John Paul Tansley Courchene did not grow up dreaming about becoming a roofer. By the time he was eighteen, addiction, the streets and jail had already pushed his life in a direction that did not leave much room for a future.
Then somebody gave him a chance to work.
John began at the bottom, carrying bundles, tearing off shingles and trying to keep up with experienced roofers. Over the next twenty years, he learned the trade, completed industry training and became a foreman trusted to lead crews.
"Every House I Ever Worked On" tells the story of the people, mistakes, losses and second chances that followed John up the ladder. In his own direct voice, he describes the freezing Winnipeg mornings, dangerous slopes, hard crews and finished roofs that helped him become the man he is today.
This is the story of an Indigenous roofer who was written off before he had the chance to show what he could build. It is also a tribute to the family members, workers and companies that stood beside him when he needed them.
Every house had a story beneath its roof. The one that changed most was John's.
Table of Contents
POPLAR RIVER FIRST NATION
DEDICATION & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
INTRODUCTION: EVERY ROOF HAS A STORY
CHAPTER ONE: THE JOURNEY
CHAPTER TWO: WHAT WE ENDURE
CHAPTER THREE: IVAN TAUGHT ME TO ROOF
CHAPTER FOUR: BACK ON THE ROOF WITH DAVE
CHAPTER FIVE: MY FIRST SOLO ROOF
CHAPTER SIX: MY FIRST CREW: LEADING FROM THE RIDGE
CHAPTER SEVEN: THE ROOF THAT WAS BIGGER THAN THE JOB
CHAPTER EIGHT: THE SECOND CALL: STARTING OVER AGAIN
CHAPTER NINE: BECOMING THE ROOFER I WAS MEANT TO BE
CHAPTER TEN: MY FIRST DAY AS FOREMAN AT LANSARD BROTHERS
CHAPTER ELEVEN: THE CREW THAT FELT LIKE FAMILY
CHAPTER TWELVE: WINTER WARRIORS
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: ROOFING SAVED MY MIND
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: THE ONE I COULD NOT SAVE
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: THE ONE WHO MADE IT
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THE CALL THAT MADE IT REAL
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: THE DAY IT WAS TAKEN FROM ME
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: WRITTEN FOR LIFE
CHAPTER NINETEEN: DECOLONIZING MY PAST
CHAPTER TWENTY: THE MCDONALD BOYS
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: THE RIDGE WALKERS
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: THE SAFETY REP — WATCHING EVERY STEP SO NOBODY FALLS
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: WHAT SEPARATES CREWS FROM LEGENDS
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: GAF CERTIFICATION
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: CERTIFIED SHINGLE QUALITY SPECIALIST
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: THE CERTIFIED STANDARD
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: ENVIROSHAKE FACTORY TRAINING
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: BULLETPROOF
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: TOOLS OF THE TRADE, SCARS OF THE TRADE
CHAPTER THIRTY: THE ROOFER’S SILENCE
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: SUNDAYS, PAYDAYS AND OLD BOOTS
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: THE WOMEN WHO HELD ME UP
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: THE JOB I SAID NO TO
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: CHALK LINES
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: MENTALLY FIT FOR THE ROOF
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: ADDICTION IN THE TRADES
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: LESSONS FOR ROOFERS
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: WHAT THE ROOF TAUGHT ME
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE: AN INDIGENOUS ROOFER’S DREAM
CHAPTER FORTY: WALKING THE RED ROAD
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE: ROOFING AS CEREMONY
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO: THE SYSTEM AND THE ROOFER
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: WHAT JUSTICE SHOULD LOOK LIKE — A ROOFER’S CALL FOR POLICY CHANGE
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR: UNDRIP AND THE ROOFER’S VOICE
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE: A LETTER TO THE BOY I WAS
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX: TO THE ONES COMING AFTER ME
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: LET ME FINISH NAILING THIS LAST PANEL DOWN
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT: INKED IN FIBREGLASS AND MEMORY
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE: ONE ROOF AT A TIME
CHAPTER FIFTY: FOR THE ONES WHO CLIMB AFTER ME
FOR DONOVAN PENNER
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE: THE COPY DAVE NEVER GOT
THE LAST ROOF
AUTHOR'S NOTE
A ROOFER'S CREED
ROOFING GLOSSARY
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
FINAL WORDS
Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this memoir is to chronicle John Paul Tansley Courchene's transformative twenty-year journey from a troubled street kid and former inmate to a licensed master roofer, crew foreman, and advocate for Indigenous representation and systemic reform in the trades.
- Overcoming intergenerational trauma, addiction, and systemic barriers through the discipline and structure of manual labor.
- The vital importance of mentorship, second chances, and the strict adherence to craft and craftsmanship in roofing.
