October 27, 2026
Mi’kmaw students in Grades 10 and 11 travelled to Halifax from October 4–6 to take part in MK’s annual Trades Fair, an event designed to introduce youth to the many opportunities available in the skilled trades.
Students travelled to the city by bus on Sunday, kicking off the event with an evening of culture and creativity. During supper, students heard from Amaya Johnson, a young Mi’kmaw woman and recent NSCC graduate who is now working in her chosen trade. She shared her journey and offered students a glimpse of what is possible when they pursue their interests and career goals.
The evening continued with cultural sessions where students could make ribbon hoodies with Cheyenne Isaac Gloade or Jesse Benjamin, enjoy storytelling with Clifford Paul, or create vision boards with Tammy Bernard.
Bright and early Monday morning, students headed to either the Halifax Trades Hall or the Mainland Building Trades Centre for a full day of hands-on learning. Working alongside tradespeople, they explored different aspects of the construction industry and learned more about career opportunities with Irving Shipbuilding. The sessions allowed students to try new skills, ask questions and gain a better understanding of what working in the trades involves.
After a busy day of learning, students enjoyed some downtime with a trip to the mall, followed by an evening at the movies or Activate. On Tuesday, the groups switched locations to experience the other trades facility before heading home.
MK’s annual Trades Fair gives Mi’kmaw youth the chance to explore potential career paths and meet people working in the trades. By providing hands-on experiences and opportunities to hear from successful Mi’kmaw role models, the event helps students discover new possibilities for their futures.