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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - A chainsaw screams as it bites into wood and few short minutes later a tree is crashing to the ground in Nogha Heights.

The quiet of the small subdivision in Fort Simpson was interrupted for two days last week while the area was used as a testing ground for chainsaw skills. Ten men participated in a level one basic chainsaw certification course that was offered by the Liidlii Kue First Nation.

Terence Menicoche bucks a small tree during a chainsaw safety course offered by Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The certification is required in industries across Canada and allows holders to fell trees under six inches in diameter.

"It sets a standard so everyone goes home safe to their family at night," said Rick Dubeau, of Audits and Safety Services, who instructed the course.

The three-day course, which started on March 4, included a day in the classroom and two days of fieldwork where participants learned to slash, limb and buck trees. In Nogha Heights, Dubeau watched as the men cleared trees in an area that's slated to become a playground.

In the field you watch for saw maintenance, proper body posture and personal protective equipment, said Dubeau over the noise of the saws. The course is all about safety and using proper techniques.

Learning how to use a chainsaw isn't the course's only focus.

"The saw is secondary, the main thing is hazard awareness," said Dubeau.

People using chainsaws have to be aware of their environment including dry treetops that can snap off and leaning trees, he said.

"Running the saw is just taking your time and making proper cuts," Dubeau said.

Terence Menicoche, who took the course because he had to renew his ticket, said he learned some new skills including how to clean a chainsaw.

Working with the saws can be dangerous and people have to be careful, he said.

"Always wear a hard hat and a screen for your face and steel toe boots too," said Menicoche.

The chainsaw course was part of a larger training week offered by Liidlii Kue First Nation (LKFN).

Between March 2 to 6 LKFN ran a total of seven safety courses including H2S Alive, alcohol and drug policies, standard first aid, WHIMIS, transportation of dangerous goods and bear aware.

The week of courses was offered to meet the needs of members who have to re-certify yearly so they can continue to work in their chosen fields, said Rosie Browning, the local training authority co-ordinator.

"Liidlii Kue First Nation recognizes the need to increase capacity and skill development for members of our community and provide ongoing training on demand," she said.

The courses were funded using money from the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy and were offered free of charge to all LKFN members. A variety of members took advantage of the courses, said Browning, with a minimum of 10 people participating in each.

The training was aimed at adults and youth who are already employed or have employment prospects, said Browning.