Job Search and Career Planning
Indigenous youth in Canada face multiple, interconnected challenges in accessing employment, many of which stem from the enduring effects of colonialism and systemic inequities. Limited access to quality education and skills training, especially in northern, rural, and reserve communities, creates barriers to entering the labour force. Indigenous youth may face several barriers to employment, including:
- Discrimination in hiring practices and/or the workplace.
- Lack of culturally safe environments.
- Inadequate transportation.
- Limited local job opportunities.
- Limited access to mentorship and work experience.
These barriers are further compounded by broader social issues, making it harder for Indigenous youth to secure and sustain meaningful employment.
With funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada, NWAC was able to hold engagement sessions with Indigenous youth to explore the barriers to employment and career advancement. In these sessions, Indigenous youth emphasized a need for greater and more relevant information on jump starting their careers.
In response, NWAC developed resources to assist Indigenous youth in their job search and career planning. Our toolkit starts at résumé building and works youth through to the interview process. In providing these resources, NWAC aims to assist Indigenous youth in reaching their full potential.
Job Search and Career Planning Toolkit
Volunteer driven and operated, Friendship Centres began in the mid-1950s as the number of Indigenous people moving into larger urban areas increased. Indigenous agencies emerged out of a clear need for specialized services to help Indigenous newcomers to the city. These agencies would provide referrals and offer counselling on matters of employment, housing, education, health and liaison with other community organizations.
Decent Work for Youth: Urban Indigenous Youth Leadership
The Decent Work for Youth (DWFY) project aims to empower urban Indigenous youth across Canada to succeed in employment settings by strengthening their diverse leadership skills and networks.
Website: Home — The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
IndigeSTEAM ‘s mission is the provision of Indigenous-led and culturally-relevant programming in STEM/STEAM to support a better future for Indigenous youth in STEM, through spaces that are ethical and respect Indigenous culture and Ways of Knowing. IndigeSTEAM brings in Indigenous STEM role models and train non-Indigenous and Indigenous STEM professionals how best to work with Indigenous youth and youth in general, and also provides the Indigenous STEM professionals with networking and support that recognizes their need to walk in two worlds.
The Indigenous Professional Association of Canada is dedicated to advancing Indigenous leadership in the private, public and social sectors. IPAC serves its members through professional skill building, network development and the recognition of excellence. Through its mission, IPAC offers First Nations, Inuit and Métis professionals the opportunity to connect, learn and prosper as a community.
Website: IPAC – Indigenous Professional Association of Canada
This program provides youth with summer employment opportunities where they can gain work experience and develop important skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork. Projects under the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program allow youth to learn about career options and earn an income that can contribute to a university or college education.
Website: First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program
NWAC’s Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program creates pathways to economic independence for Indigenous women across Canada.
Through personalized support and targeted funding, we help participants overcome barriers to education, skills development, and meaningful employment. Our comprehensive approach includes financial assistance for:
• Education and training programs
• Living expenses during training
• Childcare support
• Job start-up necessities
Beyond individual support, NWAC builds strategic partnerships with employers seeking to diversify their workforce with talented Indigenous professionals. We provide resources and guidance to ensure these employment relationships thrive.
If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to reach out to us at policy@nwac.ca.
