Aboriginal Career Guide

Discover jobs and online resources designed to connect First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students and recent grads to rewarding careers.

Ready to get cracking?

This guide is full of resources for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and grads who are navigating the challenging school-to-work transition. Here, you can learn about different career paths, success stories, unique opportunities, and more.

Job search strategies:

  • Apply for awards, scholarships and bursaries
  • Connect with your support networks, such as Aboriginal and industry-specific groups and associations
  • Find out which employers value Aboriginal employees and diversity
  • Connect with top employers and share your accomplishments
Pro Tip
"Employers want to invest in the success of Aboriginal peoples and they are eager to support you in a million different ways – such as through scholarships, awards and bursaries, as well as through internship, job shadowing and mentoring programs."

Resources

Culture Coded: 10 Apps You Can Use to Learn About Aboriginal Culture

Interested in expanding your knowledge of Canada's Aboriginal cultures? There's an app for that!
5 Ways to Learn About Canada's Indigenous Cultures

Learn more about Canada's Indigenous cultures using our 5 tips in honour of National Aboriginal Week 2017!
Building a Sustainable Future: Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change Action

Canada's Aboriginal populations have been advocating for positive environmental practices for decades, but when it comes to the future of our planet, sustainability proves to be an important practice for all.

How to Be an Informed Aboriginal Ally

What is an "ally" and why is it important in achieving social justice? This guide will provide essential tips on how to be an effective, informed ally to Canada's Indigenous populations.

Going Green: Trends And Careers In Urban Agriculture

Urban Agriculture is innovating this traditional industry. Take a look at the emerging trends in this field and see how they can benefit the environment and the economy!
Q&A With Aboriginal Independent Filmmaker, Thirza Cuthand

TalentEgg interviews Thirza Cuthand about her career as a filmmaker and her dedication to creating representations of the Aboriginal community on screen.
Exploring Aboriginal Employment Initiatives In Canada Through The Trades Industry

Skilled trades are in high demand – the Industry Training Authority (ITA) has put a program in place to help Aboriginal professionals find great careers in this field. Read on to find out more!
Are You An Aspiring Aboriginal Entrepreneur? Here's A Great Way To Get Started!

The Aboriginal Business Match (ABM) conference is a top event for Aboriginal business owners. Read this article and find out how it can benefit your career!
5 Great Careers You Can Pursue With Your Indigenous Studies Degree

An Indigenous Studies degree opens up a lot of great career paths – here are five for you to consider!
Here's How To Find Aboriginal Support Networks and Services Outside Of Campus

Schools provide a ton of support for Aboriginal students – but the transition from student to new grad often means finding new off-campus resources. Here's how to start your search!
Making Your Involvement in Aboriginal Community Work for You in Your Cover Letters

Engagement in the Indigenous community can be a huge asset to your cover letter... if you know how to present it.
Making Your Involvement in Aboriginal Community Work for You in an Interview

Your experiences in the Aboriginal community can help impress a potential employer. Here's how to show off your skills in an interview!
Add (More) To Your Resume: Participate In National Aboriginal Initiatives

Want to get involved in Aboriginal community initiatives? Here are 3 great places to start!
Career Profile: Meet A Recent Grad At Shell

"There's a lot to gain from the experience you'll get as a new grad at Shell," says Chris.
The Government's Aboriginal Student Employment Program Builds Basics for Forestry Careers

Like co-op programs and internships, working in your desired field is very important to gain industry experience. Take a look into the Canadian Forest Service Aboriginal Student Employment Program.

Aboriginal Week: Your One Stop Toolbox For Starting Your Own Business

Here's your one-stop-shop to turn your entrepreneurial dream into a reality!
11 Egg-cellent Scholarships For Aboriginal Students

Ranging from Agriculture to Marketing, this guide to some egg-cellent scholarships is just the beginning when it comes to finding the right scholarship or bursary for you!
A Career In Aboriginal Communities: 4 Programs To Get You There

Article outlining four designations that are beneficial to have when hatching a career in Indigenous communities.
6 Aboriginal-Focused Post-Secondary Programs Across Canada

Looking to study something with an Aboriginal focus? Canada has you covered with this selection of Aboriginal-focused programs at Canadian institutions.
What Is Idle No More And Why Is It Important?

Idle No More speaks to the importance of inclusion, respect and working together.
On-Campus Aboriginal Elders Provide Guidance To Students

Elders listen and offer guidance on a variety of issues, share stories about their life experiences, and help students connect to their cultural roots.
Should You Disclose Aboriginal Status To Potential Employers?

