Indigenous Employment Programs & Subsidies in Canada

The Canadian government and provincial governments offer a wide range of programs designed to support Indigenous employment and skills development. These programs provide funding, training subsidies, and resources that benefit both employers and Indigenous job seekers. Whether you are a small business hiring your first employee or a large corporation building an Indigenous workforce strategy, there is likely a program that can help. Indigenous Job Board Canada has compiled this guide to help employers navigate the available support.

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISETS) Program

The ISETS Program is the Government of Canada's primary vehicle for supporting Indigenous employment and training. Launched in 2019 as a successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS), the program provides approximately $408.2 million annually to a network of Indigenous service delivery organizations across the country.

ISETS funding supports a wide range of activities, including:

Skills training and certification programs
Job placement and employment counselling services
Wage subsidies for employers who hire Indigenous workers
Support for self-employment and entrepreneurship
Childcare and transportation assistance to remove barriers to employment

Employers can partner with ISETS agreement holders in their region to access subsidized training, recruitment assistance, and wage subsidies. To find an ISETS holder near you, contact your nearest Indigenous employment centre or visit the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website.

First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program

The Skills Link Program is specifically designed to help Indigenous youth (ages 15 to 30) who face barriers to employment gain the skills and experience they need to find and keep jobs. The program funds projects that provide:

Work readiness skills training (resume writing, interview preparation, workplace expectations)
Mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals
Paid work placements and job shadowing opportunities
Essential skills development (literacy, numeracy, digital skills)
Career exploration and education pathways planning

Employers who participate in Skills Link can access subsidized work placements, gaining motivated young workers while helping build the next generation of Indigenous talent. The program is particularly valuable for employers in communities with large Indigenous youth populations.

Aboriginal Skills Employment Training Strategy (ASETS)

Although ASETS was formally replaced by the ISETS Program in 2019, its legacy continues to shape Indigenous employment support across Canada. Many of the service delivery organizations, training partnerships, and employer relationships established under ASETS remain active today.

ASETS established the framework for demand-driven, partnership-based Indigenous employment training that continues under ISETS. Employers who previously participated in ASETS programs will find familiar processes and contacts under the current ISETS structure. The transition was designed to be seamless, with enhanced flexibility and increased funding.

Canada Summer Jobs (with Indigenous Priority)

The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program provides wage subsidies to employers who create quality summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30. The program prioritizes applications that serve Indigenous communities and Indigenous youth.

Key details for employers:

Wage subsidies cover up to 100% of the provincial minimum hourly wage for not-for-profit employers and up to 50% for private-sector and public-sector employers
Jobs must be full-time (30 to 40 hours per week) and last between 6 and 16 weeks
Applications that demonstrate a commitment to serving Indigenous communities receive priority consideration
The program runs annually, with applications typically opening in January

This is an excellent option for employers who want to provide meaningful summer employment to Indigenous youth while receiving significant financial support.

Provincial Programs

In addition to federal programs, most provinces and territories offer their own Indigenous employment and training initiatives. Here are some notable examples:

British Columbia

BC Indigenous Skills Training Development Fund — Provides funding for short-term skills training projects designed to help Indigenous peoples prepare for in-demand jobs in their communities.
Aboriginal Community-Based Training Partnerships — Supports multi-year training initiatives led by Indigenous communities in partnership with employers and training providers.

Alberta

Alberta Indigenous Employment Program — Offers wage subsidies and training support to employers who hire Indigenous Albertans. Subsidies can cover up to 50% of wages for the training period.
First Nations Training to Employment Program — Provides training aligned with specific employment opportunities, ensuring participants are job-ready upon completion.

Ontario

Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Supports Indigenous businesses and economic development projects, including employment creation initiatives.
Ontario's Employment Ontario — Offers employment services through Indigenous-specific delivery partners, providing culturally appropriate job search assistance, training, and employer matching.

Manitoba

Manitoba's Indigenous Employment Initiative — Works with employers to create pathways for Indigenous employment through pre-employment training, mentorship, and ongoing support.
Northern Manitoba Mining Academy — Partners with mining companies to provide Indigenous peoples with the training needed for careers in the mining sector.

Pathways to Education

Several programs support Indigenous peoples in pursuing post-secondary education and training that leads to employment:

Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) — Funded by Indigenous Services Canada, this program provides financial assistance to First Nations students pursuing post-secondary education.
Indspire— A national Indigenous charity that provides scholarships, bursaries, and awards to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. Employers can partner with Indspire to support Indigenous learners and build a talent pipeline.
Indigenous apprenticeship programs — Many trade unions and industry associations offer Indigenous-specific apprenticeship streams with cultural supports and mentorship.

How to Access These Programs

Navigating government programs can be complex, but these steps will help employers get started:

Contact your regional ISETS holder — They are the front-line delivery organizations for most federal Indigenous employment programs and can connect you with available funding and support.
Visit Service Canada — Service Canada offices can provide information on federal employment programs, including those with Indigenous components.
Check provincial websites — Each province and territory maintains a list of employment and training programs, often with dedicated Indigenous sections.
Connect with Indigenous business organizations — Groups like the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and regional Indigenous chambers of commerce can provide guidance on employment programs and partnerships.

Tips for Employers Applying for Subsidies

To maximize your chances of receiving funding and building a successful Indigenous employment program, consider the following advice:

Build genuine relationships first — Programs favour employers who have established relationships with Indigenous communities. Start by attending community events, partnering with local organizations, and demonstrating a sincere commitment to Indigenous employment.
Offer meaningful positions — Subsidized roles should lead to long-term employment or transferable skills. Funding bodies prioritize applications that show a clear path to sustainable employment.
Provide cultural supports — Include details about cultural leave policies, Elder access, mentorship programs, and other supports that will help Indigenous employees succeed in your workplace.
Apply early — Many programs have limited funding and operate on a first-come, first-served or competitive basis. Monitor application deadlines and submit well in advance.
Track and report outcomes — Funding bodies want to see measurable results. Keep detailed records of training hours, employment retention rates, and participant feedback to support future applications.
Include Indigenous voices in program design — Involve Indigenous employees and community partners in designing your training and employment programs. This ensures cultural relevance and increases program effectiveness.

Post a Job on Indigenous Job Board Canada

Ready to hire Indigenous talent? Listing your open positions on Indigenous Job Board Canada is one of the most effective ways to reach qualified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit job seekers across the country. Combined with the programs and subsidies described above, posting on our platform can help you build a strong, diverse workforce while accessing financial support.

Post a job today and start connecting with Indigenous talent. Visit our pricing page to learn about our affordable posting options for employers of all sizes.