Skylar Manitowabi

As a young man from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Skylar strongly believes that pursuing a technical career will give him the tools and experience he needs to be successful.

After graduating from Algonquin College with an Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Skylar decided to enroll in the Bachelor of Technology - Civil Engineering Infrastructure Technology program at McMaster University. As a result, he has a lot of advice for other youth wishing to take a similar path in school.

“Students that are considering post-secondary schooling should not feel any pressure to have a quick decision about what they want to do for the rest of their lives,” said Skylar. “It can be scary to think that but try to base your decision on your own interests/ skills/what you are good at and try to find a program that best suits you!”

Skylar values education as a strong foundation to build upon and having hands-on job experience is important to him. “Seeing the efforts and labour of your work has such a positive impact on you,” he said. “That sense of pride in your work will only push your farther in your career.”

In the future, Skylar hopes to be an inspiration to First Nation youth both within and outside of his home community. “I hope that my successes in education and a career in STEM will motivate youth to pursue a similar path.” Skylar would like to bring what he learned back to his community so he can “integrate new solutions with traditional teachings and most importantly, teach our communities.”

Skylar is a recipient of OFNTSC’s 2019 Robert Olivier Memorial Award.