b'WOMEN IN TRADESIn a region without plentiful public transit options, women were often putting them-selves at risk by hitchhiking. And the closest place to acquire a licence was in Terrace or Smithersa seven-hour drive away. So TNDC started by offering training for the Class 7 learners licence. When they have their Class 7, we put them into the program, and then we give them the tools they need to become confident drivers, Cashin says. The complete training path is a three-year process, with graduates gaining the knowledge needed to be able to operateParticipants in the Tahltan Nation program who are trained to become heavy equipment operatorsdifferent pieces of equipment each year. In the first year, trainees learn how to use a rock truck and a packer. In year two, they progress to loaders and bulldozers, and in the third year they become proficient with excavators. The industrial equipment dealer Finning Canada donated three training simulators that allow trainees to practise their skills safely before venturing out onto a worksite.Another cornerstone of the Tahltan HEO Training Program is the mentorship compo-nent, which works with current Tahltan HEOs who are interested in continuing to grow their own skills while also giving back and supporting new operators. Through our mentor team, we were able to take our operators who have years of experience and make them certified mentors so we can provide one-on-one training on-site, Cashin says. To date, weve trained over 40 men and women who range from their 20s to 60s. Not only did they get the training to develop their skills further, but the sense of pride to be able to share knowledge and give back to their own community.Along with bringing more Indigenous women into construction, says Cashin, the program is committed to empowering the Tahltan community through sustainable development, education, employment opportunities and cultural integration. Its about keeping the integrity of the culture alive, she says, and preserving the culture of the Tahltan people. We want this to be sustainable for generations to come.Like many graduates of the program, Green looks forward to putting her training to practice on a future jobsite. For others in her community seeking toA PROUD MEMBER OFexpand their skills, she strongly recom-mends they consider the Tahltan program: Take the course. Only you can stop you from doing anything. If the interest is there, why not seek it out?Indigenous BUSINESS REPORT45'