Indigenous Youth Jobs, Apprenticeships

2 Positions: Trappers Youth Apprentice
Organization: Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning
Location: Kam Lake, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Eligibility: Indigenous youth living in Yellowknife, Ndilo or Dettah NT
Type: paid, one-month apprenticeships, Jan 5 - 30, 2026

Role Mandate: The Trappers Apprentice Program is designed for youth to gain hands-on skills in ethical trapping, land travel and pelt preparation while learning traditional knowledge from elders and experienced trappers. Apprentices will develop practical skills, problem solve and understand how to implement intergenerational and land-based learning projects in the community.

Primary responsibilities: Your primary responsibility as a trapper apprentice is to learn on the land. You will work closely with Elders and experienced trappers. You are expected to be present, engaged, and ready to learn through doing. Physical work will include cutting trails, setting traps and trap boxes, preparing bait, maintaining equipment, and handling pelts. You will also co-facilitate workshops for other youth and community members and keep a daily reflection journal.

Approximately 80% of your time will be spent on the land , actively practicing trapping and land based skills, the other 20% of your time will be indoor or workshop setting for training, planning, and reflections.

Some of the activities that Apprentices will be doing are:

• Attending and completing the MVF trapper Workshop
• Working daily on traplines with Elders and staff
• Cutting trails, setting traps and boxes, preparing bait
• Maintaining tools
• Practicing winter travel navigation, and risk management
• Preparing pelts to grading standards
• Co-facilitating short workshops for youth and community
• Keeping a daily reflection journal and participating in group debriefs.

Recommended skills and attributes:

• Reliable and committed—showing up on time, and ready to work in winter conditions
• Willing to do physical labor and follow safety protocols and procedures
• Open to learning from Elders through observation, listening, and hands-on practice
• Interest in cultural teachings, and traditional skills
• Able to adapt and solve problems
• Clear communication and teamwork skills
• Curious, coachable and safety-minded

Nice-to-have Assets

• Prior experience on the land or with tools
• Having your own vehicle or skidoo
• First Aid/ Wilderness First Aid certification
• Class 5 drivers licence or winter travel experience

This position is intended for Indigenous youth living in Yellowknife, Ndilo, and Dettah.

Working Hours:

Two (2) positions are available for January 5th - 30th 2026.

Full time 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, with some flexibility for land based work. Morning safety meetings are mandatory. Transportation for program activities will be provided.

This position is based out of our office in Kam Lake, Yellowknife. The Apprentice is responsible for their own transportation to and from work daily, please let us know if this is a barrier for you.

Compensation and Supports:

• Hourly wage $29/hr
• Personal protective equipment, tools and safety gear provided

Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to:
admin@dechinta.ca

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.