Indigenous Voices
Emily Ottertail – Lac La Croix First Nation
As of 2021, Emily has spent four summers at the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP). In 2021, she was a Crew Leader in Training at the Mink Lake camp. She says she learns more every year. She is proud to represent her community and encourages other youth to apply to OYEP because it will positively impact them and their communities. Emily enjoyed getting away from busy city life and spending time in beautiful Northwestern Ontario during her Green Job experience in 2021. She also liked meeting new people who share the same interests as her in between tree planting and bush work. It was her fourth year working with the Outland Youth Employment Program, and she said some of her favourite memories are working in her Green Job. In 2021, she had gone to Confederation College for early childhood education and courses in Indigenous studies. In 2022, she planned to go to Lakehead University to study psychology, but she’s unsure what her future career will be. Her advice for youth is to not be afraid to try something new. “You’ll never know if you like something if you never try it. Just go for it—you won’t regret the experience you gain,” she said. | MORE VOICES
Sarah Dixon – Esk’etemc First NationSarah Dixon Esk’etemc First Nation Participant, Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) Sarah said that her time at OYEP in 2019 changed her life—it helped her build more confidence and believe that she can do anything she puts her mind to. Her goal is to finish her Bachelor of Arts and continue doing what she loves.
Caden Spence – Nisichawayasihk Cree NationCaden Spence Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Participant, Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) Dream Job: Gym teacher During his time at OYEP in 2019, Caden learned that he could overcome his shyness and make friends with anyone. He spent most of his time doing bush work, keeping the camp clean, and participating in training. Caden said he can’t wait to go back to meet more amazing people and learn more about the forest sector—and he has set his sights on a management…
Sage Moses – Biigtigong NishnaabegSage Moses Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Crew leader, Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) Sage has worked with OYEP since 2016 and inspires other First Nation youth through her Green Job. She is also completing her post-secondary studies in Native Child and Family Services, and her goal is to continue helping Indigenous youth set their lives in a positive direction.
Lucas Rioux-DePerry – Ginoogaming First NationLucas Rioux-DePerry Ginoogaming First Nation Crew leader in Training, Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) Lucas won the Sydney Kenequanash Memorial Award for being a leader and positive influence among his peers at the Mink Lake OYEP camp. He was also the first Crew Leader in Training hired at the Manitoba OYEP camp in 2019. He also played a key role in the successful launch of OYEP’s Manitoba camp in 2019. During the 2020 school year, Lucas was a recreation worker… |
