A carpenter works on his craft during a previous event and a previous entry of Indigenous artwork by Aaron Johnson. (Submitted Photo/Dan Griffith)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Competition

Students to compete in Northern Skills Regional this Thursday

Feb 28, 2024 | 2:31 PM

#TheNorthGotSkills is more than hashtag for this year’s Meadow Lake Tribal Council Northern Skills Regional Event held in partnership with Skills Canada Saskatchewan; it’s an attitude.

“The competitors get an opportunity to showcase their skills in a variety of different events,” said Dan Griffith, practical and applied arts consultant with MLTC.

The event brings together students in Grade 10 to 12 from northern community schools including Clearwater River Dene Nation School, Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation School, Waterhen Lake First Nation High School and across four school boards – Northern Lights School Division, Northwest School Division, and Ile a la Crosse School Division. Students then compete in 13 categories such including construction, paddle making, Indigenous art, photography, and public speaking.

“The atmosphere is always high energy, the kids are thrilled to showcase what they can do, the judging and parents and teacher chaperones are all super excited to show what their students are able to provide,” said Griffith.

“We’re hoping to see some fantastic different projects coming out.”

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The competition will take place at the North West Regional College and Carpenter High School in Meadow Lake on Thursday, Feb. 29 and will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Griffith said the goal for the students is to give them the opportunity to create, try new things and perhaps it’ll lead them down a career path.

The event is more than just a regional showing. If students place well, they move onto the SCS Provincial Skills Competition this year held in Regina. From there, they have the chance to go to nationals and even internationals.

“I really believe a lot of this Indigenous artwork and Indigenous work is starting to come back,” he said.

“Promoting that and showing what our kids can do and that these skills are still alive and well I think is super important for our communities.”

To follow along or to see pictures and video of the day, use #thenorthgotskills on Instagram.