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A partnership initiative of the federal government, the Aboriginal Workforce
Participation Initiative (AWPI) is committed to increasing the participation of Aboriginal
peoples in the labour market. Initially launched in 1991, AWPI'S mandate was renewed and
enhanced in 1996.
Our goal is to educate and inform employers about the advantages of hiring Aboriginal
peoples. We hope, by converging the efforts of Aboriginal peoples and employers, to
emphasize the many benefits available to both through working together.
Responsibility for AWPI is shared between the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development (DIAND) and the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS).
DIAND oversees the AWPI external component geared to sectors of the economy other than
the federal public service. TBS, in collaboration with the Public Service Commission
(PSC), looks after AWPI's internal component, aimed at the federal public service. This
internal component is part of the federal Employment Equity Program.
AWPI is part of the federal government's commitment to help Aboriginal peoples build
stronger, healthier and more self-reliant communities. As such, we complement other
federal employment and economic development programs.
Why AWPI is important
Aboriginal peoples make up one of the fastest-growing segments of the population in
Canada, increasing at almost twice the national average. They represent an increasingly
educated, readily available workforce, eager to assume an active role in the country's
economy.
Despite the fact Aboriginal peoples offer diverse skills to the workforce, their
participation in the labour force is lower and their unemployment rate higher than that of
non-Aboriginal Canadians.
Employers of Aboriginal Peoples can expect to:
- Find new market opportunities;
- Gain a better understanding of customers;
- Introduce diversity to the workplace;
- Develop a stable and dedicated local workforce;
- Form positive relationships with a future workforce.
AWPI is committed to breaking down the barriers and overcoming the hurdles (real or
imagined) that deter the employment of Aboriginal peoples.
Our goal is to converge the efforts of Aboriginal peoples and employers, to stress the
advantages and emphasizes the benefits of working together.
AWPI Strives to:
- Raise awareness of Aboriginal employment issues;
- Enhance the capacity of employers to recruit, promote and retain Aboriginal employees;
- Promote information-sharing and networking among stakeholders.
AWPI recognizes that Aboriginal employment is a complex issue, requiring a flexible
approach.
AWPI supports a wide variety of activities to assist those committed to Aboriginal
employment. These activities can be easily tailored to meet specific needs.
AWPI Activities include:
- Producing and distributing awareness-building materials and participating in awareness
activities;
- Organizing and participating in conferences, seminars and workshops;
- Creating, promoting and participating in stakeholder networks;
- Communicating events related to Aboriginal employment issues;
- Identifying and promoting best practices and role models;
- Developing and distributing skill-building tools and resources for employers;
- Facilitating pilot projects.
AWPI Seeks and Promotes Partnerships with the following:
- Aboriginal communities, business and organizations
- Public and private corporations
- All levels of government
- Industry and trade associations
- Professional associations
- Labour unions
- Educational institutions
Indians and Northern Affairs Canada
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Minister of Supply and Services Canada Ottawa, 1997
QS-3584-002-EE-A1
Catalogue No. R32-178/2-1997E
ISBN 0-662-25689-1
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