b'WOMEN IN TRADESI n d i g e n o u s w o m e n e m b r a c e t r a i n i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s i n s k i l l e d t r a d e s a s a p a t h w a y Indigenous women graduates of an all-woman heavyt o s e c u r e , w e l l - p a y i n g j o b s machinery training course ini n c o n s t r u c t i o nLittle Red River Cree NationFILLING THE LABOUR GAP By Ashley AlbertA cross the country, IndigenousIndigenous women joining the program,employment opportunities, however we womenaretakingthewhich provides students with hands-onare in a time [where] we can provide opportunity to attend trainingequipment training and technical knowl- more awareness and advocacy to change and apprenticeship programs,edge to prepare for entry-level employ- this, shares Akhtari. IHE does its best to giving them the necessaryment as heavy equipment officers.provide an environment where all feel skills for meaningful employment. Theywelcome and receive an education and are proving they are ready and eagerSome women are looking for equalencouragement to pursue their careers. to learn a skilled tradeeven tradesopportunities to pursue careers that involving heavy machinery which haveprovide financial stability and job secu- Heavy equipment operators are employed traditionally been male-dominated.rity for themselves and their families.in a variety of sectors, such as construc-Halima Akhtari is the business devel- Others are seeking to break downtion, forestry, mining and road building. opment coordinator for the Interiorage-old stereotypes and barriers in theIndigenous women who choose to pursue Heavy Equipment Operator School (IHE)trades. All have the opportunity to buildcareers as heavy equipment officers located on the traditional, ancestral andsuccessful careers in construction oncegain access to stable, well-paying jobs unceded territory of the Sylix Okanagan,their training is completed. It has takenoften in or near Indigenous communi-Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 peoples in B.C.a long time due to barriers or discrim- ties which in turn supports the economic Akhtari says she has seen a steep rise inination in accessing education anddevelopment of their communities. 26A CCAB PUBLICATION2023'