All Roads program: Construction pathways cultivating success in Indigenous communities

KAMPLOOPS, B.C. — The Construction Foundation of British Columbia (CFBC) is paving the way for success with its All Roads program.

In collaboration with Indigenous communities across B.C. it’s shaping futures using individualized roadmaps tailored to match the participants’ professional goals with their community’s needs and circumstances.

For example, the Nuxalk First Nation cohort emerged from the area’s need for skilled maintenance employers. Rooted in local recruitment efforts, this program transformed 12 individuals into a cohesive team. All participants completed their level one of the residential building maintenance worker program.

Meanwhile, the Blueberry River First Nation cohort was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, reshaping the program’s execution. Adjustments included delivering laptops for remote sessions and ‘Kid’s Kits’ to keep participants’ children engaged during class hours. A notable achievement for this group was several members obtaining their adult dogwood diplomas.

Differing from the others, the Kamloops cohort was a blend of individuals from various communities. This geographical diversity fostered a unique sense of community, with an all-female group opening discussions on female participation and empowerment.

According to a recent press release, the All Roads program is gaining traction through organic growth, with its reach and impact expanding significantly across B.C.

“What started out as a project focused on working with seven First Nation communities has grown over the span of four years to grow largely by word of mouth to numerous communities in the province and a large number of urban First Nations residents,” says Michelle Canaday, director of first nations initiatives, in the release.