My name is Raven Hillenbrand. I am from the Gitxaala Nation. I am of Raven/Ganhada clan, from the house of Dza’Wilaks. As an indigenous woman from an ancient culture, I need to introduce myself through my nation and tribal lineage. I moved from my community in Northern BC to the city to further my education and seek career opportunities. In 2009 Access Trades had a posting for “Woman in Trades,” they offered training at the Piping Industry College. I applied and was successfully accepted into the course. They not only provided me the training and essential skills necessary to meet the industry’s present and future needs and to optimize my employability but also offered additional support to students in bus fare, meal allowance, and childcare. I was a single mother of two children at the time and that support was what I needed to fully take hold of this opportunity to change my life and that of my children. From there I went on and completed the woman in the Trades Exploratory Program. It introduced us to the plumbing, pipefitting, sprinkler fitting and welding. I chose Plumbing as my trade. I then registered for foundations. Once I completed foundations, I went out into the field to gain experience as a plumber’s apprentice. There were, challenges and I found that I had to prove myself. I had to prove myself to others and myself! I am grateful for such a strong and compassionate union, The United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices for the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada (UA) Local 170. They never gave up on me and I was able to come back and successfully complete my apprenticeship. I am now a Licensed Plumber, Gasfitter and Steamfitter. I have worked in Vancouver and the lower mainland on new high-rise buildings, from the ground up! I am currently employed with Piping Industry College as Plumbing Instructor; I enjoy learning and teaching others what was thought to me. !
I am grateful today and I want to thank Our Union UA local 170 for their support, my fellow brothers and sisters across the country, my family and friends.