SUCCESS STORIES
The success of each community member makes our communities stronger.
ATC is committed to helping our members achieve their goals, pursue their dreams, and develop a deeper connection to their community, the land, and our culture.
By celebrating our members’ successes and telling their stories we can inspire others, learn, grow, and be more connected.
Below you can read all our success stories or you can search by the ATC department that assisted the member to their success.
Norma Jean Keeping
Today, Norma Jean Keeping is applying new project management skills in her work with greater confidence and understanding. This is a step forward that began when she enrolled in the Basics of Project Management program.
Aliesha Bighetty
Today, Aliesha Bighetty is operating one of the largest haul trucks in the world at the Syncrude Aurora site. A goal that began with enrolling in the Haul Truck Operator Program at Keyano College.
Isaac Smorong
When Isaac Smorong enrolled in the Holistic Skilled Labour Program, he knew this path would lead him to bigger things. Sure enough, these skills led him to the Suncor Haul Truck Operator Program and a career he is excited for.
Hannah Redden
Hannah Redden is a 23-year-old Métis woman whose interest in equipment operating began at a young age. From motorcycles to heavy machinery, she has always been fascinated by how things work.
Kimberly Cardinal
Kimberly Cardinal is a proud member of the Bigstone Cree Nation from Calling Lake, Alberta, Treaty 8. At 44, she is a mom, a grandma, and a “Deadly Auntie,” carrying cultural knowledge alongside a strong sense of humour.
Louisa S.
Louisa’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. As a thirty-eight-year-old Inuk woman from Wakeham Bay, Nunavik, Louisa Sakiagak, recently completed the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) Program, formerly known as the GED, through the Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC).
Sara V.
Sara Voyageur, a proud member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation from Fort Chipewyan, began her journey into project management in November 2024 after enrolling in the Basics of Project Management course offered through a partnership between Keyano College and Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC). She discovered the opportunity through ATC’s Facebook page and was accepted into the program just a few weeks after applying.
Reeve M.
For five years, Reeve Morton worked as an ironworker with Local 720, but deep down, he knew it was time for a change. As a proud member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN), Reeve sought new opportunities—ones that would challenge him while opening doors to a fulfilling career. That’s when he came across Keyano College’s Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program. With ATC’s support, he applied and was accepted, embarking on a hands-on learning experience that provided both practical skills and essential industry knowledge.
Dolores D.
Dolores is a 58-year-old Métis woman who was born in Fort Chipewyan but raised in Fort McMurray. Widowed at age 21, she raised two small boys and joined the workforce as a labourer. Dolores decided it was time for a different career path.
Chantal J.
Chantal is from Onion Lake First Nation on the border of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Looking for a change from her gas station job where she did see the opportunity for promotion happening, she participated in the Class 2S Melt Training program after seeing it advertised on Facebook and becoming interested.
COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
The Community-Based Environmental Monitoring (CBEM) program provides students with education and training in environmental monitoring by focusing on a “Two-Eyed Seeing” approach.
URBAN INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION PROGRAM
The Urban Indigenous Employment Preparation Program (UIEPP) is a unique Upskilling Program. The partnership between Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) and Keyano College sees First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people living in the Wood Buffalo region able to take courses to improve their the education and ultimately their resume, fueling opportunities for employment, career advancement, and continuing skills training toward their dreams.
INDIGENOUS HAUL TRUCK PROGRAM
The Indigenous Haul Truck program provides opportunities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people living in the Wood Buffalo region to get the training and skill needed to operate some of the largest machines used in the oil sands industry today.