- Building a brotherhood and leadership framework centered on accountability, mutual trust, and uncompromising jobsite safety.
- Examining the intersections of Indigenous identity, the justice system, and the ongoing path toward true reconciliation.
- Honoring lost companions and paying forward the life-altering guidance received from mentors and family members.
Excerpt from the Book
CHAPTER THREE: IVAN TAUGHT ME TO ROOF
After my first day with the crew, Dave could have fired me. The crew boss wanted me gone because I was slowing everybody down. Dave gave me another chance.
He told me, “I’m sending you to my dad. He’ll sort you out.”
That was how I met Ivan Sams.
Ivan was old-school. He was quiet, precise, and serious about his work. He did not ask about jail, crack, or anything else from my past. He wanted to know if I would show up, keep my mouth shut, and listen.
The first tool he gave me was a broom.
I wanted to get on the roof. Ivan kept me on the ground cleaning the yard, picking up nails, stacking material, and organizing tools. At first, I thought he was wasting my time. I did not come there to sweep. I came there to learn how to roof.
What I did not know was that he was watching me.
Anybody can feel important with a nail gun in his hand. Ivan wanted to see what I would do with the work nobody cared about. Would I complain? Would I disappear? Would I leave half the job for somebody else?
I swept the yard and came back the next morning.
Ivan did not explain much. He showed me once and expected me to pay attention. If he did not say anything, I figured I was doing it right. If he stopped and stared at my work, I knew something was wrong. A nod from Ivan meant more than a whole speech from somebody else.
I started watching the way he moved. He never wasted steps. He could look at a piece of material and know where to cut. He knew how everything fit together—the windows, trim, soffit, fascia, and flashing. Most homeowners never notice those parts unless they fail, but Ivan treated each one like it mattered.
Chapter Summary
POPLAR RIVER FIRST NATION: Details the remote Anishinaabe community of the author's roots and the enduring spirit of its people.
DEDICATION & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Expresses deep gratitude to the family members, mentors, and fellow workers who provided support and second chances.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Grounds the narrative in the traditional lands of Winnipeg and honors the enduring connection between the author's heritage and the land.
INTRODUCTION: EVERY ROOF HAS A STORY: Introduces the core premise that roofing is not merely manual labor, but a transformative craft that mirrors life's struggles and repairs.
CHAPTER ONE: THE JOURNEY: Recounts the author's descent into addiction, incarceration at eighteen, and the fateful phone call that landed him his first roofing job.
CHAPTER TWO: WHAT WE ENDURE: Explores the profound impacts of intergenerational trauma, residential schools, and the author's personal reckoning with his family's past.
CHAPTER THREE: IVAN TAUGHT ME TO ROOF: Details his humbling apprenticeship under Ivan Sams, where sweeping floors and mastering fundamentals replaced shortcuts.
CHAPTER FOUR: BACK ON THE ROOF WITH DAVE: Describes his return to the main crew with newfound discipline, earning the respect of his peers through consistent hard work.
CHAPTER FIVE: MY FIRST SOLO ROOF: Illustrates the immense pressure and psychological milestone of running and completing an entire roofing project entirely on his own.
CHAPTER SIX: MY FIRST CREW: LEADING FROM THE RIDGE: Explores the transition from individual contributor to crew foreman, emphasizing empathy, organization, and steady leadership.
CHAPTER SEVEN: THE ROOF THAT WAS BIGGER THAN THE JOB: Relates a compassionate pro-bono project that reinforced why quality roofing ultimately protects vulnerable families.
CHAPTER EIGHT: THE SECOND CALL: STARTING OVER AGAIN: Details a falling out at his first company and how experience empowered him to secure a fresh start at Lansard Brothers Roofing.
CHAPTER NINE: BECOMING THE ROOFER I WAS MEANT TO BE: Reflects on achieving true professional identity, moving past past shame, and fully embracing the responsibilities of the trade.
CHAPTER TEN: MY FIRST DAY AS FOREMAN AT LANSARD BROTHERS: Focuses on setting the tone as a leader, managing diverse personalities, and prioritizing safety under tight weather deadlines.
CHAPTER ELEVEN: THE CREW THAT FELT LIKE FAMILY: Examines the deep bonds, unspoken loyalties, and shared hardships among crew members working at dangerous heights.
