Eighteen Indigenous youth from across British Columbia have completed the Outland Youth Employment Program in Quesnel, a six-week summer initiative designed to combine paid job training with cultural education. The program provided participants with valuable certifications in areas like first aid, chainsaw operation, trail building, and forest fire suppression.
This year, the program also included a special archaeological training day at a cultural site of the Williams Lake First Nation, where youth learned excavation techniques and explored the historical and cultural significance of the site.
Funded by a mix of provincial and private contributions, including $50,000 from Enbridge, the program allowed participants to earn approximately $3,000 while also receiving high school credits. Enbridge further supported the initiative by hosting a career day at its compressor station, giving participants insight into potential careers in the pipeline industry.
The Outland Youth Employment Program is aimed at providing Indigenous youth with the skills, experience, and confidence to pursue future employment opportunities. Applications for next summer’s program will open in March 2026.
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