Indigenous Voices
Tegan Henttonen – Onigaming First Nation
The best parts of Tegan’s Green Job in 2021 were being outdoors and meeting people who share her passion for the land and lakes. She aspires to be a conservation officer or land gradation specialist in the future, and in 2021 she planned to go to college after graduating high school. After her six weeks at the Outland Youth Employment Program, she got to experience many different types of land and tools. She said she wants to make a difference to the land and see more Indigenous youth step up as well. Their ancestors would be proud and watching over them, she said. Her advice for other youth is never to give up, even when it gets hard. “Nothing is impossible unless you make it,” 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… |
