Emily Ouelette

Emily is currently in her last semester of the Architecture Technology Program at St. Clair College. Creativity comes naturally to Emily because she enjoys the process of designing something and seeing that design come to life.

“I’m most excited to be part of a project and see that building be completed in real life,” Emily said. “Before studying architecture, I didn’t realize how big of an affect a building can have on a community and I look forward to being able to create that effect positively.”

Emily completed her Woodworking Technician Diploma in 2017 and is also a recipient of OFNTSC’s 2019 Student Scholarship Awards. She is now the president of the Architecture Club at her school. Her skills and interest in woodworking transferred perfectly into the field of Architecture and she loves the career path she has chosen.

Emily believes that First Nations youth should pursue technical careers because there are “many transferrable skills such as analytical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail, communication, and computer skills.”

“A common misconception about the technical field is that you only need technical skills,” Emily said. “It’s important to be able to communicate your technical skills in a way that can be under - stood by clients, or someone who doesn’t know anything about the field.”

Emily looks forward to one day giving back to her community and hopes that other youth will choose to pursue a career in architecture technology, or a related field. “I hope, in the future, to be able to make an impact in the First Nations communities with my innovative ideas and passion for sustainability,” Emily said.

“I also hope to be able to encourage other First Nations people, especially women, to study science and technology related fields, and to utilize their knowledge to help our communities.”