Home to more than 60,000 Albertans in the skilled trades
Message from the Building Trades of Alberta
On behalf of the Building Trades of Alberta, we are proud to present this year’s Indigenous Role Models in the Building Trades Unions Calendar, a celebration of the incredible Indigenous tradespeople who are helping to build Alberta — and a brighter future for generations to come.
This calendar shines a light on the stories, strength and accomplishments of Indigenous members across our affiliated unions. Their journeys reflect the values that unite us all: hard work, skill, mentorship and pride in building something that lasts.
These role models represent opportunity and inspiration. The skilled trades offer meaningful, respected careers that support families, strengthen communities and honour traditions of craftsmanship and collaboration. Of the many trades that keep our province moving, it is evident there is a place for Indigenous talent and leadership.
Representing 18 Alberta unions and more than 60,000 skilled trades professionals, the Building Trades of Alberta believes that diversity and inclusion make our industry stronger. We remain committed to creating pathways, partnerships and supports that welcome more Indigenous workers into the trades — and to ensuring they see themselves reflected as leaders and changemakers.
We extend our deepest thanks to the individuals featured in this calendar for sharing their stories, and to all those who continue to inspire the next generation to dream, build and belong.
Lyle Daniels
Community and Indigenous Director
Building Trades of Alberta
Message from the Honourable Rajan Sawhney, ECA, MLA
Minister of Indigenous Relations, Government of Alberta
It is my honour to share a message of pride as we celebrate the achievements of Indigenous role models across Alberta who are building their futures — and our province — through the skilled trades.
The stories featured in this calendar reflect strength, perseverance and cultural pride. Each individual has forged their own path, showing that success in the trades is not only a personal achievement, but also a way to give back to community and inspire others.
The skilled trades offer meaningful, rewarding careers where creativity, technical skill and problem-solving come together. For Indigenous youth, these paths represent opportunities to apply traditional values of hard work, craftsmanship and collaboration in modern industries that are vital to Alberta’s growth.
I encourage every young person looking through these pages to see themselves in these stories — to imagine their own journey in the trades, supported by community, culture and training. The future of Alberta’s workforce is stronger and more innovative when it includes Indigenous knowledge, leadership and talent.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lyle Daniels and the Building Trades of Alberta for creating this calendar and for their continued commitment to promoting inclusion, opportunity and representation in the skilled trades. Your efforts help open doors and inspire Indigenous students to explore rewarding careers that strengthen communities and our province as a whole.
On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I extend my deepest thanks to the role models featured here for sharing their stories and inspiring the next generation to dream big and build boldly.
The Honourable Rajan Sawhney
Minister of Indigenous Relations
Government of Alberta
Indigenous Role Model of the Month
Terrance Jebb
Terrance Jebb was born in Opaskwayak, Manitoba, and spent his early years living on a reserve. His youth was marked by a lifestyle of partying that lacked direction. As a member of a rock band, he enjoyed the thrill of performing, but his life was at a crossroads. Recognizing the need for change, his parents staged an intervention after a gig, and with his bags packed, Terrance moved to Calgary on January 1, 2001, to live with his brother, a member of the Calgary Police Service.
In Calgary, Terrance began working odd jobs while building a new life. He got married and started a family but supporting them proved difficult. As a truck driver, he faced long hours, low wages, and no benefits, leaving him little time for his health or his loved ones. The struggle to balance work and family life pushed him to seek a better path, one that could offer stability and opportunity.
That turning point came when Terrance discovered Trade Winds to Success, an organization dedicated to helping Indigenous people enter the skilled trades. He enrolled in the program and successfully trained as a gas fitter and commercial plumber. Joining the UA Local 496 marked a significant shift in his life. Union work provided fair wages, benefits, overtime pay, pension security, and a sense of camaraderie and equality in the workplace.
Terrance found a deep sense of pride and purpose in plumbing. He describes the trade as exciting, artistic, and essential, requiring skill and precision. For him, plumbing is more than just a job; it’s a craft that contributes to the very foundation of communities. He takes pride in driving around Calgary and pointing out the buildings he helped construct, knowing his work plays a vital role in people’s everyday lives.
His journey came full circle when his son followed in his footsteps, enrolling in the Trade Winds program and becoming an ironworker. Terrance beams with pride knowing that his son, too, can look across the city and say, “I helped build that.”
Terrance Jebb’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and empowerment. From uncertain beginnings to becoming a respected tradesperson and union member, he exemplifies how support, determination, and access to education can transform a life. His journey continues to inspire others to pursue meaningful careers in the trades and take pride in building a better future.
“It feels good to know that I can be a mentor to other First Nations individuals.”
Terrance Jebb
Terrance Jebb was born in Opaskwayak, Manitoba, and spent his early years living on a reserve. His youth was marked by a lifestyle of partying that lacked direction. As a member of a rock band, he enjoyed the thrill of performing, but his life was at a crossroads. Recognizing the need for change, his parents staged an intervention after a gig, and with his bags packed, Terrance moved to Calgary on January 1, 2001, to live with his brother, a member of the Calgary Police Service.
In Calgary, Terrance began working odd jobs while building a new life. He got married and started a family but supporting them proved difficult. As a truck driver, he faced long hours, low wages, and no benefits, leaving him little time for his health or his loved ones. The struggle to balance work and family life pushed him to seek a better path, one that could offer stability and opportunity.
