Daniel Taylor, TEHQ Program Graduate

Daniel Taylor is from the Cree Nation of Waskaganish.  He completed his studies in Electronics Technology at Heritage College in Gatineau and is the first Cree person to be employed in a Technical field within Hydro-Quebec.  Below is a brief interview we had with Daniel about his accomplishments.

If you or someone you know would like to apply to the TEHQ Program, please visit your Local Niskamoon Coordinator or school guidance counsellor.  You may also download our Application Booklet here for more information.


What is your title at Hydro-Quebec?  How did you get there?
Telecommunications Technician.  I completed a D.E.C. in Electronics Technology with an option in Telecommunications and Computers.

What is the favourite part of your job?
I enjoy visiting the different HQ sites, meeting new coworkers, and of course helping to resolve any telecommunications breakdowns. You get to meet a very wide array of people while feeling that you are part of a community.

Are you anxious to see new Crees join you in the field?
Yes, it is always nice to meet other Crees whether I'm out working at the HQ sites or at the residences where we live during our scheduled work time.

What motivated you to get your education and graduate?
Certainly the pride of getting an education and obtaining gainful employment helped to motivate me. I was exhausted from the daily grind of classes, homework and balancing this with home life, but I to just keep plugging along. My family was my biggest motivation.

Do you have a family?  How do they feel about your accomplishments?
I have a partner and a daughter.  They miss me sometimes but they were very proud of me for finishing the  D.E.C. Program, passing the HQ entry tests, and beginning employment. I certainly owe them a big thank you for the support they provided me at home everyday during my program.

Are you happy?
The last few years have certainly been exhausting but I feel good about the path I have taken. So yes, I am happy.

Is there something you would like to say to other Crees who are thinking about joining Niskamoon’s TEHQ Program?

Just think about what kind of lifestyle you really want. Is this one you might like? If so, which of the four employment types appeals to you the most? Each job has different task types and working conditions. Once you have decided which field you are interested in, tell yourself that with hard work and dedication this can become a reality.
What's also great about this program is that you know that employment is waiting for you at the end of the path. Often students toward the end of their respective programs start to worry about employment opportunities and whether they can even find something in their field of study. There were times I was  exhausted and feeling a little discouraged. I would just remind myself that if I just kept at it and continued on, I knew what was waiting for me if I succeed. Those thoughts got me through many end of semester crunches. If I had one message to give, whatever field you choose, whether it be to become an Apparatus Mechanic, Apparatus Electrician, Automation Technician, or a Telecommunications Technician, always believe in yourself.