Tricia Chase is one of JEDI’s own, a passionate leader dedicated to supporting Indigenous youth on their path toward meaningful employment and personal growth. As a coordinator of the In Motion & Momentum+ (IM&M+) program, Tricia works with Indigenous youth aged 15–30 who are ready to take the next step in their journey but may be facing barriers such as unemployment, lack of confidence, or uncertainty about their next move.
The IM&M+ program, which began its first cohort in January 2025, stands out from traditional pre-employment programs. Rather than focusing solely on job skills, it emphasizes the individual, their goals, strengths and challenges, to help them build a strong foundation for long-term success.
This 10-week program is divided into three modules:
In Motion – Participants focus on personal development and set an individual goal to work toward throughout the program. This part of the program focuses on participants identifying their strengths, skills and values. It encourages goal setting and participants engage in activities that provide them with hands-on experience, teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
Momentum – Students continue pursuing their personal goals while collaborating on a community project of their choice. This hands-on experience helps them strengthen teamwork skills and give back to their community.
Momentum Plus – A follow-up phase where participants design their own learning experiences based on their needs and interests, such as LinkedIn training, resume workshops, or other personalized projects. Participants identify workshops tailored to their goals while they build upon their community connections. When completed the participants will be ready to seek employment with confidence and experience.
The program is community-oriented and highly interactive. Past cohorts have had opportunities to create traditional items like sweetgrass braids and rattles, as well as to engage with local organizations and professionals.
So far, two IM&M+ classes have graduated, each with three students who completed the program and made remarkable strides toward their goals. Industry experts frequently visit the classroom to share their experiences and insights, giving participants valuable exposure to different career paths and opportunities. Volunteering and networking are also key elements, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build connections within their communities.
Tricia takes pride in celebrating every success, whether it’s a participant earning their driver’s license, completing a resume, or simply gaining confidence to take the next step in their career. She’s continually inspired by the progress she sees in each student, she likes watching their growth and transformation, and it is what keeps her motivated to keep building this program.
Beyond employment readiness, Tricia believes IM&M+ plays a vital role in strengthening community connections. By collaborating with local organizations and showcasing Indigenous role models and business leaders, the program helps participants envision a future where they can both succeed personally and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Tricia hopes to see the program continue to grow, with more graduates each year and more youth discovering their potential through IM&M+. She encourages anyone who may benefit from the program to reach out and learn more.