July 30, 2024 (Terrace, BC) – Clarisa Spencer of Kitselas First Nation has found her calling in the trades. Her journey from band administration and treaty negotiation to carpentry is a tribute to the power of curiosity, determination, and the desire to create a better future for herself and her community.
During a recent Discover Trades Camp, hosted by the Construction Foundation of BC and K5T, we sat down with Clarisa to talk about her experiences, the challenges and wins she faced, and her advice for young people, especially First Nations women, who are considering a career in the trades.
Clarisa’s journey into carpentry was driven by practicality and a desire for independence. As a homeowner, she wanted to be self-sufficient and not rely on others for repairs. In addition, she had a goal to build a new smokehouse for her father. Despite having no prior experience beyond high school woodworking classes, Clarisa embraced the challenge and discovered a passion for physical work and productivity.
Reflecting over the last few years, she shared that her career change brought numerous benefits. Clarisa no longer had to travel for work, allowing her to be home with her family every night. She also demonstrated to her children, especially her daughter, that it is possible to pursue new paths out of curiosity and find success.
“You don’t have to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life anymore. Life doesn’t work that way. You can do many things, and the trades open so many doors,” shared Clarisa.
Clarisa is a strong advocate for trades education, highlighting its benefits over traditional educational paths. She points out that trades are often overlooked in the western educational system, where the focus is typically on college degrees. However, trades offer practical, debt-free education that can lead to stable, well-paying jobs.
“You can actually get ahead instead of owing a significant amount for a degree,” added Clarisa. “After my first year, so many doors opened for me, it’s incredible how many paths you can take by starting a trade.”
One of Clarisa’s passions is mentoring others in the trades. She understands the challenges that come with balancing family responsibilities and career aspirations. Through mentorship, she aims to support individuals in overcoming barriers and reaching their goals.
“It’s a lot to handle if you have family and other responsibilities,” said Clarisa. “We’re [the K5T mentors] here to help you reach your goals and alleviate the pressure so that you can truly be free to cultivate your career.”
The excitement of waking up each day, not knowing what challenges lie ahead, but being ready to face them with practiced skills is something Clarisa finds incredibly satisfying.
“You grow and learn at the same time!”
For more information on the work being done by the Construction Foundation of BC and to donate, please visit cfbc.ca.
