Career Pathing with the Indigenous Career Pathways Advisor (ICPA) is a GNWT initiative developed under the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework. In identifying best practices for the recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees across provincial, territorial and federal governments, a common theme included identifying career pathways. The service provides current Indigenous GNWT employees with individualized, culturally grounded support to help them navigate their career journey within the organization with a goal to reduce barriers and create a public service that is representative of the population is serves.

Through personalized guidance, the ICPA works directly with Indigenous employees to explore opportunities, build confidence, strengthen professional networks and navigate workplace experiences in a culturally safe and supportive environment.

Benefits

For Indigenous Employees:

• Receive individualized, culturally informed career guidance;
• Explore potential career paths, training opportunities and skill development options;
• Build confidence and clarity in a setting short- and long-term career goals;
• Expand your professional network in a culturally safe environment with dedicated support from the ICPA.

For Supervisor and Departments:

• Enhance employee engagement and retention;
• Stronger succession planning and leadership development;
• Increased cultural competency and support for Indigenous employee growth.

What’s Involved

• Personalized career planning sessions with the Indigenous Career Pathways Advisor;
• Access to a career pathway assessment, exploration tools and development planning resources;
• Support in navigating GNWT learning programs, job opportunities, and competency development;
• Regular check-ins to track progress and adjust goals;
• A culturally safe, confidential space for discussions, guidance, connection and support.

How to participate

Career Pathing support is available to:

• Indigenous employees in the GNWT, who want support with career exploration, goal-setting or development planning.

To begin:

• Connect with the Indigenous Career Pathways Advisor at diversityandinclusion@gov.nt.ca
• Complete a brief intake form questionnaire that helps the ICPA assess needs.
• Participate in an initial meeting to discuss interests, goals, and supports needed.

The ICPA will help you map out your career path, identify development opportunities, and build a personalized development/action plan.

Participants may be referred to:

• Development and training opportunities for career advancement
• Competency development tools through GNWT Performance Development
• Workshops, learning programs and Indigenous training opportunities;
• Career pathways tools and templates

Ready to explore your next steps? Connect with the Indigenous Career Pathways Advisor to begin building a career path that reflects your strengths, aspirations and cultural identity.