By: Ryan Kiedrowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A new partnership between the Kahkewistahaw First Nation and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is bringing hands-on skills training closer to home, with the launch of a 12-week automotive training course.
The program, Fundamentals of Automotive Service Technician, will run through December 5. The course will be taught by Curtis Brooks and hosted at a nation-owned automotive shop located in Broadview. Graduates of the program will receive up to 360 hours of trade time toward their Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship, a significant step toward Red Seal certification.
An official grand opening ceremony for the program was held on September 26.
Chief Evan Taypotat of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation talked about the long-term benefits the program will offer for community members.
“Today there is two big wins for our community and we want to make sure we celebrate them. Nothing would make me more happy than to see you all here on graduation day. The hard work begins when all the cameras leave,” said Taypotat.
“Our people are stuck in this cycle, left by the residential school effect, and the people that are in this class, if you complete this course you’ll get paid pretty good to do something you love. And when you get paid well, you get more opportunities. Opportunities for your family and for your children. Get them into dance, hockey, football, and break that cycle called the residential school effect.
This is huge for us because it’s our job as leaders to present these opportunities so that these warriors have opportunities.”
Taypotat said that the demand for skilled trades and training is growing, and having these resources available locally makes it more accessible for community members.
Daryn Kody, Program Coordinator at SIIT, said the long-term relevance of automotive trades and the role the program will play in community development.
“Working for SIIT is one of the most rewarding jobs. This is a good investment for the community, for the town of Broadview, but it’s a better investment for the students.
“Your best investment is your people. This is one of the many programs that SIIT offers, and great representation, and I want to thank the students. Automotive technician will be around for awhile. It will be a great program,” said Kody.
“There is not enough good talk about all the positive things our leaders in our communities do. When something negative happens, it spreads like wildfire.” Tribal Chief Isabel O’Soup.
“When something like today happens, you won’t hear talk about it. We tend to forget all the good that our leaderships do in our communities. We have to remember that—to encourage our leadership. They are working hard for our people. They are working for their communities. Without the elected leadership, we wouldn’t be able to do all of the things that we do.”
“This is a milestone that shows the leadership Kahkewistahaw has. I am delighted to see the official launch of this partnership between Kahkewistahaw First Nation and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies,” said Kevin Weedmark, MLA for Moosomin-Montmartre. “This is more than a training program; it’s about creating opportunities, building skills, and laying a foundation for long-term success.
“It’s a strategic investment in the future of Kahkewistahaw and for this area. There is a growing demand for Red Seal certified tradespeople and this program will really help fill that gap in our workforces.
“Our government is proud to support SIIT and offer important education and training for Indigenous students. This partnership is a perfect example of what can happen when we work together with a shared purpose and mutual respect,” said Weedmark.