Earning an Income 

1. Introduction – Why Talking About Income Matters

Money is a big part of life. It helps us pay for food, clothing, housing, phones, and fun things too. But money is more than just bills and coins. When we earn money, we gain freedom. We can take care of ourselves, support our families, and even help our communities grow stronger.

Talking about income means talking about the different ways we can make money in our lives. For Indigenous youth in southern Saskatchewan, there are many ways to earn an income. Some paths include becoming a doctor, a teacher, or a lawyer. Others choose trades like carpentry or welding. And more and more Indigenous people are starting businesses, creating art, or sharing their knowledge and culture in ways that earn money.

No matter which path you choose, it’s important to know your options. Knowing about jobs, salaries, and training helps you make smart choices. It also helps you dream bigger. You might find out about a job you’ve never heard of, or you might realize that something you love—like working with your hands, storytelling, or fixing things—can become a career.

It’s also important to remember that money is not the only goal. Your path should give you pride and purpose. It should connect with who you are, where you come from, and what you want for the future. Many Indigenous people are finding ways to earn income that also celebrate their identity and help their communities.

This handout is here to show you what’s possible. You will learn about careers, trades, and other ways to make money—some you may already know, and some that may surprise you. You’ll also find local supports and tips to help you get started.

Your journey is your own. Whether you want to work with people, tools, the land, or a computer, there is a path for you. And every path starts with knowledge—so let’s begin.

3. Career Pathways – Jobs That Need School After High School

Some jobs need more school after high school. These jobs can take longer to train for, but they often pay more money and give you a chance to help your community in big ways. Many Indigenous students across Canada are choosing these paths—and so can you.

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Lawyer

Lawyers help people with legal problems. They can work in court, help with land claims, write laws, or give advice to people and businesses.

What school you need:
To be a lawyer, you need to finish a 4-year university degree, then go to law school for 3 more years. After that, you work as a student lawyer (called “articling”) for one year before becoming a full lawyer.

How much they earn in Saskatchewan:
Lawyers in Saskatchewan usually make between $80,000 and $150,000 per year. Some make more if they run their own law firm or work for big companies.

Support for Indigenous students:
The Native Law Centre at the University of Saskatchewan helps Indigenous students get ready for law school. There are also scholarships and mentors available.

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Teacher

Teachers help students learn in schools. Some work with younger kids in elementary schools, and others teach high school or even adults.

What school you need:
To be a teacher, you usually need about 4–5 years of university. Some students take a degree in another subject first, then study education for one more year.

How much they earn in Saskatchewan:
Most teachers earn between $60,000 and $90,000 each year, depending on how long they’ve been teaching and what grade they teach.

Support for Indigenous students:
Programs like SUNTEP (Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program) are made for Métis and First Nations students. These programs help you become a teacher in your own community.

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Nurse

Nurses care for people in hospitals, health centres, and long-term care homes. They help with medicine, treatment, and emotional support.

What school you need:
Registered nurses (RNs) need a 4-year nursing degree. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) usually go to college for about 2 years.

How much they earn in Saskatchewan:
RNs earn between $70,000 and $95,000 per year. LPNs earn about $50,000 to $70,000 per year.

Support for Indigenous students:
Many colleges and universities in Saskatchewan have support for Indigenous nursing students. SIIT and the Gabriel Dumont Institute also offer pathways into health care.

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Doctor

Doctors help people stay healthy and take care of them when they are sick or hurt. Some work in hospitals, while others work in communities or special clinics.

What school you need:
Doctors usually go to university for 3–4 years, then go to medical school for 4 more years. After that, they train on the job for a few years as a “resident.”

How much they earn in Saskatchewan:
Most doctors make between $150,000 and $300,000+ per year. Some specialists earn even more, depending on what kind of doctor they are.

Support for Indigenous students:
The University of Saskatchewan sets aside spots in its medical school for Indigenous students. Other programs and scholarships also exist to help you succeed.

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You Belong in These Careers

These careers might sound big—but they start with small steps. If you enjoy solving problems, helping others, or making your community stronger, you can succeed in these paths. There are many Indigenous people in these jobs already—and there’s room for you too.

You don’t need to have it all figured out today. But learning about these careers is a good place to start. Your future can include any of these paths, and the support is out there to help you reach them.

4. Trades – Learning by Doing

Not everyone wants to sit in a classroom for years after high school. Some people learn best by working with their hands, fixing things, or building something real. That’s what the trades are all about.

