Departments
Education
Employment - Education & Recognition
The Gitxaała Nation is committed to the development and delivery of an integrated Education, Training and Employment plan. The plan will generate long-term benefits to all members located in Lach Klan, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Vancouver and elsewhere.
In order to be eligible to receive funding for training, living allowance, and work gear – applicants must meet the criteria outlined in the linked document:
Congratulations to Gitxaała Nation Members
The Gitxaała Nation recognizes the accomplishments of Members of our Nation. As role models to our people, their actions encourage others to pursue their dreams.
We are showcasing the personal achievements of a few of our members, and this list will continue to grow. We are proud of how many of our Nation have accomplished amazing things and will continue to give all of them the support and recognition they deserve.
There are more to come, we are in process of more publishing, and we will be putting together a Gitxaała Nation Achievement Book.
This all proves the goals the CLC have set out–truly are achievable.
Doreen Mckay
Longshoreman
My name is Doreen Mckay and belong to the Tsimshian nation. Kitkatla BC is my home and where I grew up. I am currently a union member of the ILWU local 505 and I work at DP world in Prince Rupert.
After replying to a job posting in the local newspaper and successfully passing all the requirements I received my man number on July 31, 2007.
Due to a high test score, I was one of the top 20 checkers to be trained and I worked on the first container ship to arrive in Prince Rupert on October 31, 2007. Along with the checker job, I also worked labour jobs such as boom man and hatch tender on log ships, lasher and Cone man on the container ship and dock man on rail. I take pride in my job and work hard to accomplish my tasks.
Brendan Skog
Red Seal Plumber
My journey into plumbing started when granny’s pipe froze and blew apart. My dad was out herring fishing and I had to deal with it. My friend’s dad showed me how to solder it and when it happened the next year I did it myself.
After high school I worked many jobs at little pay that were going nowhere. My mother suggested trades as the demand for workers was going up. I took an entry level piping course at BCIT and found work one month after finishing the program. Through hard work and experience gathered, I became a Red Seal Plumber and launched my career!
Stephanie Vickers Good
Security Guard and First Aid Attendant
I received my B.S.T. Certificate in 2012. I accepted my first security job at Chances where I did my training.
In May 2012 I received a full time position with Commissionaires BC. I still work with them to this day as a casual security guard, but I am now Longshoreman at DP World working as a Dockman or First Aid attendant.
I received my Longshoreman application through working the security gate house at the Port. I networked and got to know longshoremen and got my application from a mechanic at the Port.
DREAMS DO COME TRUE!
David Bolton
Security Guard
I received my license April 2016 and got hired by Fraser River Pile and Dredge for front gate security which ended July 2016. I then started working for Securiguard in July 2017.
Raven McMahon
Red Seal Plumber and Pipefitter
After graduating college and working in the Health Care field for a few years, I entered a program offered through the Piping Industry College (PIC) called “Woman In Trades” where I chose Plumbing as my career opportunity. I was initiated into Local 170 for plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler and welders union in 2009 where I worked through my four year apprenticeship as a plumber.
I have had the opportunity to work on industrial, residential and commercial projects. I have travelled to work on projects in Alberta and the lower mainland.
I am grateful for the knowledge I have gained and I am now a Certified Red Seal Journey-Person Plumber and a Proud Member of the Gitxaała Nation and Local 170 Union.
Erwin Robinson
Security Guard
I have been employed as a security guard since February 2013. I started work with the Commissionaires and stayed with them for 2 years. I then took a job with Securiguard and have been working for them for 2 years.
Places I have helped guard:
Courthouse,
DFO,
Coast Guard,
Ocean Centre Mall,
Warehouse Tire (Seal Cove),
Quick Load.
Wendy Ridley
Health Care Aid
I completed the Care Aide course through NWCC and was certified in 2007. I was hired at Acropolis Manor May 2007 as a casual employee and climbed the seniority ladder. I worked a part-time position from 2009 until I was awarded a full-time position in September 2014. My job comes with full Benefits, which my Dad always told me was important to have.
My job is to care for elders, I perform tasks that they can no longer do. Also, I keep them safe and comfortable. I love my job and am so glad I decided to take the Health Care Assistant course. I always encourage others to enroll because there is always a need for more Care Aides.
I am forever grateful for Kitkatla Band for sponsoring me.
Minnie Harris
Early Childhood Educator
After high school I decided to focus on Early Childhood Education. I completed my training at Northwest Community College in Terrace and Prince Rupert. I received my license to practice in January 1997. I have worked in daycares and preschools for many years before I was offered to work in a pilot project at Conrad School, a parent/tot drop in program called Strong Start.
As part of my job I was invited to present to a worldwide organization on how we incorporated our traditional language into the Strong Start program. I now work at Prince Rupert Aboriginal Head Start preschool program where I am able to teach the parents many cultural activities such as drum making, moccasin making, weaving etc.
Throughout my years as an Early Childhood Educator, I have been fortunate to have numerous experiences and I am forever grateful for my path in life.