as well as just introducing them to a whole new career fields they may not have known existed. This position can be very rewarding especially when students tell me that I inspired them to investigate careers in the trades and technologies. Even if only one person tells me I had an impact on them, I feel accomplished.
Alex Graham
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives Program Facilitator
agraham@skillsontario.com
My name is Alex Graham, and I am the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives Program Facilitator with Skills Ontario. Although I have a background in the restaurant industry and hold an Accounting diploma from Confederation College, I quickly realized these fields weren’t my true calling. In my current role at Skills Ontario, I’m excited to help young people explore who they are and discover their passions before committing to a career path. I’ve developed a strong passion for introducing students to the trades—fields I wish I had known about earlier in life. With Ontario’s growing demand for skilled tradespeople, I find this work incredibly fulfilling, and I hope to make a lasting impact on the communities I serve.
