08/14/2026
There’s something special about watching a group learn together. The questions, the encouragement, the laughter, and the moments when someone steps up without hesitation.
That’s what stood out during the first week of the 2026 Thermolog Training Program in Missanabie Cree First Nation.
Ten trainees came together within Missanabie Cree First Nation to begin their training journey, starting with a week of hands-on Health & Safety learning. Important skills were being built every day, but some of our favourite moments were the ones that showed the personalities behind the program.
During Working at Heights training, Conlan became part of the obstacle course when he stepped in as a “tree” that trainees had to navigate around using their dual tethering systems. Charlie brought her own personality to the exercise, channeling Jack from Titanic while working her way through the course.
First Aid training brought just as much commitment. Lori and Steven worked together to “save Timmy,” the CPR training doll. Alysha made sure her role as a patient with second-degree burns felt as realistic as possible. And when Jesseca stepped into a scenario with an injured eye, Blythe was right there, ready to assess the situation and put what he had learned into action.
There was a lot of learning packed into the week, but something else was taking shape too: trust.
People supported one another, got comfortable trying something new, shared a few laughs, and became more confident with every exercise. That matters.
At One Bowl, we believe building homes and building capacity go hand in hand. Training like this is about more than learning how to use a tool or respond in an emergency. It’s about creating opportunities, strengthening knowledge and skills within community, and building confidence that remains long after the training is complete.
Now, these ten trainees are moving into three weeks of hands-on Thermolog construction training. They’ll continue learning alongside one another while putting those skills into practice on seven homes within their community.
The homes are an important part of this work. So are the people building them.
Week One showed what this crew is capable of, and they’re just getting started.