Helmets to Hardhats Empowers Indigenous Veterans, Advances Diversity in Skilled Trades
June 21 2024 - 10:00AM
Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) proudly announces the remarkable progress
of its Indigenous Veteran Outreach Project, a pivotal initiative
aimed at fostering diversity in the skilled trades while advancing
Reconciliation by promoting careers in Canada's 14 Building Trades
Unions to Indigenous communities across Canada.
Since its inception in June 2023, the project has emerged as a
pathway for Indigenous Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and their
families seeking opportunities in the unionized construction
industry. The Indigenous Veteran Outreach Project has achieved
significant milestones by engaging with over 70 Indigenous
organizations nationwide, which is led by the dedicated efforts of
the Helmets to Hardhats Indigenous Outreach Advisor. This
engagement has been supported by the project's active participation
in eight major conferences and cultural gatherings, from the
Hadiya'dagénhahs First Annual Pow Wow at Brock University to
Indigenous Veterans Day celebrations in Manitoba and participating
in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls March with
the Cheam First Nation in British Columbia, these events enhanced
cultural awareness and facilitated valuable networking
opportunities crucial for bridging the gap between military service
and civilian careers.
The various outreach methods used in engaging with Indigenous
communities are central to the project's success. Through virtual
outreach to remote Indigenous communities and active participation
in culturally significant gatherings, this versatile approach has
enabled Helmets to Hardhats to exceed engagement goals by
facilitating deeper connections within Indigenous communities while
promoting the available opportunities in Canada's Building Trades
Unions.
Looking ahead, Helmets to Hardhats reaffirms its commitment to
Reconciliation by empowering the Indigenous military community to
explore career opportunities within the skilled trades workforce.
By building upon its solid foundation of outreach through community
organizations and national Indigenous associations, the project
aims to sustain and expand its efforts, aligning closely with the
evolving needs of Indigenous Veterans and their families. By
prioritizing community-specific outreach, the project continues to
pave the way for successful transitions of Indigenous peoples into
fulfilling careers within Canada's unionized construction
sector.
Quotes:
"I firmly believe that our outreach efforts into marginalized
communities are not just about expanding our reach; they're about
unlocking potential and developing inclusivity. By promoting stable
career opportunities in the building trades unions, we're not just
building structures; we're building futures, empowering
individuals, and strengthening communities."
- James Hogarth, Executive
Director, Helmets to Hardhats
"I have enjoyed sharing the knowledge of Helmets to Hardhats
with Indigenous Veterans and their families who may not have had
the opportunity to learn how they can enter into the unionized
construction industry. At Helmets to Hardhats, we have worked
collectively to bridge the gap so Indigenous Veterans and their
families can enter meaningful and successful careers in the skilled
trades. I am proud to be part of an organization that is doing its
part and working towards purposeful Reconciliation."
- Laura Leask, Medicine
Star Woman, Indigenous Outreach Advisor, Helmets to
Hardhats
Contact information:Aidan Strickland, Director
of CommunicationsHelmets to Hardhats
Canadaastrickland@helmetstohardhats.ca