Indigenous Voices |
Indigenous Peoples are Canada’s original forest and conservation professionals, and today, they shape every facet of the sector.
The stories below profile both established Indigenous professionals in the forest and conservation sector and young people who have just begun their green career pathway. They’ve tried different jobs, studied at various levels, and had diverse experiences that have led them to where they are today.
The profiles of Indigenous professionals can also be found in PLT Canada’s A Guide to Green Jobs in Canada: Voices of Indigenous Professionals.
And the Voices of Indigenous Youth can be viewed on this map as well.
Skylar Veuillot – Northlands First Nation
Skylar Veuillot Northlands First Nation Participant, Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) Dream job: Working in the trades Skylar spent most of her time at OYEP in 2020 planting trees, doing bush work, and identifying traditional medicine. Her favourite part of her Green Job was tree planting. Skylar is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts, and she wants to pursue a career in the trades. She speaks Dene. Skylar was also part of PLT Canada’s Green Leaders program, which involved mentorship,…
Kyran Gustafson – Moose Cree First Nation
Kyran Gustafson Moose Cree First Nation Participant, Outland Youth Employment Program Dream Job: Unsure Kyran said the best part of their Green Job in 2021 was being outdoors. They also mopped, swept, and picked up trash. In 2021, Kyran was still deciding on their future career path, but advised other young people to not give up.
Owen Koostachin – Attawapiskat First Nation
Owen Koostachin Attawapiskat First Nation Participant, Outland Youth Employment Program Dream Job: Firefighter Owen did bush work and enjoyed swimming during his Green Job experience in 2021. In 2021, he was in school for emergency medical services, and he hopes to become a firefighter. Owen’s advice for other young adults is to stay in school.
Jessica Iserhoff Edwards – Taykwa Tagamou Nation
Jessica Iserhoff Edwards Taykwa Tagamou Nation Participant, Outland Youth Employment Program Dream Job: Unsure Jessica did chores and bush work during her Green Job in 2021, and she said her favourite part was the variety in her tasks. Her advice for other youth is to “have fun.”
Kaidryn Sutherland – Wahgoshig First Nation
Kaidryn Sutherland Wahgoshig First Nation Participant, Outland Youth Employment Program Dream Job: Paramedic or Military Paramedic Kaidryn said her favourite part of her Green Job in 2021 was being outdoors, but she also tree planted, did chores and learned Cree. In 2021, she was planning on pursuing college and her dream job is to be a paramedic or military paramedic. Kaidryn advised other young adults to push through, even if it feels difficult at first.
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