Skills/Compétences Canada is partnering with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations from Manitoba to host a Skills Showcase at the 2023 Skills Canada National Competition, in Winnipeg, that will feature First Nations, Inuit and Métis Skills. The showcase will allow thousands of visitors to explore First Nations, Inuit, and Métis skills by taking part in activities such as flat stitch beading, soapstone carving, building mini tipis, and constructing Inuit yo-yos!

Discover these skills and how they align with several competition areas (such as fashion technology and carpentry) at the Skills Canada National Competition.

Skills/Compétences Canada has partnered with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations from Manitoba to host a Skills Showcase at the 2023 Skills Canada National Competition, in Winnipeg, that will feature First Nations, Inuit and Métis Skills. This showcase will allow thousands of visitors to explore these skills by taking part in interactive activities. The showcase will focus on the intergenerational transfer of many traditional skills such as beading, soapstone carving and textile design from Elders, local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists and experts to youth. It will demonstrate the links between these skills and potential careers in the skilled trades and technologies. For example, carving skills can foster interest in skilled careers such as carpentry, bricklaying, or cabinetmaking and Indigenous art can spark interest in fashion technology, graphic design and many others.

Here are the Skills Showcase artists and activities:

Brooklyn Rudolph

Brooklyn Rudolph, a Swampy Cree mixed media artist, a member of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and an advocate for Indigenous rights will be presenting a Tipi activity. Visitors will learn about tipis and how to create and decorate a custom miniature tipi.

Claire Johnston

Claire Johnston, a Michif beadwork artist based in Treaty 1 Territory, in Winnipeg, is an artist and a proud member of the MMF Two Spirit Michif Local and Métis collective Red River Echoes. She will be showcasing her beadwork practice and sharing her family's tradition of creating with their hands.

Gayle Gruben

Gayle Gruben, an Inuvialuk from the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Western Arctic has been creating traditional garments using furs and hides for over 30 years. She will be showing visitors how to make an Inuit yo-yo, which is a popular tourist art made in a variety of shapes, ranging from seals and dolls to mukluks and simple balls.

Sean Raylond-Bubar

Sean Raylond-Bubar, the Founder of Red Rebel Armour, an Indigenous-led social enterprise using its streetwear brand to fund its employment service which provides on-the-job paid training for people returning back to the community from the criminal justice system. He will be doing live heat pressing onto tees, hoodies, and joggers using an eco-friendly transfer called Supacolor while sharing his story.

Frederick Lyle Spence

Frederick Lyle Spence, an Ojibwe soapstone carver from Peguis First Nation, will conduct workshops where participants will learn the techniques and processes of soapstone carving. Afterwards they will take get take their own work of art home.

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Dudar! Your logo design has been chosen for The Skills Showcase: Featuring First Nations, Inuit and Métis Skills being hosted at #SCNC2023 in Winnipeg!