It is your choice to disclose your status, but it is not obligatory for you to do so.
Aboriginal Business Leader Shares Ideas For Making School And Work More Inclusive

Kelly J. Lendsay, President and CEO of the Aboriginal HR Council, outlines both challenges and solutions for Aboriginal students.
Future Engineer From Wikwemikong First Nation Says Education Is Key To His Success

After completing two college diplomas, Joseph Wabegijig turned down three job offers to pursue his Civil Engineering degree.
Young Aboriginal MBA Strives To Balance Culture With Success

Elyse Campbell (Algonquin from Greater Golden Lake) says the next generation of Aboriginal leaders shouldn't have to sacrifice one for the other.
Why Indigenous Studies Classes Are Even More Important Today

With the rise of Idle No More, an updated perspective on the importance of enrolling in Indigenous Studies classes.
How Aboriginal Student Services On-Campus Can Help You Succeed

A number of colleges and universities have specialized career centres and services for Aboriginal students.

Award-Winning UBC Master's Student Researching Forest Bio-Products

Baillie Redfern is an MSc student in UBC’s Genome Science and Technology Program.
Career Opportunities For Aboriginal People In The Canadian Armed Forces

Aboriginal people are leaders in every field of the Canadian Armed Forces, and Aboriginal youth can get involved in experience programs with the Forces.
Have You Considered Growing Your Career In The Forest Industry?

Since Canada contains approximately 10% of the Earth's forests, there are many opportunities for students to grow their career options in the forestry industry.
Aboriginal Job Opportunities In Green Energy

With the right education and training, Indigenous students and new grads can find themselves employed in green energy following graduation.
Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) Program Provides Unique, Rewarding Career Path

The CAFM designation is a unique way to develop the skills knowledge you’ll need to successfully navigate the complex world of Aboriginal finance.
Medical School Application Information for Aboriginal Students

16 of the 17 Canadian medical schools identify a process by which they hope to make medical school more accessible to Indigenous students.
The Rising Demand for Skilled Labour

In the next 20 years, 40% of new jobs in Canada will be in skilled trades and technologies.
Help Bridge Cultural Gaps With A Career In Aboriginal Engagement

It’s expected that First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities will play increasingly relevant roles in mining and energy-related industries in the coming years.
Working In Aboriginal Communities Gives Young Coastal Resource Consultants A New Perspective

Maria Delesalle (pictured) and Alanna Gauthier are 2 of 3 partners for a consulting company that works with Aboriginal communities in a variety of different ways.
Geography MA Student Starts Her Career With The National Inuit Organization

Carleton University geography MA student Becky Mearns works for Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national Inuit organization.
Job Hunting Strategies For Aboriginal Students And Recent Grads

As a young Aboriginal person in Canada, how can you take advantage of all of the unique opportunities available for Inuit, First Nations and Métis students to set yourself up for success?
Secrets Of Success At Hydro One: Paul, Aboriginal Recruitment Consultant

As an Aboriginal Recruitment Consultant at Hydro One, Paul's main role is to source qualified First Nations and Métis candidates.
Diversity And Inclusion At PwC, And Why It Matters To Your Career

PwC has been proactive by implementing a number of diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a culture where all types of diversity are embraced and celebrated.
Behind The Scenes Petroleum Careers: Business And Operations Support

It takes more than just engineers and field workers to keep the oil and gas industry running! Business and operations support professionals work "behind the scenes" at oil and gas companies and in government in a variety of occupations that support vari...
Secrets Of My Success At Hydro One: Kim, Protection And Control Engineer

Kim is a Protection and Control Engineer from Rocky Bay First Nation on Lake Nipigon in northwestern Ontario who has been working at Hydro One for the past six years – ever since she graduated from Lakehead University.
The Environment Is A Top Priority When Planning Mines, Says VP Aboriginal Affairs

Glenn Nolan, Vice President Aboriginal Affairs with mining company Noront Resources, says the mining industry has made significant improvements in recent years and the environment has become its top priority when planning mines around the world.
Networking With People In The Industry Will Help You Start Your Career In Mining

Renata Smoke, a third-year student at the University of Western Ontario, spent her summer working as a summer student with Noront Resources in the Ring of Fire district in northern Ontario doing core logging and geophysics.
The Mining Industry Needs Young Workers From All Backgrounds

With a 40% retirement rate and new deposits being discovered regularly, thousands of additional workers will be needed each year by mining employers to meet anticipated Canadian production targets to the year 2016.
Why Indigenous Studies Programs Are Valuable For Gen Y

I recently spoke with Hayden King, who is an Indigenous Studies professor at McMaster University, as well as a member of the Beausoleil First Nation on Chimnissing, and asked him some questions about the benefits of students taking Indigenous Studies classes.