Inclusive mentoring and workplace equity drive resilience as Indigenous youth shape Canada’s future
Nearly one third of Indigenous people in Canada experience disability—a reality that has significant implications for workforce inclusion, business resilience, and the future of workplace culture.
With Indigenous Peoples representing the fastest growing and youngest demographic in the country—over 1.8 million strong, with more than 40 percent under 25—Indigenous youth are poised to become the next generation of workers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
As Indigenous enterprises and investments increase across all sectors, the need for inclusive employment practices becomes more urgent.
A recent KPMG survey reveals that 61 percent of Indigenous workers with disabilities have faced workplace ableism, and three quarters feel they must work harder than their peers without disabilities to be equally valued.
The psychological harm caused by workplace racism and ableism is a persistent barrier for Indigenous job seekers experiencing disability, as highlighted in a report by Community Futures Treaty Seven.
For employers seeking to future-proof their organizations, building authentic, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous workers is essential.
This process starts with strengthening workplace inclusion and equity through ongoing learning about the historical and present-day discrimination faced by Indigenous Peoples.
Connecting with local Indigenous employment organizations and attending job fairs can help employers access skilled talent and learn about workplace supports for Indigenous workers experiencing disability.
Mentoring is a proven strategy for fostering workplace connection and retention, especially when mentors share lived experiences with mentees.
The Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE), through its MentorAbility initiative, is collaborating with Mentor Canada to develop a mentoring resource specifically for Indigenous youth experiencing disability.
This effort is supported in part by the Government of Canada's Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
Tracy Luca-Huger, executive director at Mentor Canada, said, “For Indigenous youth experiencing disability, mentoring can be the critical link that unlocks their full potential.”
She explained that the organization’s partnership with MentorAbility aims to address Canada’s Mentoring Gap through inclusive mentoring.
Luca-Huger stated that Mentor Canada will co-develop this resource with Indigenous advisors and experts from the national Advisory Committee.
Patty Hajdu, minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, said, “When everyone gets a fair shot, our communities thrive.”
She explained that MentorAbility helps persons with disabilities connect to work, develop skills, and demonstrate what is possible when barriers are removed.
Hajdu stated, “That’s how we build a stronger, more inclusive Canada, together.”
Employers can access resources on inclusive recruiting, workplace accessibility, and find local employment service providers at supportedemployment.ca
