0101 - Indigenous Employment Policy

Introduction
Definitions
Guidelines
Authorities and References

Introduction

The Indigenous Employment Policy (policy) sets out how the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will prioritize Indigenous people in employment and career advancement opportunities at all levels of the public service. Under the policy, first priority is afforded to Indigenous people who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories, and second priority afforded to Indigenous persons who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people indigenous to areas of Canada outside of the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories.

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Definitions

Indigenous Employment Policy is the policy issued by Executive Council of the Legislative Assembly that sets out the GNWT’s commitment to prioritizing the employment and career advancement of Indigenous persons.
Human Resources Representative means those employees of the Department of Finance designated to co-ordinate the recruitment process.
Indigenous means those persons defined as aboriginal peoples of Canada in subsection 35(2) of the Constitution Act,1982.
Selection committee includes, but is not necessarily restricted to, a Human Resources Representative and the Supervisor of the position being filled. Where appropriate, a member with technical expertise or community representative may be added to the Selection Committee, either as a full participant or in an advisory capacity with no influence in the final hiring decision.

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Guidelines

The selection of persons for appointment to positions in the public service shall be based on merit, within the parameters outlined in the Human Resources Manual related to the Indigenous Employment Policy and other applicable policy and regulation, with a view to maintaining a workforce staffed by able, competent employees.
The Indigenous Employment Policy reflects the GNWT’s commitment to prioritizing the hiring and career advancement of Indigenous persons in the public service.

In employment and career advancement opportunities priority shall be granted to the designated groups specified in the GNWT’s Indigenous Employment Policy as follows:

Stage 1 Priority Candidates:	Indigenous persons who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories.
Stage 2 Priority Candidates:	Indigenous persons who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people indigenous to areas of Canada outside of the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories.
Stage 3 Candidates:	All Other Applicants

Applicants are responsible for identifying their eligibility for priority consideration when applying. Applicants should identify their priority at the time of application but must do so prior to a verbal job offer being made.

Verification of Eligibility

Individuals who wish to be afforded priority under the Indigenous Employment Policy must provide documentation that sets out the individual’s indigeneity for review and verification by a human resources representative. Documentation may include a candidate’s treaty card, Métis card, beneficiary cards, or other official documents. For more information on verification please visit the Diversity and Inclusion page on the Department of Finance website.
Submitted documents will be assessed for verification purposes by a human resources representative. Further information may be required from the candidate or other sources (e.g., a request for verification from the First Nation that the candidate claims membership in) to assess and verify eligibility for priority under the policy.

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