Project Insight: Our project insights are developed through extensive research, statistical data tracking, and needs-based analysis of Indigenous communities in our service area. We have identified several crucial aspects including the exceptional cost of educating our trainees, which includes travel funding, training pay, and hotel accommodations, the pressing need for safe, supportive, and affordable housing while trainees attend their training programs, and the high demand for skilled labourers, tradesmen, and carpenters in the Indigenous communities we serve.
Project Phases: We have meticulously planned and executed our projects to ensure the best outcomes for our trainees and communities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the phases:
2018: We initiated the “Construction Craft Worker Program” in collaboration with LiUNA from Local 607 of the Laborers Union in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Sixteen trainees participated in this program. 2019: We developed the Carpentry Training and Construction Project, incorporating the Ontario Colleges General Carpenter Level 1-2-3 outline. We partnered with Seven Generations Learning Institute to provide a Canadian Carpentry Math Curriculum.
June 2019: Sioux Lookout Town Council approved our land purchase agreement. July 9th, 2019: We broke ceremonial ground at 8 First Avenue Hudson/Sioux Lookout after clearing and preparing the land.
September 23rd, 2019: Construction of Residential Unit #1 commenced with ten trainees under the guidance of lead Carpenter Bob Howden and Carpenter Ben Ingram. The Kenora Patricia School Division and Seven Generations Learning Institute provided valuable support during this phase.
July & August 2019: We cleared the land and initiated the form building of 8 First Avenue Hudson.
September 2020: Carpentry instruction for Residential Unit #2 started with six trainees, following the same successful model implemented in the previous project.
December 18th, 2020: Carpentry instruction for Residential Unit #2 was completed on site, ahead of schedule, with excellent trainee attendance and teamwork.
October 16, 2020: Housing inspectors from IFNA and Northern Chiefs Organizations provided presentations to enhance our understanding of Carpentry and trades, permitting intermittent inspections of each building phase.
March 2021: Both duplexes were completed, offering professional and safe living spaces for trainees.
Future Projects: As we continue to strive for excellence, we have several ambitious projects on the horizon:
A three-story Learning Centre, scheduled to begin on July 12, 2021, will provide a dedicated space for future trades training programs and serve as a training facility for other programs. A Trades Shop & Storage building, starting on July 12, 2021, will offer ample space for carpentry projects and store the necessary tools of the trades. A two-story duplex exclusively for female trainees will commence construction on August 22, 2022.
For more information and inquiries about our projects, please feel free to contact Ziggy Robert Beardy, SLAAMB Assistant Coordinator
