Introduction
Finding the right job is about more than a paycheque it’s about building a future that honours your identity, your community, and your strengths. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, returning after a break, or ready to take your career to the next level, Canada’s job landscape holds more opportunities for Indigenous job seekers today than ever before.
This guide is your starting point. We’ve pulled together the most current programs, government resources, and job portals specifically available to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people across Canada all in one place.
The Big Picture: Where Things Stand
Between 2012 and 2022, Indigenous Gross Domestic Income increased by 74.7% a growth rate that outpaced the total Canadian population, which saw an increase of 54%. ICTinc That’s a remarkable shift, and it reflects a growing recognition by employers across Canada that Indigenous talent is essential to building a stronger economy.
At the same time, gaps remain. Employment rates for First Nations on reserve remain the lowest, and the gap in labour force participation rates between First Nations on reserve and non-Indigenous Canadians has increased by 22.8% since the 2006 census. ICTinc Closing that gap starts with awareness knowing what’s available to you and how to access it.
Government Programs You Should Know About
1. First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (FNIYES)
Indigenous Services Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy supportsinitiatives to provide First Nations and Inuit youth with work experience, information about career options, and opportunities to develop skills. Since its launch in 1997, it has provided close to 150,000 opportunities to First Nations and Inuit youth, with an annual budget of $26 million. Indian Act
2. First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program
This program provides youth with summer employment opportunities where they can gain work experience and develop important employability skills. Indian Act Eligible participants are First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students. Positions offer a minimum of 80 hours of paid work experience.
3. Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISET)
The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program provides training and support to more than 40,000 individuals annually, with the goal of helping more than 16,500 of them find jobs. Canada.ca This program funds local Indigenous organizations that deliver employment and skills training tailored to your community’s needs.
4. Government of Canada Jobs for Indigenous People
The Government of Canada is seeking First Nations people, Inuit, and Métis with all levels of education and experience to help build a more inclusive and representative public service. Canada.ca When applying, you can self-declare as an Indigenous person, which opens access to positions specifically designated for Indigenous candidates.
Online Job Portals Built for You
• Job Bank Indigenous Job Seekers Portal (jobbank.gc.ca/indigenous): Job Bank helps First Nations people, Métis, and Inuit find employment opportunities and succeed in the labour market, with tools including employment services locators, career browsing, and interview preparation resources. Job Bank
• Careers.Indigenous.Link: This highly specialized employment portal is fully dedicated to assisting Indigenous job seekers in researching and acquiring opportunities, offering training resources, skill development guides, and thousands of Indigenous job postings for all career stages. Indigenous
• Indigenous Careers (indigenouscareers.org): A growing online community connecting Indigenous job seekers with inclusive employers, featuring post-secondary candidates and employers committed to Indigenous inclusion. Indigenouscareers
A Promising Sector: The Skilled Trades
If you’re considering the trades, the data is encouraging. Male Indigenous journeypersons generally had better labour market outcomes than their non-Indigenous counterparts one year after certification with a median employment income of $71,100, approximately $7,000 higher than non-Indigenous male journeypersons. Statistics Canada The trades offer a real, well-paying pathway to financial independence, and Red Seal certification opens doors nationwide.
Local Support: Finding Help Near You
National programs are important, but local organizations often provide the most hands-on support. Organizations like Miziwe Biik in Toronto offer one-on-one employment advisors, resume and cover letter help, funding for books and supplies, entrepreneurship grants, and on-the-job training funding for employers who hire Indigenous trainees. Miziwe Biik Similar Indigenous employment centres exist in every province and many are free to access.
Your Next Step
The opportunities are real, and the support is there. Bookmark this website, check back regularly for new job postings tailored to First Nations and Indigenous job seekers across Canada, and take advantage of the programs listed above. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
This website was created to be your partner on that journey connecting you with employers who are ready to welcome your skills, your perspective, and your future.