Aboriginal Workforce Symposium

Business and First Nations leaders, government officials and Aboriginal service providers gathered at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce Symposium on March 25 and 26, 2009 to discuss how to improve labour market outcomes of Aboriginal people and fulfill businesses' need for a local and reliable workforce.

Together symposium participants discussed:

- The issues and challenges confronting Aboriginal people in the workforce;
- To develop Aboriginal human resource policies and strategies to improve recruitment and retention;
- To work more effectively with industry and Aboriginal communities to create business opportunities;
- About local Aboriginal employment service agencies to develop contacts; and,
- Key government initiatives that encourage economic development in Aboriginal communities.

A major research report released by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce at the Symposium found that increasing Aboriginal employment rates to levels similar to the non-Aboriginal population may provide 14,000 additional workers to the provincial economy.

The Symposium is part of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce's Aboriginal Workforce Initiative.

Symposium Program Flyer

Symposium Presenter Bios

Chamber Research Report - Completing the Circle

Presentation Materials (As Available)

Wednesday, March 25

Keynote Evening Address: Building Relationships with Government and Industry
- Treaty 7 Grand Chief Charles Weasel Head of the Blood Tribe, Treaty 7
Speaking Remarks

Thursday, March 26

Key Findings of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce Research Report: Completing the Circle
- Ben Brunnen, Calgary Chamber of Commerce
Presentation Slides
News Release
Research Report - Completing the Circle

The First Nations Metis and Inuit Workforce Initiative
- Verlyn Olson, Chair, MLA Committee on the First Nations Metis and Inuit Workforce Planning Initiative
Speaking Remarks

Employment Preparation for Aboriginal Workers: A Holistic Approach
- Hank Shade, Community Futures Treaty 7
Presentation Slides

An Employment Strategy for Hiring and Retaining Aboriginal People
- Victoria Sedgwick, TransCanada Pipelines
Presentation Slides

A Business Model for Aboriginal Employment and Economic Success
- Larry Veilleux, Golder Associates
Presentation Slides


Keynote Luncheon Address: The New Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development: Strengthening Organization, Partnership and Education
- The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Speaking Remarks
Event Questions and Answers

Creating the Conditions for Aboriginal Employment Success
- Deborah Munroe, Trade Winds To Success
Presentation Slides

Keynote Closing Address: An Employment Strategy for the Tsuu T'ina Nation
Business Park
- Peter Manywounds, Tsuu T'ina Nation


Breakout Sessions


Transitioning Aboriginal Youth from Unemployment to School or Work
- Janet Schimmel, Just Say YES Program
Presentation Slides

Providing Training, Education and Employment Services to Urban Aboriginal People
- Toni Polchies, Aboriginal Futures Career & Training Centre

Connecting Aboriginal Students to Employment
- Cyndy Bermingham, LYNX Aboriginal Student Career and Employment Program, University of Calgary
Presentation Slides

Developing Relationships to Break Down Employment Barriers
- Christy Morgan, Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative
Presentation Slides

Creating an Inclusive Workplace for Aboriginal Youth
- LeeAnne Sicker, Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth
Presentation Slides

The Importance of Aboriginal Awareness Training
- Adrien Wolfleg, Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association