Mike Young is a band member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation who is a fluent 'N' dialect Cree Speaker from Cumberland House, Saskatchewan. Mike lives his life following and practicing his Indigenous Culture teachings which he has passed along to younger generations. 

 

Mike has navigated walking in two worlds where he turns to his Indigenous practices for guidance which allowed him to raise and provide for his family. Mike and his wife Cynthia have been happily married for 25 years. He has raised two children, his son Kieran is a student at the University of Saskatchewan (UofS) where he studies Indigenous studies. Mike's daughter, Tinisha who is helping grow Kiertin Consulting LTD is an alumnus from Lakeland College where she obtained her Business Certificate, Marketing Major Diploma as well as her General Business Diploma, she currently studies at Athabasca University where she is obtaining her Bachelor of Management Degree majoring in Human Resources. Mike's family has always had a strong indigenous component in each of their lives. 

 

Mike has been known to assist with the Lloydminster Catholic School Division as an honorary junior elder cultural advisor where he mentors students and staff on his Indigenous Culture.

 

After graduating high school from Cumberland house, Mike found himself lucky enough to obtain a job that allowed him to stay in touch with the outdoor lifestyle he had always known and loved. Mike had found the oil and gas industry in the Lloydminster area where he quickly found himself promoted to various leadership roles. 

 

Being an opportunist; Mike found ways to share this experience in the oil and gas industry with other first nations people from northern Saskatchewan communities. He assisted these men with getting started in the industry and even went as far as purchasing a second home as a workhouse. 

 

In 2007 Mike had realized he gained enough experience and knowledge to start his own consulting company within the oil and gas industry. Mike started Kiertin Consulting LTD that year and it has remained an Indigenous family-orientated business, staying true to their cultural roots and their people.

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Mike's Personal Testimony 

"I have been working in the oil and gas industry for over 25 years. During my first week in the industry back in 1996 I was told, “You will always get what you put into the patch” With that I worked hard and took pride in the work that I did. I was motivated by wanting the best for my two children. I have a very wonderful wife that continues to support me through absolutely everything this industry has thrown in our path. As a result, my children became humbled good successful citizens of Lloydminster, and I couldn't be prouder. 

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The experience I gained over the years has been fruitful, to say the least. With my strong problem management skills  I can work through many issues I encounter with any job. I have kept in touch with a few reputable respected elders of the oil and gas industry. From them, I have learned that a job worth doing is worth doing well. 

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As a First Nations person of Canada, I have been practicing my culture by attending the ceremony and staying drug and alcohol-free to be able to receive and pass on more teachings. I enjoy speaking my language (cree) with others and I am continuously learning more and more of my language and culture. I am proud to say that my family continues to be able to sustain themselves by hunting and fishing for themselves. 

My goal is to be able to build this company to provide a quality First Nations-owned business that can supply the needs to be able to assist clean up our lands. And be able to continue this business by passing it over to my children."