That turning point came when Terrance discovered Trade Winds to Success, an organization dedicated to helping Indigenous people enter the skilled trades. He enrolled in the program and successfully trained as a gas fitter and commercial plumber. Joining the UA Local 496 marked a significant shift in his life. Union work provided fair wages, benefits, overtime pay, pension security, and a sense of camaraderie and equality in the workplace.
Terrance found a deep sense of pride and purpose in plumbing. He describes the trade as exciting, artistic, and essential, requiring skill and precision. For him, plumbing is more than just a job; it’s a craft that contributes to the very foundation of communities. He takes pride in driving around Calgary and pointing out the buildings he helped construct, knowing his work plays a vital role in people’s everyday lives.
His journey came full circle when his son followed in his footsteps, enrolling in the Trade Winds program and becoming an ironworker. Terrance beams with pride knowing that his son, too, can look across the city and say, “I helped build that.”
Terrance Jebb’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and empowerment. From uncertain beginnings to becoming a respected tradesperson and union member, he exemplifies how support, determination, and access to education can transform a life. His journey continues to inspire others to pursue meaningful careers in the trades and take pride in building a better future.
“It feels good to know that I can be a mentor to other First Nations individuals.”
Terrance Jebb
Terrance Jebb was born in Opaskwayak, Manitoba, and spent his early years living on a reserve. His youth was marked by a lifestyle of partying that lacked direction. As a member of a rock band, he enjoyed the thrill of performing, but his life was at a crossroads. Recognizing the need for change, his parents staged an intervention after a gig, and with his bags packed, Terrance moved to Calgary on January 1, 2001, to live with his brother, a member of the Calgary Police Service.
In Calgary, Terrance began working odd jobs while building a new life. He got married and started a family but supporting them proved difficult. As a truck driver, he faced long hours, low wages, and no benefits, leaving him little time for his health or his loved ones. The struggle to balance work and family life pushed him to seek a better path, one that could offer stability and opportunity.
That turning point came when Terrance discovered Trade Winds to Success, an organization dedicated to helping Indigenous people enter the skilled trades. He enrolled in the program and successfully trained as a gas fitter and commercial plumber. Joining the UA Local 496 marked a significant shift in his life. Union work provided fair wages, benefits, overtime pay, pension security, and a sense of camaraderie and equality in the workplace.
Terrance found a deep sense of pride and purpose in plumbing. He describes the trade as exciting, artistic, and essential, requiring skill and precision. For him, plumbing is more than just a job; it’s a craft that contributes to the very foundation of communities. He takes pride in driving around Calgary and pointing out the buildings he helped construct, knowing his work plays a vital role in people’s everyday lives.
His journey came full circle when his son followed in his footsteps, enrolling in the Trade Winds program and becoming an ironworker. Terrance beams with pride knowing that his son, too, can look across the city and say, “I helped build that.”
Terrance Jebb’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and empowerment. From uncertain beginnings to becoming a respected tradesperson and union member, he exemplifies how support, determination, and access to education can transform a life. His journey continues to inspire others to pursue meaningful careers in the trades and take pride in building a better future.
“It feels good to know that I can be a mentor to other First Nations individuals.”
Terrance Jebb
Terrance Jebb was born in Opaskwayak, Manitoba, and spent his early years living on a reserve. His youth was marked by a lifestyle of partying that lacked direction. As a member of a rock band, he enjoyed the thrill of performing, but his life was at a crossroads. Recognizing the need for change, his parents staged an intervention after a gig, and with his bags packed, Terrance moved to Calgary on January 1, 2001, to live with his brother, a member of the Calgary Police Service.
In Calgary, Terrance began working odd jobs while building a new life. He got married and started a family but supporting them proved difficult. As a truck driver, he faced long hours, low wages, and no benefits, leaving him little time for his health or his loved ones. The struggle to balance work and family life pushed him to seek a better path, one that could offer stability and opportunity.
That turning point came when Terrance discovered Trade Winds to Success, an organization dedicated to helping Indigenous people enter the skilled trades. He enrolled in the program and successfully trained as a gas fitter and commercial plumber. Joining the UA Local 496 marked a significant shift in his life. Union work provided fair wages, benefits, overtime pay, pension security, and a sense of camaraderie and equality in the workplace.
Terrance found a deep sense of pride and purpose in plumbing. He describes the trade as exciting, artistic, and essential, requiring skill and precision. For him, plumbing is more than just a job; it’s a craft that contributes to the very foundation of communities. He takes pride in driving around Calgary and pointing out the buildings he helped construct, knowing his work plays a vital role in people’s everyday lives.
His journey came full circle when his son followed in his footsteps, enrolling in the Trade Winds program and becoming an ironworker. Terrance beams with pride knowing that his son, too, can look across the city and say, “I helped build that.”
Terrance Jebb’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and empowerment. From uncertain beginnings to becoming a respected tradesperson and union member, he exemplifies how support, determination, and access to education can transform a life. His journey continues to inspire others to pursue meaningful careers in the trades and take pride in building a better future.
“It feels good to know that I can be a mentor to other First Nations individuals.”