Aboriginal Women Take on Trades Despite Challenges

According to CBC News, the enrolment of Aboriginal women in trade schools is on the rise. While this is positive, the women face significant barriers to entering the trades.

One factor is childcare, because Aboriginal women have children at younger ages and another is that a lot of the native community doesn’t have drivers’ licenses. Often, it’s not that they just don’t have a license; employers require that applicants have a vehicle. This limits job opportunities.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada says Aboriginal women have lower incomes compared to non-Aboriginal women. They also work in lower level occupational categories.

“I want to see positive, healthy Indigenous communities,” says Captain Shari Russell, Aboriginal Liaison with The Salvation Army. “Everyone has gifts and strengths to contribute.”

Aboriginal peoples’ involvement in the economy comes despite formidable odds.