BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE: 2025 Cement Mason graduates step into new careers
Band member Cement Masons training graduates flanked by TERO Director Lori Trail (left) and Chief Executive Virgil Wind (right). Photo by Valerie Harrington-Wind.
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
The Mille Lacs Band TERO is pleased to announce the graduation for five (5) local community members who participated in this year's 10-week Cement Masons Training in New Brighton, Minnesota.
Masonry is more than a job - it's a career of skill, strength, and pride. Cement masons shape the foundations of our commu-nities, and their work lasts for generations. This 10-week training was possible through a collaboration with MnDOT, Local 633 Cement Masons and tribal TERO leaders from throughout the state, including Mille Lacs Band TERO, Fond du Lac TERO, Leech Lake TERO, White Earth TERO and Bois Forte TERO
"These graduates have shown incredible dedication and determination over the past ten weeks. They've not only learned a trade, they've poured the groundwork for their futures — and for our communities. I'm proud to see them step into careers that will carry their skills, strength, and leadership forward for years to come."
The training was available to selected tribal members free of charge. The Mille Lacs Band TERO provided a weekly training stipend for their participant and a generous TERO training completion stipend to our participant that successfully completed the 10-week training.
This was an intense hands-on training for the participants where they completed many projects. The training included technical topics for: Work Ethics, Leadership, Tool Introduction and Safety, First Aid/CPR/AED, OSHA 30, Blueprint Reading, Construction Math, Chemistry of Concrete, Layout, Set-Up and Concrete Repairs.
Participant also received job assistance through Local 633 partnering with contractors throughout Minnesota - meaning these graduates are not just celebrating a milestone, but stepping directly into promising careers.
For more information you can check out the Local 633
Cement Masons, Plasterers & Shophands Training Center's Facebook post from August 1, 2025, showcasing photos from the 2025 Cement Masons MnDOT/Tribal Training for our tribal participants.
2025 Mille Lacs Band TERO Sponsored Graduates.
Steven Aune: Mille Lacs Band (Urban)
Darius Barnes: Mille Lacs Band (DI)
Jonathan Buchanan: Red Lake Nation (DIll)Cyliss Lafave: Mille Lacs Band (DIIl)
Reuben Staples-Gibbs: Mille Lacs Band (Urban)
Masonry can be a fulfilling and stable career choice, especially for those who enjoy physical work and craftsmanship.
The pathway typically involves a combination of formal train-ing, apprenticeship, and practical experience.
A career as a cement mason in Minnesota offers strong employment prospects, with opportunities for apprenticeships and union membership, leading to good wages and benefits.
The work is physically demanding, requiring skills in reading blueprints, using tools, and potentially operating machinery.
Here's a more detailed look:
Demand:
Cement masons and concrete finishers are in demand in Min-nesota, with a projected 1.5% growth over 10 years, according to CareerForce MN (.gov).
Wages:
In Minnesota, cement masons earn between $28.31 and $39.78 per hour.
Here's what some Band member participants had to say:
"At first I thought this was gonna be hard work because they had us outside the very first day. Although it is very hard work, you become accustomed to it and I'm glad I did. By week 4, I started to get the hang of things. I had a great experience.
I liked the program and I like that it was all native people from around the state, one was from Michigan. If you can handle the banter that comes with it, you will also have a fun time.
"My favorite part about the program was probably meeting the other natives from other Minnesota reservations and befriending them. Although there were good days and bad days we still had to work as a team. It was just cool to see.
"My plans are to continue working in the cement industry, right after graduating you're pretty much fresh meat and a lot of contractors would want you to work for them. Luckily for me, I landed an interview with a contractor after graduating so I' most likely work for him until cement season is over, lay low in the winter, start back up when the snow clears."
~ Reuben Gibbs
"Awww, man, what a great program! The training you need is there and the instructors are top tier. Huge shoutout to Brian and Cesar they were our instructors and twere here every step of the training all day everyday right there with us and our coordinator was Moke Eagle Feathers - this program is his baby. I loved the opportunity. I graduated on Friday, August 1, and I was hired on with park construction working in Big Stone City, So. Dakota that Tuesday., August 5. My favorite part during the training has to be pour days, gotta say after graduation though graduating with my fellow piers has to top it especially standing up there with four other band members.
~ Steven Aune
"I really enjoyed the training it was a great way to keep busy and learn new things. It was very challenging but I think if anyone else is up for the challenge, it is totally worth it. I hope to stay in the industry for years to come due to the certifications I received and the exceptional training. My favorite parts were learning from everyone — the good and the bad things, what to do and what not to do. I also send many thanks and appreciation to the Bandfor supporting me in the training!"
~ Jon Buchanan
