Skills Development and Jobs

Our goals are to:

• Have the Government of Canada commit to increased funding for entrepreneurship, training, and education programs for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people.
• Have the Government of Canada increase funding for organizations led by Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender diverse people; specifically, those supporting economic resilience.
• Develop flexible and innovative education and/or training for accessibility in urban, rural, northern, and remote communities where Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people reside.

Summary:

Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people face significant barriers to economic resiliency, including funding inequities for entrepreneurs, employment due to a lack of work, and reduced programs offering professional training. These obstacles are further exacerbated by other social inequities, including access to safe and adequate housing and childcare.

In addressing these barriers to economic resiliency, the Government of Canada must consider a culturally relevant, gender-based lens for its funding to ensure better access for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse entrepreneurs. Training and education programs would further improve participation in the labour market.

NWAC has already taken action in addressing funding gaps and support in economic programs for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people. Our #BeTheDrum Entrepreneur Navigation Program, and Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Directory, provide resources for entrepreneurs. Our Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program offers scholarships for Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people for post-secondary education, which has been put in place for those seeking employment and training opportunities.