Raised in Lax̱g̱alts’ap, Malcolm began his education at Lakalzap Indian Day School as a child and graduated at Nisg̱a’a Elementary Secondary School in 1989.
From highschool, Malcolm entered the workforce and built a very well-rounded curriculum vitae that included a short stint as dishwasher and line cook at Breakers Pub in Prince Rupert and on to CN Rail where he worked as a bridgeman for 2 years. It was his time with CN where he received his formal training to become a carpenter. He was deployed to Winnipeg, Manitoba for 2 months of training, and continued working with CN for another 3 years – a job that took him all over BC and Alberta.
In 1996, Malcolm began his well-rounded journey into trades and post-secondary studies. From 1996-2000 he was at Northwest Community College for Carpentry, in 2004 he enrolled in the Applied Business Technology Program at Native Education College (NEC) and in 2008 he enrolled and attained his certificate in the Aboriginal Leadership Program at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). In 2014, Malcolm then went on to UNBC’s Occupational Health and Safety Program and successfully earned his certificate there. In 2016, he then went on to achieve his certicate at NEC/JIBC for the Public Justice and Safety Certificate Program.
Malcolm’s diverse educational background awarded him many opportunities in the construction industry throughout the Lower Mainland, including promotion to key roles as Site Superintendant in construction safety.
Malcolm also filled several administrative capacities including a practicum as a Jr. Policy Analyst at United Native Nations Society, Administrative Assistant at Vancouver Native Housing Society, Office Manager with Vancouver Native Health Society.
To future students, Malcolm offers sound advice, “I encourage students to stay in school and get educated. Whether or not if it is in the trades or in Post-Secondary School. Education will take you places and you can earn a good living, ,especially if you love what you do.”
Malcolm is in the Lax̱gibuu (Wolf) tribe from the House of Ni’ismuut and holds the Nisg̱a’a name Luugahuutkw. He currently resides in Ts’amiks (Vancouver) with his family where he currently works as a Job Coach with Tsleil-Waututch Nation Skills Centre.
Si’aamhl wilin Luugahuutkw!