Indigenous Voices
Gage Young – Chemawawin
Gage Young As an OYEP participant in 2020, Gage learned how to operate a brush cutter and spent most of his time cutting brushes and planting trees. He also completed his firefighter and first aid training. Gage enjoyed the engaging activities, where they would learn how to use a compass or identify different plants. OYEP taught him how to be more open and accepting of others. He also learned that positive attitudes towards work are beneficial. Gage’s favourite part of his Green Job was connecting with different people. He didn’t have friends during his first year, but he overcame that challenge. He made a ton of friends and got the courage to get out into the world and search for jobs. He said if it wasn’t for OYEP, he wouldn’t have realized what he was capable of. Gage is graduating high school in 2021, and he is currently attending a Building Trades program where he gains experience and training by working 375 hours over the course of the semester. He speaks English and a little Cree. Gage was also part of PLT Canada’s Green Leaders program, which involved mentorship, skill development, and community action. The green leaders, aged 15-25, planned and implemented a community-based project which could be an event, campaign or another initiative of their choice! Participants received up to $1,500 from PLT Canada to deliver their project along with training and development workshops to help support their success. Gage successfully organized a food drive for his community, which you can read about here. | 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… |
