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.”