Bridging the Employment Gap: Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Indigenous Talent

On April 24, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will be hosting a training session at the Wyndham Garden Hotel. The session will focus on bridging the employment gap for Indigenous talent in Canada. Moreover, the session aims to explore strategies for inclusive hiring, as well as discuss real success stories of practical implementation.

Compared to their non-Indigenous peers, Indigenous workers face higher unemployment rates, among other challenges. In part, these challenges can be owed to both systemic inequalities inherent in hiring practices as well as structural barriers within the economy.

Moreover, Indigenous entrepreneurs also face a unique set of challenges which often goes unnoticed. These include difficulty with forming strong business networks, finding mentorship, and accessing credit.

For this reason, the ICC is committed to providing governments, firms, and organizations with reliable strategies which they can adopt to hire and retain the wealth of Indigenous talent that exists. By embracing Indigenous inclusion, businesses contribute to Indigenous economic reconciliation while enhancing their workforce with diverse perspectives.

The training will cover key strategies for creating inclusive workplaces. These include:

• Proactive Outreach & Relationship-Building: Partnering with Indigenous organizations, schools, and training programs to access culturally relevant job opportunities.
• Cultural Competency & Workplace Inclusion: Providing ongoing cultural competency training for employees and incorporating Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and perspectives into workplace policies.
• Mentorship & Career Development: Establishing mentorship programs and investing in leadership development initiatives tailored to Indigenous professionals.

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the successes of other organizations that have effectively implemented strategies for inclusive hiring.

Bridging employment gaps is essential for long-term success. Businesses must commit to meaningful consultation with Indigenous communities, equitable hiring practices that respect Indigenous cultural values, and creating workplace environments where Indigenous employees thrive.