Overview
The Indigenous Development and Training Program supports the professional development of Indigenous Aboriginal employees within the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) by providing funding for the necessary skills training and/or work experience for career advancement.
Under this program, the Department of Finance will provide up to $10,000 to current (indeterminate and 2-year term) employees who identify as Indigenous persons under the Indigenous Employment Policy who :
- require skills training in order to obtain and maintain sustainable employment with potential for career or professional advancement;
- have demonstrated the desire for developmental opportunities to support career advancement; and
- have identified the learning goal within their learning plan.
Application Process
Step 1: Interested eligible employees complete and submit the Indigenous Development and Training Program application with the support of their manager/supervisor after ensuring that the activities described in the application are a part of the employee’s Learning Plan.
Step 2: Review the two Intake Periods throughout the fiscal year to determine when to submit your application.
Intake period 1: February 7 - March 17, 2026
Intake period 2: August 8 - September 14, 2026
Apply for Intake period 1 if you need funding for a program between April 1 2026 and September 30, 2026. Apply for Intake period 2 if you need funding for a program between October 1, 2026 and March 31, 2026.
Step 3: Email your completed application to diversityandinclusion@gov.nt.ca.
- applications sent through GNWT scanner will not be accepted as applicant details and contact information cannot be confirmed; and
- be ready to provide clarifying information if details in the application are not sufficient for evaluation.
Once submitted, your application will be evaluated by the review committee.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed to determine whether they meet the program objectives of supporting career advancement or career mobility. The review committee assesses:
- the letter of intent for clarity on goals;
- the training details and training plan for relevance and value; and
- your explanation of how the training supports your career growth or mobility.
Priority is given to:
- first‑time applicants; and
- multiyear applications.
All applications must still meet program criteria and remain subject to available funding. Committee members make final decisions with consideration for equitable access to funding.
Applications that are considered department‑mandated training will be denied, as this program does not fund mandatory training.
When will I receive an update?
Applications are reviewed by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee during the week following each intake period. After the review:
- approved applicants will receive an approval package outlining next steps and any requirements; and
- applicants who are not approved will receive notification by email.
Resources
Indigenous Development and Training Program Application