Outdoor training program gives Lac Seul youth employment skills

Lac Seul’s Rupert Bunting may not be entirely sure what career he’ll be pursuing in the near future, but at least he’s got options thanks to an outdoor skills training program offered by his community.
Led by coordinator Jesse Terry, a group of 15 youth took part in the six-week program receiving certification in a variety of areas.
Bunting said the entire program was a benefit, but it was the chainsaw and firefighting courses that he really enjoyed because of the possible job opportunities.
“I was thinking of getting a job in firefighting,” he said.
The program provided youth with a chance to take part in courses that might sometimes be out of reach because of travel and expenses. For this reason, Bunting was enticed to take part.
Aside from S100 firefighting and chainsaw training, participants were also trained in first aid and CPR, basic canoeing, GPS navigation, prospecting, and outdoor survival.
Youth were also given a tour of the Goldcorp mine in Red Lake, taking the group a mile underground. Goldcorp, along with Shooniiyaa Wa-Biitoong and Lac Seul, sponsored the program.
After five weeks of hard work, things didn’t let up as the program culminated in a five-day canoe trip. Bunting said the trip was challenging, especially during the first couple of days because of poor weather which slowed the group down.
Even though Bunting already knew all the participants, the trip was a chance to form close ties with one another. Bunting said everyone helped each other out by cleaning, cooking and working hard.
“We actually got to bond as a group,” he said.
While Bunting may be thinking of his future job opportunities, the program was enticing to Tatyana Quezance, 15, because it was a chance to keep busy and learn new skills.
She also enjoyed the firefighting course, but was equally challenged during the canoe trip. Proof of that was evident in the blisters on her hand from paddling. However, the accomplishment of completing the trip left her gratified.
“I felt very proud,” she said.
Both participants believe the program should continue.
“I just think this is a good opportunity, I wish the best of luck for whoever else takes part in this,” Bunting said. “It’s a good experience.”
Terry was equally optimistic.
“Chief and council were pleased with the idea as well as the outcome,” Terry said. “It’s a great idea of getting youth out on the land of Lac Seul.”