CHAPTER TWELVE: WINTER WARRIORS: Highlights the brutal physical challenges of roofing in freezing Manitoba winters at minus thirty degrees.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: ROOFING SAVED MY MIND: Explains how the intense focus required on the roof quieted internal mental chaos and provided a therapeutic anchor.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: THE ONE I COULD NOT SAVE: Mourns the tragic loss of a mentee to a drug overdose, emphasizing the invisible pain workers often carry in silence.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: THE WHOLE MADE IT: Contrasts earlier heartbreak by witnessing a struggling rookie overcome his doubts and successfully embrace the traditions of the trade.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THE CALL THAT MADE IT REAL: Reflects on industry recognition from Lansard Brothers as validation of years of hard-earned rehabilitation and skill.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: THE DAY IT WAS TAKEN FROM ME: Confronts the painful bureaucratic barrier of losing a foreman position due to a suspended driver's license linked to past offenses.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: WRITTEN FOR LIFE: Critiques how societal systems continually trap former offenders with lifelong labels, ignoring their ongoing personal progress and rehabilitation.
CHAPTER NINETEEN: DECOLONIZING MY PAST: Argues for personal sovereignty, breaking free from colonial paper trails, and reclaiming an Indigenous future defined by strength rather than labels.
CHAPTER TWENTY: THE MCDONALD BOYS: Highlights the morning routine of black coffee, quiet focus, and unwavering commitment shared with crew boss Robert Arbez.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: THE RIDGE WALKERS: Celebrates the ethos and reputation of a dedicated, high-performing roofing unit that consistently beat the sunrise to the jobsite.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: THE SAFETY REP — WATCHING EVERY STEP SO NOBODY FALLS: Details the crucial, life-saving responsibilities of enforcing jobsite safety protocols with empathy and strict discipline.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: WHAT SEPARATES CREWS FROM LEGENDS: Explores the distinction between ordinary workers and legendary crews driven by uncompromising standards and pride.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: GAF CERTIFICATION: Discusses the rigorous standards and profound personal pride of earning national industry certification as a First Nations roofer.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: CERTIFIED SHINGLE QUALITY SPECIALIST: Emphasizes the shift from mere speed to technical science, shingle performance, and long-term warranty protection.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: THE CERTIFIED STANDARD: Details the path to achieving Master ShingleApplicator status and proving mastery over complex roofing systems.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: ENVIROSHAKE FACTORY TRAINING: Explores mastering premium composite roofing products and the validating journey of authorized factory training.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: BULLETPROOF: Reflects on surviving trauma, racism, and harsh physical environments to stand tall with hard-earned resilience.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: TOOLS OF THE TRADE, SCARS OF THE TRADE: Examines the physical toll, chronic pain, and enduring symbolism of the tools and scars left behind by decades of hard labor.
CHAPTER THIRTY: THE ROOFER’S SILENCE: Describes the profound mental sanctuary and healing found within the focused silence of working high on a rooftop.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: SUNDAYS, PAYDAYS AND OLD BOOTS: Explores the distinct routines, physical aftermath of Sunday nights, hard-earned paydays, and the storytelling nature of worn-out boots.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: THE WOMEN WHO HELD ME UP: Honors the aunties and supportive women whose unwavering truth and safe shelter provided a lifeline before he could build a roof.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: THE JOB I SAID NO TO: Demonstrates integrity by walking away from a lucrative, rushed, and unsafe job that compromised safety standards.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: CHALK LINES: Explains why foundational precision and straight chalk lines dictate the success of every roof and every professional reputation.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: MENTALLY FIT FOR THE ROOF: Stresses that mental fitness, emotional health, and recognizing personal limits are just as vital as physical strength in construction.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: ADDICTION IN THE TRADES: Addresses the prevalence of substance abuse among tough tradesmen and advocates for open dialogue, empathy, and recovery.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: LESSONS FOR ROOFERS: Outlines practical wisdom for new workers: arriving early, prioritizing clean work over speed, staying sober, and cleaning up thoroughly.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: WHAT THE ROOF TAUGHT ME: Summarizes core philosophical takeaways—that life's damage, much like a damaged roof, must be fully exposed, torn off, and rebuilt solidly.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE: AN INDIGENOUS ROOFER’S DREAM: Envisions a future of Indigenous-owned roofing companies, empowered foremen, and youth mentorship programmes.
