A two-day woodworking workshop in Ohsweken, Ont., gave 12 Indigenous youth the chance to experience the skilled trades first-hand while developing practical skills, teamwork and confidence through a hands-on community project.
The workshop, held last week, was organized by MicroPro Sienna Plus in partnership with Skills Ontario First Nations, Métis and Inuit Initiatives, Grand River Employment and Training and the Six Nations community.
Rather than focusing solely on classroom instruction, the initiative put participants directly to work. Under the guidance of Mi’kmaq carpenter and content creator Deneika Coakley, the students were introduced to the fundamentals of woodworking and carpentry while working alongside professionals from the industry.
Learning by building
During the two-day workshop, participants learned how to safely use a range of carpentry tools and worked together to build and paint picnic tables.
The project was designed to give students more than an introduction to woodworking. By completing a tangible project as a team, participants also had the opportunity to develop life skills, learn how to collaborate and gain a better understanding of what a career in the skilled trades can offer.
The completed picnic tables will remain in the local community. They will be donated to organizations including the Kayanase greenhouse, an ecological restoration and native plant and seed business, as well as Grand River Employment and Training, an Indigenous employment and training non-profit serving Six Nations band members.
The students were also given complimentary STANLEY tool sets, allowing them to continue practising and developing their skills beyond the workshop.
Building confidence and representation
For the organizers, the value of the initiative extends beyond the finished woodworking projects.
“The opportunity to give young adults hands-on experience in woodworking while helping them build valuable life skills is what these community builds are all about,” said Jana Proctor, senior marketing manager – North America, Timber Specialties.
Coakley also highlighted the importance of representation when encouraging young people to consider careers in the trades.
“Representation in the trades is so important, especially among Indigenous and Black communities. I firmly believe that ‘if you can see it, you can be it,’” she said.
She added that watching the students develop greater competence and confidence throughout the two-day build was particularly encouraging and said she looked forward to working with students again.
The workshop ultimately combined career exposure with a practical community contribution, giving participants an opportunity to discover woodworking while creating something that will continue to serve the Six Nations community.
