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Archived BAC Articles for Canadian Members

Region 9 Considers Aboriginal Workforce Issues
August - September 2002

Significant demographic shifts continue to develop in the United States and Canada, causing concurrent shifts in new entrants to the labour market. As a result, industries and unions must be prepared to adapt to and benefit from these changes.

This new reality is clearly evident in the Province of Saskatchewan, where the highest per-capita Aboriginal (indigenous and/or Native Canadian) population in Canada resides. Population projections predict a 28 percent increase in the number of native people compared to non-Aboriginals. At a recent Region 9 Regional Council Meeting in Regina, Saskatchewan, BAC participants had an opportunity to hear from Deborah Todd, Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Program (ACAP) Coordinator.

ACAP was developed co-operatively by the Saskatchewan Indian and Metis Affairs Secretariat (SIMAS), the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) in 1999 to create awareness of the diversity and richness of First Nations and Metis cultures, histories, and current issues.

Todd is of First Nation and European ancestry. As ACAP Coordinator, part of her mandate is to educate employees, employers, and unions about the unique and rich culture of Canada’s indigenous people. Through workshop and interactive exercises, ACAP helps dispel myths about Aboriginal people, bridges cultural gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, builds respect, and enhances the workplace culture.

While Saskatchewan has the highest per capita native population in Canada, Aboriginals are grossly underrepresented in employment in the province, especially in the building trades. By heightening awareness of Aboriginal culture and history within the Saskatchewan workforce, ACAP seeks to increase work opportunities for Aboriginals, thereby reducing their proportionately high unemployment rates and reliance on social assistance. As Todd noted in her presentation, these changes should not be limited to Saskatchewan. In fact, the audience learned through the speaker that these statistics are similar throughout North America. As Graeme Aitken, BAC Canadian Affairs Representative, remarked, “It was a real eye opener.”

Todd’s presentation was so well-received that she was asked to address BAC representatives from across Canada at the Canadian Congress meeting in Toronto, Ontario in September.