Trades are skilled jobs that need training, but not a university degree. You can learn most trades through an apprenticeship. That means you work and learn at the same time, getting paid while you gain experience.

Trades are in high demand in Saskatchewan—and they pay well. Many Indigenous people are choosing careers in the trades because they offer steady work, good pay, and the chance to work in their home communities or even start a business of their own.

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Carpenter

Carpenters build houses, schools, furniture, and more. They work with wood and tools to make structures strong and safe.

How to get started:
You can become a carpenter by starting an apprenticeship after high school. It usually takes about 4 years to become a certified journeyperson.

What they earn:
Carpenters in Saskatchewan often earn between $25 to $40 per hour, or $50,000 to $80,000 per year.

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Welder

Welders use heat to join metal parts together. They work in construction, factories, farms, and even shipyards.

How to get started:
Start with a welding certificate program (about 8 months to 1 year), then move into an apprenticeship.

What they earn:
Welders can earn between $55,000 and $85,000 per year in Saskatchewan, depending on experience.

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Heavy Duty Mechanic

These mechanics fix big machines like tractors, trucks, and equipment used on farms or in construction.

How to get started:
Most heavy duty mechanics complete a 4-year apprenticeship after taking a short college program.

What they earn:
Heavy duty mechanics usually make between $60,000 and $95,000 per year in Saskatchewan.

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Electrician

Electricians install and repair wiring in homes, businesses, and buildings. It’s a job that requires careful work and good problem-solving skills.

How to get started:
Apprenticeship programs for electricians usually take about 4 years. You get paid while you learn on the job.

What they earn:
Electricians can make $60,000 to over $100,000 per year, especially once they become journeypersons.

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Plumber

Plumbers work with water systems—like sinks, toilets, and water heaters. They also help install systems in new buildings.

How to get started:
Plumbers also follow the apprenticeship path, learning on the job over 4 years.

What they earn:
Plumbers in Saskatchewan earn around $55,000 to $90,000 per year.

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Support for Indigenous Tradespeople

There are many programs in Saskatchewan that support Indigenous people going into trades. Here are a few examples:

• Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) – Offers trades training and scholarships for Métis students.

• SIIT – Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies – Offers programs like electrical, carpentry, and heavy duty mechanic.

• Apprenticeship Incentive Grants – Government grants for completing trade levels.

• Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) – Helps cover costs like tools, transportation, and tuition.
  
  

These programs can help you get started without a lot of money upfront. You don’t need to leave your community, and many tradespeople return home to work, build, and give back.

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Why Choose a Trade?

Trades are not “just jobs”—they are careers. They’re important, respected, and always needed. With the right skills, you can:

• Work full-time or part-time

• Start your own business

• Travel and work in different places

• Support your family with steady income
  
  

If you enjoy fixing, building, or working outdoors, trades might be a perfect fit. They offer a clear path to a strong future—without years of debt or school.

5. Non-Traditional Ways to Earn Income

Not everyone wants to be a doctor or a carpenter. And not every job fits inside a classroom, office, or workshop. Some people earn income in different ways—by being creative, by running their own small business, or by sharing what they know. These are called non-traditional ways to earn an income, and they are just as valuable as any other job.

Many Indigenous people across Canada, including in southern Saskatchewan, are finding success through these kinds of work. These paths can bring freedom, flexibility, and pride—and they often connect with culture and community.

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Small Business and Entrepreneurship

An entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business. This could be something small you do on the side, or it could grow into a full-time job.

Some examples of small Indigenous-owned businesses:

• Beadwork, crafts, or art sold online or at powwows

• Food services like a bannock stand, catering business, or food truck

• Clothing and fashion, like ribbon skirts, T-shirts, or handmade moccasins

• Photography, videography, or running social media accounts

• Seasonal services, like snow shoveling, lawn mowing, or firewood delivery
  
  

You don’t need a lot of money to start. Many people begin by selling to friends and family, then slowly grow through word of mouth or online. Social media (like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or TikTok) makes it easier to share your work with others.

How much can you make?

• A small beadwork or craft business might bring in $5,000 to $20,000 a year part-time.

• Food trucks and catering can bring in $30,000 to $100,000+ depending on how often you work.

• Clothing brands, if popular, can earn $10,000 to $50,000+ per year.
  
