First resource fair a hit in Standoff

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on April 19, 2025.

Over 200 Blood Tribe members took part in The Blood Tribe Resource Fair Thursday in Standoff.
The event was the first of its kind, says Levi Little Moustache, Director of Blood Tribe Employment and Skills Training (BTEST).
“The event today was a collaboration of all the HR departments (including) all the departments under Blood Tribe, the entities and the organizations.”
In the past they have held open houses and career fairs, but this is the first time they have hosted an event this size.
There were 37 booths from various employment services on the reserve.
The goal for the event was to help bridge the gap between employers and employees, as well as students
“We also wanted students that are going to be pursuing postsecondary education to find out what some of the degrees and diplomas they should attain so they can work and fill some of these jobs.”
Jamie Blood, employment officer for BTEST, said unity was a big theme during the event from both the employers and the job seekers.
“Everybody needs to feel valued, both the workers and the employers,” said Blood. “You need to know you are doing something good for the community on both ends.”
Little Moustache said BTEST wants to help the transition from training to employment go as smoothly as possible for Blood Tribe members, but it requires information from both the HR departments as well as job seekers to support the transition.
With the influx of capital projects in the area, BTEST has been focusing on trades to help people become certified journeymen.
To accomplish this, they have been working with Red Crow Community College, Kainai Transition, Blood Tribe Social Development as well as Lethbridge Polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge.
Blood said the reserve offers many employment opportunities and BTEST encourages those who are able to work where they’re from.
“We have lots of meaningful employment on the Blood Tribe and we have a lot of valuable workers, people that have the training, have the education, have the experience, so we’d like people to continue to work where they’re from.”
Both Blood and Little Moustache said they feel the event was a success and look forward to future opportunities to help the community.

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