Trade secrets

“Women can do this work,” says Nettie Dokes, “we just do it different.” She sees it as her responsibility as one of the few women in construction to pass the torch on to others. 

As the first African American woman in the US to become a journeyman lineman, hers is a stirring story, told sensitively in this trilogy directed by Britton Caillouette and created by film production company Farm League. 

The cinematic documentary series is part of Red Wing’s Wall of Honor, an initiative that has been running since 2017 and pays tribute to trade workers by sharing their epic stories and commemorating lifetimes of honest labour.

The two other honourees are metal worker José Lopez, and Steve Medeiros, millwright and contractor, whose stories are equally inspiring. 

Despite having suffered an unfortunate accident when he was younger, which caused him to lose one of his arms, José hasn’t stopped grabbing every opportunity in his 35-year long career. Similarly to José, after 30 years in the job, Steve has dedicated his life to passing along his skills and craftsmanship to the next generation.