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.

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.

BTA is home to more than 60,000 unionized skilled trades workers, from apprentices to red seal journeypersons, many of them are Indigenous with many finding personal growth and financial security through the unionized skilled trades. These careers offer the best rates of pay, health and welfare benefits, collective bargaining rights, the highest workplace health and safety standards, a sense of community and more.

Our 18 local union affiliates work in all areas of the construction trades, and with paid apprenticeships and EI benefits while attending training, you never go into student debt.

If you think your path forward could be in the unionized skilled trades, let BTA help you with your first few steps by directly contacting BTA Community and Indigenous Director, Lyle Daniels.

Note from BTA Community and Indigenous Director, Lyle Daniels, son of George Gordon First Nation:

“It is so sad when our young people lose hope in their life, and for some, to only see suicide as the solution. It is also heartbreaking to hear of four suicides in the last few months from Ethan Bear’s home community of Ochapowace First Nation, not far from where I grew up. I want to help. The Building Trades of Alberta wants to help. That’s why we’re doing Path Forward.

“The best way to fight for our young people, to help them see and plan a future for themselves, is to offer a hand up and for many, it could be with the unionized skilled trades.

“If you think a career in the building trades is for you, or if you have any questions about how to get started, I want to talk to you.”

Lyle Daniels, BTA Community and Indigenous Director

Phone: 780-868-4300
Email: ldaniels@bta.ca