In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration and youth empowerment, Experiential Skills Development Programming unfolded over a six year period in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory through a partnership with Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO).

This program offered 30 Indigenous youth—ages 17 to 29—an unforgettable opportunity to shape the future of their community. From helping build the new Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre to participating in the design and construction of custom furniture for its classrooms and gathering spaces, youth took part in every stage of creating a cultural hub that reflects their identity, skills, and vision for the next generation.

Program Goals: Skills, Culture, and Career Readiness

The overarching aim of the program is to:

• Introduce Indigenous youth to specialized trade and craft skills,
• Provide experiential learning that supports both personal growth and community building,
• Connect youth to culture through traditional teachings and creative expression from Elder’s and Knowledge Keepers, and
• Strengthen employment readiness through real-world training, workshops, and mentorship.

Youth Spotlight: Tyson’s Journey Building a Dream from the Ground Up

Tyson expressed that he wanted to join the program because he would be working on a building that meant a lot to him and his community: “It meant a lot to me. It meant we were helping the culture survive”. 

Tyson, a youth from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, took part in Focus Forward’s Construction Skills Development Program in 2024. Over the course of the 12-week program, he gained hands-on experience in a variety of trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and general construction. Tyson stood out for his dedication, reliability, and eagerness to learn—arriving early, staying engaged, and making the most of every learning opportunity. His commitment left a lasting impression on both facilitators and peers.

Following the program, Tyson was hired by a local contractor on the same job site where he had trained, allowing him to continue building his skills and experience in the trades as an employee. 

A lifelong dreamer of becoming a carpenter, Tyson now feels more driven than ever to pursue that path. One of his proudest accomplishments was learning to frame—a skill he used to build his own home in the community, turning his aspirations into reality and laying down roots for the future.

In Tyson’s own words: “What I enjoyed the most was the people I met along the way and being able to watch the building come together.”

Program Highlights by Phase

Phase 1: Youth-Led Visioning

15 high school students from Tyendinaga’s HOPE Program joined a No.9 workshop to design a vision for what would become the Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre. Their plans helped TTO secure land for the centre and funding for a feasibility study, laying the foundation for a strong partnership between FFFIY and TTO while affirming youth as key drivers of cultural revitalization.

Phase 2: Hands-On Experience with Purpose

“ I enjoy the work – extremely hard but fun. And, all of the guys I’ve worked with have been awesome.”

Program Participant

12 youth were engaged in a hands-on program combining cultural connection, life skills, and paid construction experience. While helping build the Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre, they gained trade skills, safety certifications, and a strengthened sense of cultural pride and belonging.

“I had an amazing experience and I will always be appreciative and grateful for the opportunity.”

Nick

Phase 3: Furniture Design Project

Building on the program’s success, 7 youth collaborated with No.9 and local artisans to design custom benches for the Kenhtè:ke Language and Cultural Centre. They explored modular design, native woods, and sustainable methods, creating culturally meaningful benches showcased at TTO.

Phase 4: Furniture Build Program

With finalized plans, this Summer 12 youth are building benches for the Centre’s gathering space, working with local artisans to gain hands-on carpentry experience. Using tools and blueprints, they developed technical skills and a lasting sense of pride in contributing to cultural learning.

Empowering Youth with Skills for Life

Since 2019, the Experiential Skills Development Program in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory has offered youth a rich and empowering learning experience—combining hands-on trade skills, leadership development, and a deep connection to culture and community. More than a training program, it gave youth the chance to contribute to a space dedicated to language revitalization and cultural renewal, grounding their learning in purpose and pride.

Participants completed comprehensive employment readiness workshops and earned industry-recognized certifications—including WHMIS, Working at Heights, Tool Safety, and Forklift Operation—equipping them for future opportunities with confidence. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, several youth transitioned directly into employment following the program.

Alongside technical training, the program fostered teamwork, problem solving, and leadership, equipping youth with transferable skills that extend far beyond the workplace. By blending cultural connection with real-world experience, this program helped youth build not only career pathways, but also a strong sense of identity, purpose, and belief in their ability to shape their own futures.