Darcy Fontaine
Darcy Fontaine, a member of Birch Narrows First Nation, has made a significant impact as a Journeyperson Carpenter with JCL, including mentoring several apprentices to the next stage of their careers. At the age of 44, Darcy seized an opportunity to go back to school and pursue his passion for carpentry. Building and creating various wood projects had always been his love, but what truly motivated him to become a Journeyperson Carpenter was the experience of constructing his own family home. Despite facing challenges along the way, these hurdles only fueled Darcy's determination to succeed as a tradesperson. Building their family home stands as one of his greatest accomplishments, symbolizing his dedication to developing his expertise in the field.
Throughout his education journey, Darcy received unwavering support from his family. Their encouragement allowed him to concentrate and dedicate his undivided attention to his studies and career path. Additionally, Darcy benefited greatly from the mentorship of various tradespeople who helped shape him into a skilled carpenter with exceptional leadership skills. Their guidance and expertise propelled his growth in the industry.
Darcy embodies innovation in the construction industry and provides leadership to many apprentices. He embraces the teachings of his Dene heritage, which emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and resources. With pride and confidence, Darcy shares his wisdom and expertise with others, eager to help them grow. Despite his accomplishments, he remains humble and open to learning from others, recognizing that knowledge is a lifelong journey.
Looking to the future, Darcy aspires to become a carpentry instructor. He envisions creating a safe and nurturing environment where others can flourish and develop their skills. Currently, he actively offers his time and support to help others in his workplace, guiding and directing them through their educational journey to become skilled carpenters.
Darcy's message to those considering a trade is one of resilience and perseverance. He urges individuals to never give up, regardless of the challenges they may encounter. Instead, he encourages them to view obstacles as opportunities to push harder and demonstrate unwavering determination.
