About 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.
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 is a multi-disciplinary digital professional and lifelong learner with over 30 years of experience in web development, graphic design, digital media, and I.T. strategy. As CTO and Partner at ISTA, Kelly brings his broad technical background and creative mindset to support the organization’s mission of increasing opportunities for Indigenous peoples in skilled trades and technical careers across Canada.
Working alongside ISTA Founder and CEO Ralph Makokis, and in collaboration with educational partners like NAIT, Kelly is proud to contribute to the development of tools and platforms that help Indigenous communities thrive. His focus is on building accessible, culturally informed digital infrastructure that enhances outreach, supports training initiatives, and connects individuals with career opportunities.
With a strong belief in community-driven progress, Kelly sees technology not just as a tool—but as a pathway to empowerment, visibility, and long-term growth for Indigenous individuals, organizations, and nations.
Lee Quachegan — Founder & Visionary Leader
Lee Quachegan, originally from Moosonee and Moose Factory, is the founder and driving force behind United Cree. United Cree+1
🧭 Background & Heritage
Lee brings to United Cree a deep personal connection to his Cree heritage and northern Indigenous communities. His roots inform both the values and strategic direction of the company — emphasizing respect, community, and sustainable economic opportunity. United Cree
🏗 Strategic Vision & Leadership
Under Lee’s leadership, United Cree has grown into a diversified services firm offering heavy equipment rental, modular construction, remote housing, drilling services, and industrial infrastructure solutions — all engineered to meet complex demands in mining, resource development, and remote-site operations across Canada. United Cree+1
Lee’s strategic vision positions United Cree not just as a service provider, but as a catalyst for Indigenous employment, skills development, and long-term community-driven economic growth. He champions a model where operational excellence meets cultural integrity — ensuring that business success benefits Indigenous people, their communities, and broader Canadian industry alike.
🤝 Alignment with ISTA & Shared Purpose
As a partner to ISTA, Lee Quachegan brings both an entrepreneurial track record and a deeply rooted commitment to Indigenous success. His leadership amplifies ISTA’s national mission by demonstrating what Indigenous ownership, professional capacity, and sector-leading ambition can accomplish when empowered with opportunity. Together, ISTA and Lee (through United Cree) stand to expand Indigenous presence in skilled trades — from heavy-equipment operations to modular construction, drilling, and remote-workforce infrastructure across Canada.
“Partnering with ISTA means expanding the circle of opportunity — connecting Indigenous learners not just with training but with the real work and workplaces that build strong communities.”
— Lee Quachegan, Founder of United Cree
Our National Industry Partners
ISTA collaborates with Indigenous-owned enterprises that expand industry pathways and workforce opportunities for our learners. One such partner is United Cree, whose operational expertise strengthens our ability to connect training to real trades careers and employment readiness.
United Cree is a 100% Indigenous-owned and operated enterprise based out of Timmins, Ontario.
What United Cree Does
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United Cree provides a wide range of heavy-equipment rentals and sales — excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, articulated rock trucks, packers and more — all maintained to high standards to ensure project safety and reliability.
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The company extends beyond equipment rental: through a modular manufacturing arm, United Cree delivers prefabricated and modular solutions for industrial infrastructure, mining-camp housing, remote workforce accommodations, commercial and institutional buildings — built with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and rapid deployment.
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Through its subsidiary or affiliated service line United Cree Rouillier, the company also offers specialized surface, underground, sonic, helicopter, geotechnical, environmental, and in-situ drilling services — leveraging a fleet of 30+ drilling rigs to support mining and resource-sector clients.
Mission, Values & Indigenous Commitment
United Cree’s core identity is rooted in its Indigenous ownership, culture, and values. As a fully Indigenous-led firm, the company places a strong emphasis on community, integrity, respect for heritage, and delivering business services in a way that honours Indigenous identity.
Since its founding roughly seven years ago, United Cree has maintained a commitment to reliability, professionalism, and community-centered growth — aligning business success with the long-term well-being of Indigenous communities.
What United Cree Brings to ISTA
By partnering with ISTA, United Cree expands our national reach into the heavy equipment, modular construction, and drilling sectors — areas critical to large infrastructure, resource, mining, and energy projects across Canada. Their demonstrated capacity for heavy equipment rental, modular construction, remote workforce housing, and drilling services deepens ISTA’s service portfolio and strengthens our ability to deliver full-cycle support to Indigenous workers, communities, and industry partners.
Moreover, United Cree’s values-based, Indigenous-owned structure amplifies ISTA’s mission: building Indigenous capacity, creating meaningful careers, and driving economic reconciliation.
Through this partnership, ISTA learners gain exposure to sector-leading trades environments, from heavy-equipment operations and drilling services to modular construction and site logistics — translating classroom skills into meaningful on-site experience and employment pathways.
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.
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.
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 with Indigenous-owned industry leaders like United Cree, while working closely with Indigenous leaders and communities. These strategic partnerships ensure that our training is of the highest quality, culturally relevant, and respectful of time-honoured traditions.
By collaborating with organizations such as United Cree — whose expertise spans heavy equipment operations, modular construction, and remote workforce infrastructure — ISTA strengthens the bridge between education and employment. 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.
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Empowerment
We are committed to empowering Indigenous youth through education and skill development.
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Community
We believe in the strength of community and work to foster strong, supportive networks.
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Sustainability
Our projects aim to create long-lasting, positive impacts on community infrastructure and economic stability.
