Growing up on Haida Gwaii, my youth and early twenties were defined by the freedom of nature—days spent on windswept beaches, climbing mossy mountains, and exploring the wild beauty of the islands.
Life was simple but rich in its own way. Leaving that behind to pursue work and education was a major leap, filled with challenges and unexpected lessons that continue to shape how I lead today.
When I first left Haida Gwaii, I was lucky to have Prince George as my stepping stone before the bigger leap to Vancouver. It was a small enough environment to feel familiar but offered a glimpse into a broader world.
However, the biggest learning didn’t come from classrooms but from the mentorship I received, especially in my work with the Haida Gwaii Youth Stewardship Program back at home.
Leading this program taught me the importance of preserving our natural heritage while instilling the values of hard work, community, and safety in our youth—values I still carry with me.
A pivotal figure in my early career was Larry Duke, who mentored me in workplace safety. Larry was more than just a mentor; he was a guide through the intricacies of safety protocols, showing me how to assess risks, speak up when something felt wrong, and look out for the well-being of others.
My job was making sure the teens we hired went home safely each day to their parents. His lessons were practical but also deeply human, rooted in the understanding that safety isn’t just about regulations—it’s about genuinely caring for the people you work with.
These experiences taught me the value of mentorship, especially for young and new workers, who are often stepping into unfamiliar territory.
According to Worksafe BC, “young and new workers” are defined as those aged 15 to 30, many of whom are navigating the workforce for the first time. Mentorship isn’t just about professional advice; it’s about understanding where someone is coming from and meeting them halfway.
For youth on Haida Gwaii and in other remote communities, the challenges of getting to work can be basic yet significant. With no public transit, limited access to bike shops, and often no one at home to help with simple fixes, just making it to a job site can feel like an insurmountable task.
This is why we, as employers, need to be flexible in supporting them. Whether it’s allowing remote work, arranging rides, or picking them up a few days a week, these gestures aren’t just about logistics — they’re about showing that these young workers are valued, not burdens.
Creating a supportive work environment is crucial, especially for youth who may be dealing with additional barriers. It’s about making them feel welcome and ensuring our workplaces are safe, adhering to standards and going a step beyond.
Young workers might not yet have the experience to identify workplace hazards or the confidence to speak up when something feels wrong. We need to provide clear training, consistent feedback, and an open line of communication so they know they have a voice.
Hiring youth also brings incredible value to the workplace. They are savvy with technology, quick to learn, and bring fresh perspectives that can challenge old ways of thinking.
Their digital fluency can often offer new solutions and approaches that can benefit the whole organization. Engaging youth in meaningful ways isn’t just about filling a position; it’s about inviting innovation, energy, and adaptability into the team.
As a manager, I’m still figuring things out. But one thing is clear: the journey from youth to professional is rarely straightforward. It’s filled with detours, learning moments, and unexpected challenges, especially when Haida Gwaii was all you knew.
My experiences—and the journey from Haida Gwaii to larger cities—have taught me that real leaders are those who remember what it was like to be new, lost, or out of place.
We need to be approachable, supportive, and, above all, willing to invest in the people who are just starting their journeys. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about helping young workers feel seen, safe, and empowered to succeed. I challenge more employers to step up and be that guiding hand for youth.
Because it’s through mentoring, flexibility, and genuine care that we cultivate not just good workers, but strong, resilient, capable members of our community.