Ontario First Nations Technically Speaking 'Cast

Listen as host Chelsey Johnson speaks with Dr. Judge about education and traditional ecological practices ahead of his appearance at our Technical Youth Career Outreach Program's Youth Summit in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, in November of 2024. In this thought-provoking premiere of the second season of the Technically Speaking Podcast, Dr. Judge shares his ideas about Indigenous science, culture, and history, gleaned from his life of learning.

In the season finale of the Ontario First Nations Technically Speaking Podcast, host Chelsey Johnson sits down with OFNTSC's Darko Dimitrijevic to discuss his unique position as a project manager.Project management requires a special blend of interpersonal skills, relationship building, and a diverse educational background. Join us in learning all about it in the last episode of the year!

OFNTSC Director of Operations Glen Goodman sits down with host Chelsey Johnson to discuss his work overseeing essential services like the Circuit Rider Training Program (CRTP), the OFNTSC Hub, fire safety, and Canada's only Indigenous-led fuel training program.Glen shares how these initiatives empower First Nation communities by building local expertise and career opportunities. Tune in to explore OFNTSC's transformative efforts toward self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a future led by Indigenous youth in STEM.

Host Chelsey Johnson talks with OFNTSC Senior Environmental Scientist Erica Tropea about working in OFNTSC's Environmental Service, including her work coordinating The First Nation-led Source Water Protection Planning Workshops, working with community landfill programs, and combating climate change. Erica also gives her perspective on being a woman in a STEM-focused career and offers some advice to young women who may be considering a career in a technical field.

This month Host Chelsey Johnson sits down with Josh Goodman, a Mechanical Millwright, and Tyler Tenniscoe, a Millwright Apprentice, to share insights into their roles, responsibilities, and the collaborative work they do to maintain water and wastewater treatment plants across many First Nations communities. They explain the nature of their hands-on training and the structure of the millwright apprenticeship program, including the balance between on-the-job learning and classroom education.

OFNTSC's new Fire and Safety Coordinator Josh Jamieson sits down with host Chelsey Johnson to discuss his journey to ONFTSC. Join us as Josh tells us about his work as a volunteer Firefighter in Six Nations and a Red Seal Electrician with Hydro One. Josh also talks about his plans and goals for the future of OFNTSC's Fire and Safety Service.

TYCOP coordinator (and podcast editor) Jordan Molduch leaves the editing desk and steps in front of the microphone to talk about retooling our Technical Youth Career Outreach Project (TYCOP). And, learn more about Jordan's unique journey that led him to OFNTSC.

Theo Hill joins Chelsey to talk about his transition from full-time Hockey player in the OHL to his current Internship in OFNTSC's Infrastructure Service. Listen in and learn about Theo's influences on his route to a career at OFNTSC and his advice for youth thinking of entering the technical field.

In recognition of Earth Day today, we're excited to release a special podcast episode featuring OFNTSC's Regional Solid Waste Specialist, Heidi Manitowabi. Learn all about Heidi's career as she delves into the motivating factors shaping her path toward a profession centered around environmentalism and solid waste management. Heidi will also be offering her expertise on some of the necessary steps to enact positive change in environmental preservation, particularly through the lens of Indigenous perspectives on climate change.

OFNTSC Executive Director, Melanie Debassige, shares insights on International Women's Day, her professional journey, influences, plans for the organization's future, and the benefits of CrossFit, along with the importance of carving out time to indulge in a good book! Transcript: https://ofntsc.org/blog/podcast-transcript-s1-e4-internationa-womens-day-special-our-executive-director-melanie

Operations and Maintenance Supervisor Elmer Lickers sits down with Chelsey to discuss his memories of the early years of OFNTSC, as well as what the future holds for his service and projects.

Shaye Dale discusses the CRTP program and shares insights into entering the water operation industry. Delve into his journey, offering valuable perspective on the challenges and rewards of working in the field. Whether you're aspiring or curious, tune in for an informative exploration of water management. Transcript available here: https://ofntsc.org/blog/podcast-transcript-s1-e2-where-water-flows-shaye-dale-goes

In this episode, we discuss the importance of having smoke alarms, testing your smoke alarms, and maintaining your smoke alarms. Our guest Nathan Hill also talks about how you and your family can create a home fire escape plan to keep you safe.