How Indigenous Workforce Initiatives Are Shaping Canada’s Future
Granted Consulting acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. We are grateful for the opportunity to live and work on these lands.
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures, histories, contributions, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. It is also a moment to highlight the meaningful work being done in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations to expand access to education, workforce development, technology, and economic participation.
Indigenous Peoples represent one of the youngest and most rapidly growing demographics in the country. According to the 2021 Census, the Indigenous population grew by 9.4% between 2016 and 2021, nearly twice the rate of the non-Indigenous population. As this generation enters the workforce, organizations, employers, educators, and community leaders are working together to ensure that growth is met with real opportunity.
Building More Connected Workforce Systems
Miki Reeder, Founder and CEO of The Connect Partnership Group, leads initiatives that bring together employers, educators, community organizations, governments, Indigenous communities, and industry leaders to foster collaboration on workforce participation, Indigenous inclusion, and economic reconciliation. Through flagship events such as Forward Summit and Workforce Forward, the organization creates opportunities for dialogue, relationship building, and knowledge sharing across sectors, helping participants explore practical approaches to building inclusive workplaces, strengthening partnerships, and advancing economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples and communities.
Expanding Access and Representation in Technology
Ryan St. Germaine is the Founder and CEO of Indigenous Tech Circle, Canada’s largest Indigenous-led tech community. The organization connects and supports Indigenous tech leaders, professionals, students, companies, and ecosystem partners through peer mentorship, workshops, events, networking opportunities, and access to career and business opportunities.
Indigenous Tech Circle creates opportunities for members to connect, share knowledge, build relationships, and support one another while helping grow the Indigenous innovation ecosystem across Canada.
Why This Matters
These are practical responses to real gaps in Canada’s workforce and economy. Indigenous-led initiatives like these are creating new pathways, strengthening networks, and supporting meaningful participation in high-growth sectors.
This isn’t only about individual opportunity. A workforce that includes Indigenous Peoples at every level, in technology, industry, leadership, and beyond, is a workforce that is more connected, more resilient, and more reflective of the country it serves. Economic reconciliation isn’t a destination. It’s built through the kind of steady, collaborative work these organizations are doing every day.
Looking Ahead
The future of workforce development in Canada will depend on strong, sustained collaboration between communities, educators, employers, and governments. Indigenous organizations and initiatives are helping build those connections in ways that are practical, community-driven, and lasting.
At Granted, we are committed to supporting Indigenous-led organizations and the important work they are doing. We believe access to funding should never be a barrier to opportunity, and we work to make those pathways clearer and more accessible for the organizations that need it most.
If you are an Indigenous-led organization, there may be funding available to support your work. We would be glad to help you identify and access relevant opportunities using the link below.
Sources
Statistics Canada, 2021 Census: Indigenous Population Growth and Demographics https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/node/1844
Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey: Indigenous Labour Market Data https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/subjects/indigenous_peoples/labour_and_employment
Government of Canada, Indigenous Workforce Initiatives and Employment Programs https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1690909773300/1690909797208
Information and Communications Technology Council, Shaping a Digital Future for Indigenous Peoples https://ictc-ctic.ca/reports/shaping-a-digital-future-for-indigenous-peoples
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business https://www.ccib.ca
Indigenous Tech Circle https://jointechcircle.com
Connect Partnership Group https://theconnectgroup.ca
Forward Summit https://forwardsummit.ca
