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Doc: Career Hub Indigenous Identity Page_Final_Khyati_Kierra_Aug30_2024.docx

“Working for an Indigenous organization can be a great way to build a network of Indigenous and equity-minded people and to gain valuable experience and skills which can help you in your search for a stable long-term career. Even if your future jobs take you out of Indigenous-focused spaces, remember to still make time to be with community and connecting with your support systems!”

– Leith Bulford

Note: Every person’s identity comprises multiple social factors and experiences, creating unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. These identities can impact our access to resources and inform how we interact with the corporate hiring system. Indigenous students’ experiences can vary greatly, whether they live on a reserve, have family on one, are diasporic or are status or non-status, to name a few examples.

When navigating this content, a self-compassionate and intersectional approach may help make meaningful and intentional connections that will help you thrive. Every aspect of applying for jobs should empower you in a way that centres your needs as an Indigenous student. Corporate and educational structures are different and not necessarily compatible with Indigenous community structures. It’s important to know that there may be a learning curve while navigating these systems. The resources are shared here to support you in your job search and may not cover all that you need.

If you have suggestions for this guide or would like support navigating it further in another format, please get in touch with us by email or phone and we will try our best to add the resources that you need. Alternatively, you can book an appointment to discuss this guide further with a Career Advisor in person or virtually.

Reflection

When beginning your work search, a good place to start is taking time to reflect on what you are looking for in a job opportunity. Consider the issues that impact your community or are important to you. What organizations are you familiar with that do work in these areas and might interest you? What is it about those spaces that you are drawn to?

You may wish to find work that offers a holistic balance across all parts of your life, and that aligns with personal values and beliefs. Additionally, working at an organization that prioritizes cultural diversity can support creating a safe and welcoming workplace where your Indigenous identity is respected and appreciated.

How you navigate the intersections of your identity within the context of work is a personal choice. Visit the Applying for jobs and creating job application documents section for more resources about disclosing identity. Whether you choose to outwardly self-identify as Indigenous or not, the following questions may be helpful to consider when beginning your job search:

 What kind of work do I want to do?

Consider whether working in your community is important and whether you’d like to work within an Indigenous organization. Consider why you might choose one company over another. For example, what are their mission, vision, and values? What benefits and compensation do they offer? What is their workplace culture?

 What are my needs when it comes to finding a job?

Reflect on what safety in the workplace means to you and how that takes shape in policies and practices (consider physical, mental and cultural safety). Consider your transportation needs and whether you will have access to a vehicle, public transportation, or reliable internet access for any remote opportunities. Examine what work-life balance looks like to you. It could be the ability to step away for appointments or other commitments; being able to work hybrid for flexibility; or a workplace that prioritizes wellness—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

 What do I value within a work opportunity?

Consider what values most resonate with your own priorities and goals. Examples include Indigenous relations work, diversity and inclusion, financial stability, social responsibility, innovation, collaboration, opportunities to learn and grow, and more. Does location matter to you? For some people, the physical space they’re working in can have a huge impact on their wellbeing. Others deeply value flexibility to balance home and life responsibilities that remote or hybrid work may allow. Consider what you value most highly.

 What questions could I ask potential employers to assess their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive work environment?

Consider the following:

  • What steps has your organization taken towards Truth and Reconciliation?

    • For example, the University of Waterloo has made a commitment to indigenization and decolonization, outlined in the institution’s Indigenous Strategic Plan.

  • What are your policies on cultural celebrations and observances?

  • Do you have a DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) charter?

  • What is your company’s mission?

  • How does your company show its commitment to diversity?

  • Does your company keep track of its hiring demographics? If not, why not? If so, what are they?

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