Innus Technician Noah Jourdain's Success Story at Apuiat Wind Farm
Noah Jourdain, a member of the Uashat mak Mani-Utenam community, has found success as a wind turbine maintenance technician at Apuiat wind farm. The project, co-owned by Innus communities and Boralex, has provided new opportunities for indigenous employment and renewable energy production.
Jourdain, once a 'functional alcoholic', turned his life around by completing an eight-month training program tailored for First Nations. He is now celebrating four years of sobriety and has become the first Innus student to earn certification in wind turbine maintenance.
The Apuiat wind farm, located in the heart of the forest, offered Jourdain the chance to work in nature while contributing to sustainable energy. He saw an ad for the job at Apuiat park, where his community is a partner, and decided to apply for a fresh start. Today, he is proud to be part of the nine Innus communities that own the wind farm alongside Boralex.
About ten employees, including four Innus, have been hired by Boralex and Vestas to fill permanent positions at the wind farm. Jourdain believes the project could bring 'very good spin-offs' to his community and hopes for better presentation of the project within Uashat mak Mani-Utenam.
Noah Jourdain's journey from a challenging past to a successful career in renewable energy demonstrates the potential of the Apuiat wind farm project. With the support of employment agent Stephanie Pinette-Simard and the collaboration between indigenous communities and Boralex, the project continues to create opportunities for indigenous employment and sustainable energy production.
