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Indigenous Skilled Trades Alliance (ISTA)
Welcome to the Indigenous Skilled Trades Alliance (ISTA)

We are a dedicated group of professionals committed to empowering Indigenous communities through education and skilled trades training.

Meet The Team

At ISTA, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between tradition and innovation by empowering Indigenous communities through skilled trades education and training. Our mission is to create opportunities for Indigenous youth to learn, grow, and thrive in their careers while contributing to the sustainable development and enhancement of their communities.

Our Mission

We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. Our comprehensive programs are designed to provide Indigenous youth with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the trades. By fostering a culture of learning and empowerment, we aim to improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities within Indigenous communities, ensuring a prosperous future for all.

Ralph Makokis
CEO, Founder

Ralph Makokis

A community Liaison Specialist with over 25 years’ experience in regulatory consultation, resource development, community affairs and stakeholder engagement.

Extensive experience in the areas of: Project Assessment, Negotiation (Partnership/Joint Ventures) and Economic and Business Development. Instructional design, curriculum development and facilitator: educational, employment and technical training and cultural programming (Nechi Institute – curriculum developer and trainer).

Federal Government departments: Indian and Northern Affairs, Public Works Canada. Industrial – Oil and Gas, Forestry.

Kelly Eros, CEO/Director; Alchemy Imageworks, Alchemy Interactive
CTO, Partner

Kelly Eros

Biography Coming Soon

NAIT - A Leading Polytechnic
Partner

NAIT - A Leading Polytechnic

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is located in Edmonton, Alberta, and is one of Canada’s largest and leading polytechnic schools. Grow your meaningful career with hands-on and applied learning, small class sizes and using the latest technology.

University of Alberta
Partner

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta in Edmonton is one of the top teaching and research universities in Canada, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering and health sciences.

Alchemy Imageworks
Partner

Alchemy Imageworks

A world-class, full-service 360-degree digital media, marketing and information technology solutions company. A multi-talented and expertly diversified company that can ensure your business has the exact set of tools it needs to not only survive, but to thrive, and to excel above the competition. Website development, domains and secure hosting, professional graphic design, 3D digital animation, branding & marketing strategy, search engine optimization (SEO) and PPC account management, social marketing and some of the best award-winning service and support in the industry.”

Our Approach

ISTA’s approach is holistic and culturally inclusive. We partner with leading educational institutions such as the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and work closely with Indigenous leaders and communities. These strategic partnerships ensure that our training is of the highest quality, culturally relevant, and respectful of time-honored traditions. Our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of Indigenous communities, integrating traditional knowledge with modern skills to create a balanced and enriching learning experience.

Join Us

We invite you to learn more about our programs and initiatives. Whether you are an aspiring tradesperson, a community leader, or a potential partner, there are many ways to get involved and support our mission. Together, we can build a brighter, more prosperous future for Indigenous communities.

Our Values

Cultural Respect

We honour and integrate Indigenous traditions and values into all our programs and initiatives.

01

Empowerment

We are committed to empowering Indigenous youth through education and skill development.

02

Community

We believe in the strength of community and work to foster strong, supportive networks.

03

Sustainability

Our projects aim to create long-lasting, positive impacts on community infrastructure and economic stability.

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