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Hamilton Spectator

First Nations high school students explore career paths at event

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Indigenous secondary school students from around School District 60 had a chance to see potential future careers at an event hosted by Northern Lights College (NLC) on Tuesday. Pathways to Indigenous Futures, coordinated by NLC specifically for First Nations students, took place during the morning and early afternoon of May 27th. Designed to be 'a career fair without calling it a career fair, ' students had a few moments from their hectic educational schedules to take in what pathways are available, including ones in industry, skilled trades and entrepreneurship. Scott Lloyd, the organizer who spearheaded the event, coordinated with NLC and representatives from various Indigenous communities, including Doig River First Nation (DRFN), Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) and Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN). Sponsorship from the event came from companies such as Arc Resources, BC Hydro, Centurion, ConocoPhillips, Halfway River Group-affiliated companies including Halfway River D&D Well Services and Canadian (CDN) Controls, Monmouth, Uujo Contracting, Shell Canada and the North East Native Advancing Society (NENAS). 'We're trying to create something fun that's engaging to the students [and] inspires the students in some small way,' said Lloyd, an independent Indigenous consultant who resides in Campbell River. 'Hopefully we get to grow it and get it bigger, and we keep inspiring. 'Walking through the space today we got a wide variety of people. We're hoping, with the sponsorships and moving forward, we're going to make this event next year even bigger.' Indigenous entrepreneurs and representatives from the oil and gas industry, law enforcement and nursing were on hand while the students inquired about the potential careers that lay ahead for each. Tylin Apsassin, who began the hat restoration business that bears his last name, began his entrepreneurial venture at just 14 years old. Still only 20 years old, he says the event is for Indigenous entrepreneurs to show 'passion' for their trades to Indigenous students. 'We do this because we're passionate about it,' said Apsassin, a member of BRFN. 'In the world we live in, people are able to go and do whatever they want, so long as they put their mind to it.' Daniel Prince, who runs Hero Time Maintenance, is a member of Haisla Nation located in Kitimat, and promoted what ways education can benefit students for both members of First Nations communities and those who are not. Prince's business started in 2010 with him working in plumbing and gas fitting, and has expanded out to all kinds of residential and commercial repairs. He joked students 'take math seriously' to have success. 'Good grades helped me get a long way,' said Prince. 'I was on honour roll all throughout high school and it allowed me to get different grants and bursaries. '[There's] a lot of different help out there. There are people who don't know it's there, and if you just go out and find it. You got good grades, that will help you go a long way, and you wouldn't even know until you find a connection.' The day was spearheaded by an appearance by the Notorious Cree, an Indigenous hoop dancer, entertainer and motivational speaker, who is from Tallcree First Nation near Fort Vermilion, Alberta. He was backed up by members of School District 60's Indigenous education dance troupe, who participated in various dances such as a men's grass dance and a women's fancy shawl. The dancing concluded with an inter-tribal dance with some participation from student attendees. Playing his flute and talking to the crowd, Notorious Cree spoke of harmony and acceptance among all people. 'It's important to remember that we do live in a world where racism and bullying is very prevalent,' Notorious Cree, otherwise known as James Jones, told students. 'But one thing I learned is it comes from a place of misunderstanding. 'We're here for a very short time on this earth. It's up to you if you want to be here and you want to walk this world with love or with hate in your heart. Something so small can have such a big positive impact on somebody, even just asking how their day is going. You might not know, but that could honestly save somebody's life.' Despite having a million-plus followers on Instagram, he told he enjoys the intimacy of smaller crowds. 'I do big events with thousands of people,' he said. 'I love smaller events. I feel like you can be more face-toe-face. To me, community is everything.' Pathways to Indigenous Futures took place at NLC's Fort St. John campus on May 27th.