Skills/Compétences Canada is partnering with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations from Regina to host a Skills Showcase at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) 2025, in Regina, at the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) District. This will allow thousands of visitors to explore First Nations, Inuit, and Métis skills and discover how these skills align with several Skill Areas (such as Fashion Technology and Carpentry) at SCNC.

Meet the artists!

As mentors, educators, and industry experts, these dedicated individuals play a vital role in shaping the future of Canada’s skilled workforce.

Claire Haynes, Student from Clearwater River Dene School
Claire Haynes, a Grade 11 student from Clearwater River Dene School, began her paddle-making journey in Grade 8. Her dedication and craftsmanship shine through in every paddle she creates. Throughout SCNC, Claire will be showcasing her skills live—demonstrating the full paddle-making process from marking out designs to shaping the wood with precision tools. Visitors can stop by to watch her in action as she works on several paddles throughout the event. Claire will also have a display of paddles she’s crafted over the years as part of her school program.

Brien Morgan, PAA/HS Instructor – Clearwater River Dene School
Originally from Ontario and a proud member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Brien has called Clearwater River, Saskatchewan home for over 22 years. A passionate outdoorsman and experienced paddler, he’s traveled across Canada—from coast to coast to coast—and brings that love of the land into his classroom. Brien runs an Industrial Arts program where he blends hands-on learning with cultural connection. Years ago, he introduced paddle-making into his curriculum to help students stay rooted in tradition and craft. In 2019, he brought paddle-making to a skills regional competition, and this year, it debuted at the provincial skills competition, in Saskatchewan. Now, it's taking center stage at the Skills Canada National Competition.

Giuseppe Di-Leone “Beps”, Instructor at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation School (Master Carpenter and Red Seal Certified)
Born in Wales, UK, Beps is a Master Carpenter and Red Seal professional with a passion for Indigenous culture and community development. His travels across Europe introduced him to a variety of Indigenous communities, sparking a deep appreciation for traditional architecture and heritage—a passion he now brings into his classroom. As a new instructor at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation School, Beps is focused on empowering students with real-world skills and confidence to succeed. He believes in the potential of every learner and is committed to blending hands-on training with cultural understanding. His unique mix of technical expertise, global experience, and heart for community makes him a powerful mentor and role model.

Jan Vandermeer, Education Specialist at Meadow Lake Tribal Council
Jan is an avid paddler and occasional paddle-maker with a deep appreciation for the cultural and practical artistry of Indigenous watercraft. For the past decade, he has worked with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council Education Department, primarily supporting Science education, while also contributing to Practical and Applied Arts programming. A lifelong learner, Jan studies various paddling techniques and canoeing styles, inspired by the ingenuity of Indigenous communities who craft paddles and canoes uniquely suited to their environments. His passion for both education and the outdoors fuel his commitment to sharing this knowledge with students and colleagues alike.

Jenny Ambrose, Program Coordinator, Soaring Circle
Jenny is a lifelong sewist and creative entrepreneur and believes that everyone should have the opportunity to learn valuable skills. Sewing has been an integral part of her life, helping her to find her own path, make a living, and build strong connections with others. She is passionate about helping students discover the joy of creating something that they never thought was possible! She has been teaching sewing for over 15 years as well as mentoring students who aspire to pursue a career in sewing. Jenny has worked in various roles throughout her career, including fashion designer, tailor, small business owner, and mentor. She is honoured to serve First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities through her work with Soaring Circle.

Melanie Monique Rose, Metis/Ukrainian visual artist from Regina, Saskatchewan Treaty 4 Territory
Melanie Monique Rose is a Metis/Ukrainian visual artist from Regina, Saskatchewan Treaty 4 Territory, a citizen of the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan, and a long-time contributing member of Sâkêwêwak Artists’ Collective Inc. Rose’s work centres on kinship and relationships between the land, ourselves and each other. Through plants and flowers Rose invites transmissions of ancestral knowledge and teachings while also imagining and creating a de-colonial future through the lens of Metis worldviews. Melanie will be demonstrating needle felting as part of the Skills Showcase at the Skills Canada National Competition 2025, in Regina. Stop by the Soaring Circle booth to learn and contribute to our community wool blanket!