  

There are grants and supports made especially for Indigenous entrepreneurs. For example:

• NACCA (National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association)

• Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program

• Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (for young women)

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Consulting and Culture-Based Work

Another way to earn income is by sharing what you know. Indigenous knowledge is valuable—and many people, schools, and businesses are willing to pay for your time and teachings.

Some examples of this work:

• Cultural consultant for schools or companies

• Language teacher for Cree, Nakota, Dakota, Saulteaux, or other languages

• Land-based educator who teaches hunting, medicine picking, and ceremony

• Public speaking about reconciliation, identity, or mental health

• Writing or storytelling for books, websites, or community programs
  
  

These types of jobs often pay by the session, hour, or project. They may not happen every day, but you can build a strong income by combining different gigs.

How much can you make?

• Speaking engagements often pay $300 to $1,500 per event, depending on your experience

• Language teachers may earn $25 to $45 per hour

• Consulting projects can pay $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on the job and length
  
  

Many Elders, artists, and knowledge keepers are now working as consultants or educators while keeping strong ties to their communities.

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Freelancing and Online Work

You can also work online from your home or your phone. This kind of work is called freelancing, and it means you’re self-employed—doing short jobs for different people or companies.

Some types of online freelance work:

• Graphic design (logos, posters, T-shirt designs)

• Video editing or photography

• Social media content creation

• Writing blog posts or website text

• Selling digital products, like art prints or e-books

• Tutoring or helping others learn a skill you know
  
  

Freelancing lets you set your own hours and work from anywhere—even from a rural or reserve community, as long as there’s internet.

How much can you make?

• Freelancers often charge $20 to $100+ per hour, depending on skill level

• Monthly income can range from $500 to $5,000+, based on how much you work
  
  

Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, Etsy, and Shopify can help you get started. Some Indigenous creators are also using TikTok and YouTube to grow an audience and earn money through views and sponsorships.

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Real Indigenous Success Stories

Across Canada and Saskatchewan, Indigenous youth and adults are finding new ways to earn income on their own terms.

• A young Métis woman in Regina sells custom ribbon skirts and now teaches others how to sew.

• A Cree man from a small community runs a YouTube channel on hunting and land skills—and gets paid for ad views.

• A group of friends from a First Nation started a yard care business in the summer and now earn money every season with snow removal and junk pickup.

• An Elder teaches Cree to kids and adults online, earning income while keeping the language alive.

These stories are not rare—they are becoming more and more common.

Getting Started

You don’t need a big loan or fancy tools to begin. Here are a few small steps to get started:

• Make a list of things you’re good at or love doing

• Ask your family and friends what skills they see in you

• Try doing one small job or selling one item

• Use social media or word of mouth to spread the word

• Look into grants or youth business programs for Indigenous people
  
  

You have something to offer. Whether it’s your voice, your art, your knowledge, or your energy—there is value in it.

6. How to Choose Your Path

With so many ways to earn an income, how do you know which one is right for you? The truth is—there’s no perfect answer. Everyone’s path is different. Some people know what they want to do early. Others try a few things before finding the right fit. Both ways are okay.

Choosing your path means thinking about what you like, what you’re good at, and how you want to live. It also means being open to learning, growing, and changing your mind along the way.

Start by Asking Yourself These Questions

• What kind of work makes me feel proud?

• Do I like working with people, tools, ideas, or the land?

• Would I rather work inside, outside, or both?

• Do I want to travel or stay close to home?

• Do I want to work for someone else or be my own boss?

• What do I enjoy doing in my free time?

• Who do I look up to—and what do they do?
  
  

The answers to these questions can point you in the right direction. You don’t need to have everything figured out today. You just need a place to start.

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Match Your Interests to Career Ideas

Here’s a simple chart to help connect your interests to possible income paths:

If you like...

You might enjoy...

Helping people

Nurse, teacher, support worker, youth mentor

Building or fixing things

Carpenter, mechanic, welder, electrician

Being outside

Heavy equipment operator, forestry worker, land guide

Talking or storytelling

Teacher, speaker, consultant, content creator

Creating art or crafts

Entrepreneur, designer, beadwork or clothing business

Solving problems

Lawyer, plumber, IT tech, social worker

Sharing culture or language

Language teacher, land-based educator, consultant

Using technology or computers

Freelance designer, social media manager, coder

This chart is just a starting point. Many careers include a mix of skills and interests. You can combine your passions in creative ways.

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Try, Learn, Grow

You don’t have to get it right the first time. Many people try out different jobs before they find something that fits. That’s part of learning.

