For Stacey Booth, a proud Simpcw Band member, returning to her community after years away marked a turning point. Like many navigating a new chapter in life, she faced uncertainty and the question, “What’s next?” In search of a meaningful career that aligned with her life experience and personal values, Stacey found her answer through the Simpcw Resources Group (SRG) Mentorship Program.
“I felt stuck, searching for a job where I could use the life skills I had gained over the years,” Stacey shares. “I wanted to reconnect with my heritage but didn’t know how.”
That changed when she came across a post on the Simpcw Happenings Facebook page promoting SRG’s pilot Mentorship Program, focused on opportunities in the Forestry and Environmental sectors. Intrigued, she applied and was accepted as a mentee in the Environmental Department.
The program began with a three-week job readiness course, which emphasized public speaking, professional development, and goal setting. After this foundational training, Stacey joined SRG’s Environmental team as a Field Technician. There, she worked on a range of projects, including: An ongoing Badger Study, Restoration of the Upper Louis Creek banks, Environmental monitoring on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, Vegetation surveys in a Valemount peat bog, and Bird studies and lake stewardship training at Dunn Lake.
“The time I spent with the field technicians was both informative and enjoyable. It opened my eyes to the variety of career paths in natural resource management,” she says. “I encourage anyone who enjoys the outdoors and cares about land stewardship to explore this field.”
While Stacey valued her experience in Environmental Services, she realized her true interest lay elsewhere. Drawing on her previous work in mining, she transitioned into SRG’s Health and Safety Environment Department—an area more aligned with her background in industrial safety protocols.
“I spent several years in the mining industry, working within strict safety guidelines. I was curious to see how those skills could transfer to a new career.”
This role gave Stacey deeper insight into workplace safety, compliance, and administrative processes. She also developed office-based competencies like professional writing and computer proficiency—skills that solidified her goal of becoming a Health and Safety Advisor or Administrator.
“After completing the program, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in Health and Safety. I’m excited to continue my education and work toward certification in this field.”
Reflecting on her journey, Stacey expressed gratitude for the support she received from SRG’s HR team and program mentors.
“As a mature individual starting a new chapter in life, this program was incredibly valuable. It helped me find direction and gave me the confidence to apply my previous experience in a new, meaningful way.”
Stacey hopes her story inspires others in the community to explore their potential.
“I encourage more Simpcw members to take part in the upcoming mentorship program. It’s a great way to explore paths you may not have considered before.”
About the SRG Mentorship Program
The SRG Mentorship Program is more than a stepping stone—it’s a transformative experience designed to empower individuals through skill development, hands-on learning, and guided career exploration. With a new cycle starting this spring, we look forward to welcoming the next generation of mentees ready to build a future rooted in purpose and community.
