Workforce development programs done well have the potential to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Call to Action #7: “to eliminate educational and employment gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.” Moreover, as the fastest-growing and youngest population in Canada, Indigenous Peoples and their participation in the workforce can have a major impact on the country’s economy, including addressing labour shortages. This session will focus on what workforce development means to Indigenous communities, with particular attention to the cultural and social lens. It will highlight examples of successful programs as well as lessons learned.
Learning Outcomes:
- Beyond vocational training and/or job placement, what are the policies and strategies to enable the short- and long-term development of the Indigenous workforce
- Best practices for building partnerships among Indigenous communities and employers, service providers, governments and other funders in design/delivery of workforce development programs
- Addressing the biggest current barriers to the workforce participation of Indigenous peoples – skills and experience gaps, and historic and systemic discrimination
