Middle of the Rez Road is designed to be the source of information about industry job opportunities, success stories, trainings, and upcoming projects for Native Americans. Check out our website for more info!
Journey of a Tradesman: Ray Bauche on Cultural Identity and Building Inclusive Workforces
Today we journey with Ray Bauche, a dedicated tradesman with White Bird Services. In this episode we delve into Ray's transformative path from the Lake Vermillion Reservation to the bustling workforce in Duluth, highlighting his profound connection to cultural identity and his commitment to fostering inclusivity in the trades.
🌲 Key Highlights:
Cultural Identity: His Ojibwe and Anishinaabe heritage deeply influences his life and work, from the Lake Vermillion Reservation to White Bird Services.
Career Development: Ray's unexpected start as a flagger led to growth in the laborers' union, where he overcame apprenticeship challenges and substance use with union support.
Mentorship and Leadership: He is dedicated to mentoring the next generation in trades, focusing on development opportunities and aspires to lead a crew with a focus on inclusivity and community.
Workplace Culture: Ray values the camaraderie and family-like atmosphere at White Bird Services, a Native American-owned company where he feels a sense of belonging.
Inclusive Workforce: Ray emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the trades, reflecting his transformative journey and commitment to creating a supportive environment.
Chapter Timestamps
(00:00) - Tradesman's Daily Routine
(12:50) - Laborers' Union Employment and Benefits
(17:48) - Passing on Lessons Through Tough Love
(30:05) - Native American Company Culture in Labor
(35:18) - Building a Diverse, Inclusive Workforce
(43:57) - Laborers Union Work and Lifestyle
This episode dives into the vibrant company culture at White Bird Services, where Ray has found a real sense of belonging. His story highlights why diverse, inclusive workplaces matter. Now, with his sights set on leading his own crew, Ray is taking everything he’s learned from past roles and stepping into new challenges with a strong focus on community and inclusivity.
Tune in for a conversation that brings personal stories and cultural connections to life. Whether you're curious about working in the trades or the impact of cultural identity in the workplace, this episode is packed with insights from a tradesman who's all about building bridges—both literally and figuratively.
Connect with the show:
Morgan Fritzinger
morgan@mn-tcc.org (mailto:morgan@mn-tcc.org)
middleoftherezroad@gmail.com (mailto:middleoftherezroad@gmail.com)
218-428-0840
14 Mar 2025
Building Careers in Forestry: Connecting Communities and Expanding Opportunities
Today we dive deep into the world of forestry careers with our special guest, Michael Sullivan, the program manager for Forestry Works of Minnesota. Michael's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as he channels his passion for the outdoors into building a robust workforce within the forestry industry, particularly in northern Minnesota and tribal communities.
Growing up in the Twin Cities and now calling Duluth home, Michael Sullivan has always had a love for the northern landscapes. With a background in marketing and communications, he has leveraged his skills to promote forestry careers through innovative recruitment strategies.
Michael's efforts are especially focused on reaching out to tribal communities, utilizing targeted social media campaigns and user-friendly job boards to connect individuals with exciting career opportunities.
🌲 Key Highlights:
Bemidji State University's new forestry program launching in 2025
"Learn and earn" approach for high school graduates
Successful transition of Forestry Works from Alabama to Minnesota
Outreach to tribal and Native American communities
Diverse opportunities for women and newcomers in forestry and fisheries
Don't miss this chance to discover the potential waiting in the world of forestry. Tune in to our latest episode and be inspired by Michael Sullivan's journey and the exciting future of forestry careers.
Be sure to check out Forestry Works' website for more information and resources to kickstart your career in this thriving industry. We have their information below:
Michael Sullivan, Forestry Works of Minnesota
Msullivan@mnforestryworks.com (mailto:Msullivan@mnforestryworks.com)
https://forestryworks.com/minnesota (https://forestryworks.com/minnesota)
https://forestryworks.com/about-forestryworks (https://forestryworks.com/about-forestryworks)
https://forestryworks.com/careers (https://forestryworks.com/careers)
Connect with the show:
Morgan Fritzinger
morgan@mn-tcc.org (mailto:morgan@mn-tcc.org)
middleoftherezroad@gmail.com (mailto:middleoftherezroad@gmail.com)
218-428-0840
14 Mar 2025
AN EXCITING UPDATE FROM THE REZ ROAD
🌟 Exciting News from the Middle of the Rez Road! 🌟
We're thrilled to announce the return of the Middle of the Rez Road podcast for our highly anticipated third season, launching soon! After a year of reflection and growth, we're back and ready to dive into the heart of what we love—sharing powerful stories and insights from our resilient community.
This season, we're shaking things up with a rotating lineup of hosts, bringing both familiar voices and fresh perspectives. Leading the charge is none other than Chi Ma’iingan, whose passion and expertise with the Minnesota Tribal Contractor Council promise to inspire and enlighten us all.
Today is a heartfelt 'welcome back' to our dedicated listeners who have been with us through this transformative time. We'll be opening our platform to community members with powerful stories to tell, reflecting on the highs and lows of the past year and looking ahead with optimism and energy.
Join us on this journey of growth, reflection, and celebration of diverse experiences. Let’s embrace a year filled with learning, sharing, and thriving as part of the Middle of the Rez Road family. We can't wait to reconnect with all of you!
🎧 Stay tuned and make sure to follow us for updates! 🎧
Connect Further with the Show! (https://linktr.ee/middleoftherezroad)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,733
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 66 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
72
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
82
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