Working at the New Afton Mine always felt like the right path for Dallas Deneault, Lead Geotechnician with the Exploration team and a member of the Skeetchestn community of the Secwépemc Nation. Dallas grew up driving past the mine, imagining himself one day being part of its future.
“It was always in the back of my mind,” he said. “I’ve got older siblings who work here, and I saw their success. It’s something I wanted to be part of.”
Dallas first joined New Afton in 2013 through a training program on the tailings dam supported by the BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association. From there, he built a career that spanned heavy equipment operation, construction, exploration, and now maintenance, where he recently started his pipefitter apprenticeship and is the fourth Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc (SSN)-sponsored apprenticeship at the site.
“My favourite thing in the last few years has been the field work,” he said. “Prospecting, soil sampling, reclamation—we get to start projects from the ground up and then restore the land. It’s hands-on, and it matters.”
Over the years, Dallas has completed his pipefitting schooling and is just steps away from earning his Red Seal.
“I’ve always believed in trades,” he explains. “Originally, I thought I’d go into engineering, but I liked the idea of having hands-on experience first. Now, I might just stay with the trades—I really enjoy it.”
His leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. Dallas has taken on specialty work thanks to his trade background, and credits his mentors and colleagues for supporting his growth. “They’ve believed in me as much as I’ve believed in my career,” he says. “Sometimes it feels like I’m getting a free education just by working alongside the geologists. The knowledge they share—it’s incredible.”
Support from his community has played a significant role, too. Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc (SSN) consists of both Skeetchestn and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, and Dallas says they played a key role in his success. In particular, SSN’s Human Resources, Employment and Training Manager, Jordann Hazelwood, who helped Dallas navigate school applications and scholarships, including a major one from Toronto.
“They’ve had my back for over a decade,” he said. “Because of that support, I didn’t have to stress about money—I could focus on learning.”
For Dallas, community and career go hand in hand, and the impact of being part of the SSN apprenticeship program goes beyond just himself, but opens up doors for others. He sees potential for even more collaboration between the mine and SSN in areas like renewable energy, regional development, and long-term sustainability.
“There’s enough opportunity and support out there for anyone willing to work for it. I hope more follow,” he said. “It’s going to take creativity, but we can get there. The more we work together, the stronger the future will be.”