• Volunteering, summer jobs, or school programs can help you test out new ideas.

• Job shadowing or talking to someone in a career can teach you what it’s really like.

• Changing your mind is okay. Every experience helps you learn more about yourself.
  
  

The most important thing is to keep moving forward. Be open to trying. Be open to learning. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—it just has to work for you.

7. Local Support in Southern Saskatchewan

You don’t have to figure out your future all by yourself. There are many programs and organizations in southern Saskatchewan that are ready to help Indigenous youth find work, go to school, or start a business. These supports can make a big difference, especially when you're just getting started.

Whether you live in a small community or a bigger city like Regina or Moose Jaw, there are places you can reach out to for help.

Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI)

GDI offers programs, scholarships, and training for Métis students in Saskatchewan. They have locations in several communities and work with both high school graduates and adult learners.

What they offer:

• College and university programs

• Job training and employment services

• Scholarships and financial support

• Cultural and language programs
  
  

📍 Visit: www.gdins.org

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)

SIIT is a First Nations-governed school that provides trades, business, and health programs. Many of their programs are short and job-focused. They also help students find jobs after training.

What they offer:

• Trades and technical training (carpentry, welding, mechanics, etc.)

• Adult basic education

• Indigenous entrepreneurship programs

• Student supports and job connections
  
  

📍 Visit: www.siit.ca

Local First Nation and Métis Programs

Many First Nations and Métis communities have their own youth support programs. These often include:

• Funding for school or training

• Career planning and job search help

• Youth leadership and mentorship programs

• Cultural support and land-based learning
  
  

Who to talk to:

• Your Band Office or Education Coordinator

• Urban Indigenous Friendship Centres (like Regina or Yorkton)

• Métis Local Councils
  
  

Ask someone in your community about what’s available—you may be surprised by how much support already exists.

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Programs

The ISET program helps Indigenous people prepare for good jobs. It covers training costs, work gear, and even child care or travel in some cases.

Where to access it:

• Through organizations like GDI, SIIT, or local Tribal Councils

• You can also ask your school guidance counselor or community employment worker
  
  

📍 Learn more: www.canada.ca/indigenous-employment

Youth Business Support Programs

If you want to start your own small business or side hustle, there are groups ready to help you with money, advice, and mentorship.

Places to check out:

• NACCA (National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association) – www.nacca.ca

• Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program – www.futurpreneur.ca

• Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub – www.wekh.ca (especially for young women)

You Are Not Alone

There are people out there who want to see you succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, reach out, or accept help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re strong enough to build your future with support.

Every job, career, or business starts with a step. And these programs are here to help you take it.

8. Final Words of Encouragement

Your story is still being written. No matter where you come from or what challenges you’ve faced, your future holds real possibilities.

There are many ways to earn an income—and even more ways to live with pride, purpose, and strength. You might become a teacher, a welder, a business owner, or something completely new. What matters most is that you choose a path that feels right for you.

You carry the knowledge, culture, and resilience of your ancestors. That is powerful. When you succeed, you carry your community with you. And when you rise, others see what’s possible, too.

You don’t have to have all the answers right now. Just take one step. Learn one skill. Try one idea. Ask one question. That’s how paths begin.

Your voice matters. Your work matters. Your dreams matter.

And your future is yours to build.

9. References

• Canada Job Bank. (2024). Explore careers by wages – Saskatchewan. Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.jobbank.gc.ca

• Gabriel Dumont Institute. (2024). Programs and Services. Retrieved from https://gdins.org

• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). (2024). Programs Overview. Retrieved from https://siit.ca

• University of Saskatchewan. (2024). Indigenous Initiatives in Medicine and Law. Retrieved from https://medicine.usask.ca and https://law.usask.ca

• National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA). (2024). Indigenous entrepreneurship support. Retrieved from https://nacca.ca

• Futurpreneur Canada. (2024). Indigenous Entrepreneur Program. Retrieved from https://www.futurpreneur.ca

• Government of Canada. (2024). Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/indigenous-skills-employment-training.html

• Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. (2024). Supporting Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs. Retrieved from https://wekh.ca

• Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. (2024). Salary and benefits overview. Retrieved from https://www.stf.sk.ca

Handout Maker GPT. (2025). Earning an Income: Pathways for Indigenous Youth in Southern Saskatchewan. Developed by an AI trained to assist with lesson creation and student engagement.