'I feel pretty badass': Indigenous women dive into welding at Aurora College

A new welding workshop at Aurora College in Fort Smith, N.W.T., is giving Indigenous women hands-on training and a boost of confidence in a field traditionally dominated by men.

The WeldHER+ Workshop, which is running April 7-17, is tuition-free and designed specifically for Indigenous women. Participants say it's opening doors to careers they never imagined, and building a sense of belonging in the skilled trades.

"I was shy to get into this course until I found out it was for women," said Dora Hansen, one of five participants.

The program is part of the Canadian Welding Bureau's (CWB) Women of Steel initiative. It includes 54 hours of training, introductory welding and joining skills, access to safety certification and exposure to industry-recognized standards like CWB structural testing.

Hansen said she joined the course because it seemed like a good opportunity. But it turned out to be more than that. 

"I feel pretty badass," Hansen said. "My favorite part was yesterday, when I started not only getting the hang of welding, but actually perfecting my lines and being more consistent."

She is now encouraging other women to overcome their hesitation if they want to get into the trade. She said participants are proving that women can succeed in trades traditionally dominated by men. 

"I'm actually kind of proud of my work, and I'm not nervous to do it anymore," she said. "You feel so accomplished."

For instructor Richard Bird, a Red Seal welder and carpenter who typically teaches shop class at Paul William Kaeser High School, the growth he's seen in just a few days is remarkable.

"From no welding experience to doing some pretty good welds, it's amazing to see," he said. "Some of them are amazing welders, and they love it."

Bird said women bring a unique enthusiasm and potential to welding and he believes there is an essential need for women in the field. He said it's not just welcome, but valuable. 

He was also very proud that some participants see welding as a potential career. 

"Right now is the best time to be in trades. There are so many opportunities," he said. 

Hansen said she plans to return to school this fall to upgrade her courses in preparation for welding classes being reintroduced to Fort Smith in 2026. Raine Simba is another participant who wants to pursue welding as a career – after thinking it would be an interesting course to take while visiting the community. 

She said the experience has been so intense that "no words could describe it."

Her favourite part has been overcoming the challenges she first experienced, like feeling claustrophobic behind the welding helmet. Simba said focusing on her breathing, keeping a slow pace, and concentrating on the task helped her with that initial hurdle.

"Once you actually get focused into it, it all goes away," she said. "It's just so much fun."

Simba also likes that the workshop challenges gender stereotypes and hopes that it changes the way people see women in trades.

"Women can do anything," she said. "Men tell you what you can't and can do, it's so dumb. It's not just based on gender labels."

Simba said the experience has changed her life, and she hopes the workshop encourages more women to consider welding and the trades. She said it just takes baby steps and a little courage.

"Just do it," she said. "The sooner the better, your age doesn't matter. Anyone can do it."