United Cree, an Indigenous-owned provider of industrial services and infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the Indigenous Skilled Trades Alliance (ISTA) — a leading Indigenous-led organization focused on advancing training, employment, and economic engagement for Indigenous skilled tradespeople across Canada.

This partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for Indigenous workers, supporting world-class training pathways, and connecting highly capable talent with demand-driven employment in sectors such as mining, energy, utilities, infrastructure development, and modular construction.

“We’re delighted to partner with ISTA to deepen workforce development and create meaningful pathways for Indigenous skilled tradespeople,” said Lee Quachegan at United Cree. “By aligning our operational expertise with ISTA’s proven training and engagement frameworks, we can support Indigenous communities, employers, and project partners in building a strong, resilient, and well-trained workforce.”

The United Cree — ISTA partnership will focus on:

• Skilled Trades Training Access: Expanding opportunities for Indigenous people to access high-quality, industry-aligned trades training in areas such as heavy equipment operation, civil works, drilling support, logistics, and modular construction.

• Certified Competency Development: Supporting credentialed training and recognition of competencies that meet the requirements of major industrial and infrastructure employers.

• Employment Pathway Alignment: Creating clear employment pathways so that candidates who complete training are well positioned for meaningful work with United Cree and allied project partners.

• Community Engagement & Support: Strengthening connections with Indigenous communities to support culturally responsive recruitment, retention, and long-term career success.

“ISTA is committed to building bridges between Indigenous talent and opportunity,” said [Name, Title] of the Indigenous Skilled Trades Alliance. “Our partnership with United Cree advances that mission by linking training outcomes with real work opportunities in sectors that are central to economic development and community well-being.”

Canada’s infrastructure and industrial sectors are experiencing sustained demand for skilled tradespeople. At the same time, Indigenous communities continue to advocate for expanded participation in the workforce that supports local employment, community prosperity, and long-term economic resilience.

This partnership is designed to deliver on those outcomes by:

• Reducing barriers to training and employment

• Supporting safe, well-structured workforce development

• Encouraging retention and career progression in skilled trades

• Enhancing project performance through reliable, well-trained teams

About United Cree

United Cree is an Indigenous-owned provider of integrated industrial services spanning drilling, heavy equipment rentals and sales, civil works, logistics, modular infrastructure, and specialized access solutions. United Cree operates with a strong commitment to safety, quality, environmental stewardship, and respectful collaboration.

About the Indigenous Skilled Trades Alliance (ISTA)

The Indigenous Skilled Trades Alliance (ISTA) is a national Indigenous-led organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous participation in the skilled trades. Through training partnerships, employer engagement, and community-centered programming, ISTA connects Indigenous talent with real opportunities across industries.