By Brad Fuhr, President
History is most useful when it moves us to act.
At a recent Otipemisiwak Métis Nation conference, I shared stories about resilience, entrepreneurship, and how the Métis spirit of exploration continues to guide our work today. The warm response I received affirmed something I’ve long believed: history doesn’t just belong in textbooks or classrooms—it belongs in our decisions, our mentorship, and the systems we build for those coming next. That presentation, and the rich conversations that followed, have stayed with me and are top of mind as we enter National Indigenous History Month.
The first story I shared in my talk was rooted in my Métis heritage. The remarkable journey of the Sinclair Expedition has always resonated with me—not only because of its lasting historical significance, but also for how it reflects a spirit of shared responsibility and courage that continues to inspire me today.
In the summer of 1841, 23 Métis families set out on a bold 1,700-mile journey from the Red River Colony to Fort Vancouver, guided by Métis trader James Sinclair. Seeking autonomy and a better life, they crossed vast plains, dangerous rivers, and the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. These families—bearing names like Bernier, Cunningham, Flett, and Larocque—weren’t just migrating; they were forging a new path, grounded in their unique blend of Indigenous and European heritage.
A defining moment came at the Saskatchewan River, when a raft crossing nearly ended in tragedy. John Flett, acting quickly, threw a rope across the rushing water—saving lives and critical supplies. That rope has become a powerful symbol for me: a reminder of what’s possible when people act with purpose and unity.
The Sinclair Expedition shows us that strength is forged in moments of shared challenge—when people come together to protect, uplift, and move forward.
As an Indigenous business leader, I often ask myself: How can I pass the rope? How can my team and I build a cycle of growth that strengthens our work and the communities we serve, while contributing to a more sustainable future?
Since becoming owner and president of Juno Engineering, I’ve drawn on the spirit of exploration and entrepreneurship passed down to me through generations. Our work is grounded in respect, a deep sense of responsibility, and a commitment to long-term impact. We don’t just honour the past—we use it to solve today’s challenges.
Today, Indigenous youth stand at their own river crossings, facing challenges just as daunting. Obstacles tied to identity, access, and opportunity. But if we’re willing to throw a rope—through mentorship, investment, and inclusion—we can help them cross into futures shaped by their own potential.
As we celebrate National Indigenous History Month, I invite you to:
- Share your family stories
- Invest in Indigenous students
- Create space at your table
- Support the next generation to feel seen, valued, and capable
This is important because honouring history calls for more than remembrance. It calls for action. It requires each of us to reach across divides, to build what wasn’t there before, and to leave things better for those who follow.
I’ve come to believe that our role—whether as engineers, mentors, or community members—is to connect people to opportunity, cultivate potential where it’s been overlooked, and create something that lasts. That’s what it means to pass the rope: turning lessons into internships, stories into scholarships, and ideas into meaningful, sustainable change.
