06/17/2025
This spring, the UA Canada Soaring Skills program brought together 18 Indigenous students for an unforgettable experience at the Skills Competence Canada National Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan. Eight students from Onion Lake Cree Nation, a rural community about six hours north of Regina, and ten students from three remote communities in Nunavut, Igloolik, Pangnirtung and Arviat joined the adventure—some traveling two full days to get there!
For many of the Nunavut students, it was a trip of firsts: the first time flying, the first time leaving their community, and for some, even the first-time seeing trees, since some of their communities are situated north of the tree line. All of the students, whether from the North or the Prairies, shared in the excitement of discovery, connection, and new opportunity.
They stayed at the University of Regina, where they experienced what it would be like to live in a dorm, explored career pathways at the Skills Canada event with high-energy, hands-on showcase of skilled trades and technologies, filled with excitement, inspiration, and non-stop action. Highlights included a pizza party for all the students, an elders’ teaching circle, and a hands-on workshop building water filtration systems. At the Skills Canada event, students participated in a seek-and-find challenge while trying out trades from welding to plumbing to aesthetics and jobsite safety.
Some of the group even attended a Saskatchewan Roughriders football game, bringing loud cheers and big smiles all around! By the end of the week, students were energized and inspired—many saying they hope to return next year as competitors.
This life-changing experience was made possible thanks to the support of UA Canada, the Honda Canada Foundation, Skills Nunavut, and Skills Competence Canada, who continue to help youth from all corners of the country reach new heights and inspire youth to consider a life changing career in the skilled trades and technologies!
