OYAP Indigenous Trade Day – June 16 at Niagara Innovation Hub
In collaboration with the Niagara Innovation Hub, NPAAMB, the Indigenous Education Team, and OYAP, the Niagara Catholic District School Board proudly hosted an Indigenous Trade Day on Monday, June 16. This event reflects our ongoing commitment to promoting skilled trades and technology to all students through the Apprenticeship Pathway.
On this day, 28 self-identified Indigenous elementary students participated in a dynamic, hands-on exploration of the skilled trades. The event featured four interactive workshops designed to inspire and inform students about career opportunities in the trades:
🔹 Urban Planning Workshop
Students worked in teams to design and build a sustainable urban city. With guidance from a financial banker, they planned infrastructure, housing, schools, hospitals, and community services—balancing creativity with budgeting and logistics.
🔹 Wooden Paddle Handcraft Workshop
Students hand-crafted and personalized wooden paddles using wood-burning techniques. Each paddle became a unique expression of their creativity and cultural identity.
🔹 Video Production Trade Promotion Workshop
In a green screen studio, students created promotional videos to raise awareness about skilled trades. Equipped with safety vests, tools, and trade-related props, they explored storytelling and media production as a way to advocate for trade careers.
🔹 OYAP Podcast Workshop
Students gathered in a podcast booth to discuss youth apprenticeship programs and the importance of trades in today’s world. Led by Indigenous Lead Gary Parker—an experienced tradesperson with deep cultural roots—the conversations were both insightful and inspiring.
This impactful day was made possible through the support of:
- Marie Bowering, Indigenous Community Connections Facilitator (Elementary/Secondary), who played a key role in organizing and recruiting students.
- Gary Parker Niagara Catholic's Indigenous Lead who is a huge proponent of introducing students to hands on workshops, trade pathways and apprenticeship opportunities for the youth.
- Alex Hogan Indigenous Social Worker, fostered student engagement and learning by providing mentorship and meaningful support.
- Jackie Poulin and Lenora Gilbert from NPAAMB, who provided support and leadership throughout the event.
- Katie Valeri Youth Engagement & DEI Coordinator and team at Niagara Falls Innovation Hub helped plan and organized the day.
Niagara Catholic is proud to support Indigenous youth in exploring meaningful pathways in the skilled trades and look forward to continuing this important work.