Indigenous Voices

Evan Simon – Mi’kmaq, Unama’ki

Evan’s main role is to support a draft moose management plan in the Cape Breton Highlands and assist with community education and outreach programs. Evan also incorporates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into research and stewardship activities. Evan works with Clifford Paul, see his profile here.

The Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources is a PLT Canada Green Jobs employer.

Thumbnail of A Guide to Green Jobs in Canada cover
Evan’s story is included in A Guide to Green Jobs in Canada: Voices of Indigenous Professionals.

EVAN’S LOVE OF NATURE COMES FROM…

“When I step into the bush, I still get that exact same feeling from when I was young. Feels like I’m being greeted by an old friend. I have strong memories of my father teaching me what he learned during his childhood. My grandmother would cook for us in the woods. The taste of food is better outside.”

EVAN CHOSE A CAREER IN SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BECAUSE…

“I always knew I wanted to follow a green career pathway. My dad talked to me about working as a game warden. I would see game wardens while I was fishing with my dad or hunting with my mentors, Danny Paul and Clifford Paul. I thought they looked so cool. My dad always talked about protecting things. I was taught to be a protector and to stand up for things that I love, like the land we come from. “

TO EVAN, BEING INDIGENOUS IN A GREEN JOB  MEANS…

“Being Indigenous means I can weave traditional knowledge with the knowledge I learned in school. We call this “Two-Eyed Seeing.” One eye sees with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and the other eye sees with the strengths of Western ways of knowing. I think Traditional Knowledge and approaches like Two-Eyed Seeing will become a bigger part of the green sector. Learning from my family and Elders means I have a long-term view of conservation. We are always thinking seven generations behind us and looking seven generations ahead.”

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Sarah Dixon – Esk’etemc First Nation

Sarah 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.

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Caden Spence – Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation

Caden 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…

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Sage Moses – Biigtigong Nishnaabeg

Sage 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.

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Lucas Rioux-DePerry – Ginoogaming First Nation

Lucas 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…

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