Publish Date: October 6, 2022

The community can build better resilience and sustainability by training Indigenous people to take on positions that non-Indigenous people have traditionally filled. This benefit extends far beyond the usefulness of any particular position in an organization. Some major factors need to be addressed to help the Indigenous community become a strong workforce.

Recruit and Retain

A recent study shows that the following factors are more likely to recruit and retain indigenous talent:

• Businesses with facilities and activities that respect Indigenous cultures
• A sufficient number of Indigenous employees
• Reliable working connections within communities

The need for cultural diversity training for Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees in establishing a healthy work environment has also been emphasized.

Inspire and Strengthen

Companies that aim for sustainability in the areas in which they operate should prioritize enhancing their local workforce’s skills beyond basic education. Companies will assist in balancing employee requirements and aspirations if they develop workers into supervisory and managerial personnel. Indigenous employees with clearly defined career routes and the training and mentorship opportunities essential for a successful program are more committed and inspired.

Overcoming barriers

The levels of innovation, creativity, confidence and skill that enable communities to become sustainable are massively increased by overcoming the barriers to developing Indigenous workers in communities.

The upskilling of local talent increases the capacity of communities to take advantage of opportunities created by expanding businesses in the knowledge economy. These professions and abilities may have a significant influence outside the local community. Global economies will gain from developing enterprises, goods, and services by expanding the application of industry-specific knowledge, community values and requirements, and innovative thinking.

Involvements

Involving the community in discussions about safety, the environment, sustainability, economic effect, and company growth is essential to include and align goals between enterprises and the communities with whom they operate. Inclusion – and the transparency it promotes – is crucial in all industries and communities.

Remarkable progress has been made in enhancing business culture and increasing employee engagement. Enhancing employees’ skills through essential programs will contribute to Indigenous people’s retention, development, and long-term employment.