Connecting People, Equipment, and Projects to Build Community Capacity
The ISTA Trifecta Model
At the Indigenous Skilled Trades Alliance (ISTA), we work differently than traditional training providers or contractors.
We don’t just train people.
We don’t just bring equipment.
And we don’t just build projects.
We connect all three — intentionally, respectfully, and in partnership with Indigenous communities.
This approach ensures that training leads to real jobs, projects build local capacity, and communities gain long-term benefits — not short-term solutions.
Everything we do is guided by a simple principle:
Strong communities are built when three elements work together:
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People & Skills (Training and Trades)
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Tools & Capability (Heavy Equipment and Industry Support)
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Outcomes & Impact (Housing and Infrastructure Projects)
ISTA exists to bring these three elements together in a coordinated, community-driven way.
Step 1: We Start With Community Priorities
Every engagement begins by listening.
We work with:
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Indigenous leadership
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community administrators
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housing authorities
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economic development teams
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partner organizations
Together, we identify:
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community needs (housing, infrastructure, workforce development)
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local goals and timelines
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readiness for training or project delivery
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opportunities for Indigenous employment and skills development
There is no one-size-fits-all model. Each community engagement is shaped by local priorities, culture, and capacity.
Step 2: We Align Training With Real Opportunities
ISTA delivers culturally grounded skilled trades training that prepares Indigenous participants for meaningful, real-world work.
Training is designed to:
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reflect current industry standards
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respect Indigenous knowledge and ways of learning
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prepare participants for actual job environments
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support long-term career pathways, not short-term placements
Crucially, training is aligned with real projects and equipment environments, so learners are preparing for work that actually exists.
Step 3: We Integrate Industry & Equipment Support
Through partnerships with Indigenous-owned industry leaders — including United Cree — ISTA connects training with the tools and equipment required to get the work done.
This includes access to:
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heavy equipment and specialized machinery
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site preparation and civil works capability
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modular and remote infrastructure support
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operational expertise and mentorship
This step bridges the gap between classroom learning and real job sites — helping participants understand how skills are applied in practice.
Step 4: We Support Housing & Infrastructure Development
ISTA helps communities move from planning to action.
Depending on the project, this may include:
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workforce mobilization support
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equipment-enabled site preparation
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modular or conventional construction support
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training-to-project pipelines
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exposure to housing, infrastructure, and community build environments
The goal is not just to complete a project — but to ensure that Indigenous people are involved, trained, and positioned to maintain and build future projects themselves.
Step 5: We Build Long-Term Community Capacity
Our work does not end when training finishes or a project is delivered.
ISTA’s model is designed to leave behind:
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skilled local workers
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increased employment readiness
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greater familiarity with equipment and project workflows
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stronger community confidence in managing future development
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pathways for youth and adults into sustainable trades careers
This is how short-term projects become long-term community strength.
Build With Us
Whether you are a community leader, an industry partner, or a learner exploring the skilled trades, ISTA offers pathways that honor Indigenous heritage while opening new doors to economic opportunity.
