O nce a member, always a member. That statement would wind up being true in more ways than one for an Indigenous woman with a dream of changing her life. Keepers of the Circle, an Indigenous Hub in northern Ontario, offers hope for Indigenous women and gender diverse individuals. It runs eight-week pre-employment and skills development training called Culture, Confidence and Competence (CCC). ‘Once a member, always a member’ signifies that taking training through Keepers of the Circle means that a woman is always welcome to further herself, both professionally and personally, with the support of an organization that prides itself on doing whatever it takes to support their journey. Kellie Morin, a resident of Sault St. Marie, took the CCC program with Keepers of the Circle in May 2023. It was during Career Week that she attended a presentation by Local 793 Indigenous Relations Coordinator Jim Jacobs, learning about the training offered by the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO). Having had some experience of working with heavy equipment, at the end of the course Kellie was certain about what she wanted to pursue as a career. However, having taken time off to address some personal issues, it wasn’t until the summer of 2024 that she was once again ready to take the next step, turning to her support system at Keepers of the Circle for guidance. Encouraged to take the Heavy Equipment Operator trade entrance exam, Kellie passed it at the first attempt and secured a spot in OETIO’s fall apprenticeship intake. With her friends at the Keepers of the Circle in her corner, Kellie completed her online training and embarked for Morrisburg, 10 hours and a world away from home. Over the course of the next 15 weeks, Kellie overcame self-doubt and proved to herself that she could do anything she put her mind to. As each day passed, her dream of becoming an Indigenous woman heavy equipment operator came nearer. The dedicated staff at Keepers of
Kellie’s a Keeper
Dream of being an OE comes true with a little help from her friends
Shawna McKenzie, Indigenous Women in Skilled Trades Project Coordinator at Keepers, said, “Kellie was easy to work with. If she was struggling with something and called us, she always took the advice and reassurance that was offered to her. She was highly coachable, which was how we knew she was going to succeed.” Kellie graduated with her class in December 2024 and is now a member of Local 793, working on a jobsite in southern Ontario. Brother Jacobs said, “I’m so proud of Kellie and her journey through OETIO and becoming a member of Local 793. I could sense her determination
the Circle kept close tabs on Kellie, making sure she knew they were never more than a phone call away. They considered themselves her cheer squad. Keepers of the Circle’s Shawna McKenzie (right) was part of the cheer squad that helped Kellie (left) succeed.
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