CHAPTER FORTY: WALKING THE RED ROAD: Connects the disciplined rhythm of roofing directly to traditional healing, personal balance, and the Indigenous path of the Red Road.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE: ROOFING AS CEREMONY: Elevates physical labor into a sacred, ceremonial act of connection to the land, community, and personal dignity.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO: THE SYSTEM AND THE ROOFER: Contrasts the fair evaluation of physical work on a roof with the rigid, unforgiving paperwork of government justice systems.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: WHAT JUSTICE SHOULD LOOK LIKE — A ROOFER’S CALL FOR POLICY CHANGE: Advocates for comprehensive justice reform, restorative practices, Gladue principles, and real vocational pathways for former offenders.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR: UNDRIP AND THE ROOFER’S VOICE: Connects international human rights frameworks (UNDRIP) to the daily realities of self-determination, economic participation, and dignity for Indigenous workers.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE: A LETTER TO THE BOY I WAS: Offers a deeply emotional, reflective letter of encouragement from the accomplished author to his younger, struggling self.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX: TO THE ONES COMING AFTER ME: Directs actionable advice, protection of health, financial sense, and cultural pride to future generations of Indigenous youth.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: LET ME FINISH NAILING THIS LAST PANEL DOWN: Concludes the literary journey by likening the completion of the memoir to finishing the final panel of a difficult roof.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT: INKED IN FIBREGLASS AND MEMORY: Pays tribute to Lansard Brothers Roofing through deep reflections and a permanent bodily tattoo commemorating the brotherhood.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE: ONE ROOF AT A TIME: Chronicles his transition to Pristine Roofing as a foreman, continuing his legacy one roof and one crew at a time.
CHAPTER FIFTY: FOR THE ONES WHO CLIMB AFTER ME: Offers final reflections on the unseen importance of protecting homes and mentoring the next generation of safe, skilled workers.
FOR A FELLOW WORKER: Mourns the tragic jobsite death of a colleague, underscoring the vital, life-and-death importance of rigorous safety protocols.
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE: THE COPY DAVE NEVER GOT: Expresses profound grief over the sudden passing of his cherished mentor and friend, Dave Sams, just before the book's publication.
THE LAST ROOF: A poignant eulogy dedicated to Dave Sams, celebrating his enduring impact on the author's hands, character, and life.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Explains the personal motivation, raw authenticity, and historical methodology behind writing a memoir from the roofer's perspective.
A ROOFER'S CREED: Codifies a personal ethical code of safety, honesty, mentorship, and professional respect for the roofing trade.
ROOFING GLOSSARY: Defines essential industry terminology from asphalt shingles and chalk lines to flashing and eavestroughs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Summarizes John Paul Tansley Courchene’s background, career trajectory across Winnipeg roofing companies, and advocacy work.
FINAL WORDS: Delivers a powerful concluding statement celebrating resilience, survival, and mastery over personal adversity.
Keywords
Roofing, Memoir, Indigenous rights, Intergenerational trauma, Addiction recovery, Mentorship, Crew leadership, Construction safety, Winnipeg, First Nations, GAF certification, ShingleMaster, Restorative justice, UNDRIP, Resilience, Craftsmanship
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of the book?
The book is a powerful memoir by John Paul Tansley Courchene detailing his journey from overcoming severe addiction, juvenile incarceration, and intergenerational trauma to becoming a licensed master roofer, crew foreman, and passionate advocate for Indigenous workers.
What are the central thematic focus areas?
Core themes include overcoming trauma through disciplined physical labor, the crucial role of mentorship and second chances, building a construction brotherhood based on safety and accountability, and advocating for systemic and judicial reform for Indigenous people.
What is the primary objective or message of the author?
The author aims to demonstrate that physical labor and the roofing trade can serve as a form of personal healing and ceremonial grounding, while proving that a person's past and societal labels do not dictate their future potential.
What scientific or professional methods and frameworks are highlighted?
The memoir highlights rigorous professional trade standards, including GAF and CertainTeed master certifications, Enviroshake factory training, comprehensive jobsite safety protocols, and legal frameworks like Gladue principles and UNDRIP.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body chronicles his progression from an inexperienced rookie sweeping yards to leading large crews, dealing with harsh winter conditions, earning prestigious trade credentials, mourning fallen brothers, and navigating systemic barriers like driver's license suspensions.
What keywords best characterize the publication?
Roofing, Memoir, Indigenous rights, Addiction recovery, Mentorship, Construction safety, Crew leadership, Restorative justice, UNDRIP, Resilience, Craftsmanship.
How did roofing specifically impact the author's mental health and recovery?
Roofing provided an intense physical and mental focus that quieted internal chaos, offering a structured daily routine that kept him sober, grounded, and focused on tangible accomplishments.
What role did mentors play in the author's transformation?
Mentors like Ivan Sams and Dave Sams provided uncompromising standards, tough love, and crucial second chances without judging his criminal record, teaching him the fundamentals of both the trade and professional conduct.
How does the author connect his trade to Indigenous culture and ceremony?
He views the rhythmic, careful installation of shingles and the protection of homes as a sacred practice akin to offering tobacco—a form of grounding, earthwork, and personal reclamation on the Red Road.
What message does the author convey regarding the criminal justice system?
He argues that the justice system overly relies on punishment without addressing root causes like trauma and poverty, advocating instead for restorative justice, proper vocational training, and fair pathways to rehabilitation.
- Quote paper
- John Paul Courchene (Author), 2026, Every House That I Have Ever Worked On: A Roofer's Story, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1780557