Skills Development & Jobs

Our goals are to:

• The Government of Canada should commit to increased funding for entrepreneurship, training, and education programs for Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.
• The Government of Canada should increase funding for organizations led by Indigenous women; specifically, those supporting economic resiliency of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.
• Flexible and innovative education and/or training be developed for accessibility in urban, rural, northern, and remote communities where Indigenous women and gender-diverse people reside.

Summary:

Indigenous women and gender-diverse people face significant barriers to economic resiliency, including funding inequities for entrepreneurs, barriers to employment due to a lack of work, and lack of 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 take a culturally relevant, gender-based lens to its funding to ensure better access for Indigenous women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs. Training and education programs would further improve participation of Indigenous women in the labour market.

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