- The purpose of this poster is to explore the systemic barriers and inequalities that Indigenous people face regarding their access to education and employment training opportunities.
- Colonization and its outcomes, such as intergenerational trauma are not only the root of these disparities but are also the main influence that continue to shape these imbalances.
- Although there are various efforts put in place to promote equal access to employment and education opportunities for Indigenous peoples, many fail to address the core issues that are deeply ingrained in society and that limit Indigenous success and well-being.
- Although I am of Indigenous heritage myself, my internship at the Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle (ALFDC) exposed me to the realities of these systemic barriers that I had not yet been accustomed to.
- I had the opportunity to gain hands on experience working with community members to address the disparities related to employment and training.
- The ALFDC’s mission focuses on building self-determination and independence within Indigenous communities through culturally relevant initiatives to employment and training.
- This experience allowed me to complete meaningful work with the ultimate goal of reducing barriers and advocating for inclusive environments that foster success for Indigenous peoples.
- This project illustrates the ongoing effects of colonization for Indigenous peoples and their access to employment and education opportunities.
- While progress has been made, disparities still exist as current initiatives commonly overlook the deep-rooted systemic issues at hand.
- This project, the research I have completed, as well as my internship, have not only shown me the role that culture and community play in the confrontation of these barriers, but also the importance of collaboration, understanding and advocacy.
- As such, my biggest takeaway from this experience is the extensive impact of culture on individual experience and thus the value of incorporating it into initiatives to not only empower individuals but also to encourage healing and meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
I would like to thank,
Rochester Christian University
Professor Katie Kilpatrick
The staff at ALFDC & Community members
- Despite current attempts to address systemic issues for Indigenous peoples, disparities in employment and education preserve.
- Why?
- They are unsuccessful in bringing about real change as they fail to touch on deeply rooted systemic issues such as discrimination, and bias.
- Beagan et al. (2024) find Indigenous peoples encounter challenges even after gaining access to opportunities including continuous discrimination and feeling a pressure to “prove themselves.”
- Milne (2016) suggest Indigenous families often struggle with trusting institutions, including schools, due to historical trauma, which can further create issues with engagement and outcomes.
- Overall, it is important to understand that Indigenous individuals do not just struggle from lack of opportunities, but also deep-seated structural problems that continue to shape their experiences.
RESEARCH: UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE
RESEARCH: RECOMMENDATIONS
RESEARCH: THE LASTING IMPACTS OF TRAUMA
RESEARCH: EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING’S ROLE
- Intergenerational trauma: The transmission of trauma between generations that affects individual interactions with social systems, such as education and employment.
- Since intergenerational trauma has such a large impact on the life experiences of Indigenous people, it is important that we understand how it operates through generations and affects individuals through various facets.
- For example…
- Mistrust for institutions and social service providers limit access to support (Milne, 2016)
- Challenges maintaining a healthy family dynamics due to experiences with, for example, violence and substance abuse.
- Employment and education are essential to living a stable life and job skills training programs can help individuals develop the skills they need to be successful in these areas, secure meaningful employment and improve quality of life.
- However, despite their effectiveness, they are not always accessible due to…
- Limited programs
- Financial constraints
- Systemic inequalities (Park, 2025).
- When presented effectively though, utilizing culturally relevant and community based approaches, employment centers can successfully confront structural imbalances through providing individuals with job, social and emotional supports. (Dillahunt et al., 2021) that strengthen identity and resilience (Doery et al., 2024).
- I had the opportunity to complete my internship at the Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle (ALFDC) located in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, ON.
- Work directly with Indigenous community members to connect them with resources and programs aimed to minimize and help them overcome barriers.
- Conduct community surveys to gain insight into the communities needs.
- Assist with on-site, culturally relevant employment and training programs.
- Gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by clients such as…
- A lack opportunities to receive transportation and housing resources.
- The implications of colonization on the attitudes and behaviors of Indigenous participants.
- Through this experience, I came to understand the importance of culturally relevant and community-based interventions that prioritize tradition and foster an environment of connection and empowerment for engagement and success.
- Research suggests current initiatives developed to support Indigenous peoples requires restructuring in order to fully address barriers and improve effectiveness.
Breaking Barriers:
Advancing Indigenous Employment & Education
Jazmin Brant | Behavioral Science, Rochester Christian University
Sponsor: Katie Kilpatrick
- Recommendations
- Implementation of culturally grounded, community-based approaches to promote trust and foster meaningful outcomes (Hesseln & Hall, 2017).
- Emphasize collaboration between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples to create and execute effective programs (Balestrery et al., 2020).
- Priortize trauma-informed and culturally competent practices when working with Indigenous clients and communities (Williams & Ellison, 1996).