We will strive to have our operations reflect the communities we serve
"We will prioritize providing access to jobs and training to Indigenous communities and people. Our hiring processes will be accessible and supportive."
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Photo details: The Nunavut Speed Skating association is one of our longtime partners. The NSSA provides an opportunity for youth ages 4 to 19 to experience and excel at short track speed skating. Northwestel helps the association with the cost of skating suits and sponsors the Learn to Speed Skate program for levels 1 to 5.
Our North is largely Indigenous, and we strive for our operations to reflect the people we serve.
We will prioritize providing access to jobs and training to Indigenous communities and people. Our hiring processes will be accessible and supportive. Our public messaging, including our recruitment and marketing, will be inclusive and representative of the north.
We will support the development of future employees through their education and development and seek to work with Indigenous communities to effect this change in the coming years.
Career development in Northern Indigenous communities needs to happen with openness and partnership. It means creating meaningful relationships between Northerners and Northwestel.
Don Antoine, Indigenous Liasion, Northwestel.
Fort Simpson Dene
Don Antoine is part of Northwestel’s Government Relations team, which annually has hundreds of meetings with the governments and organizations that make up the North.
Photo details: Dancing Grizzly Bear, oil painting on canvas, By Kaytlyn Amitnak Northwestel Nunavut Directory Art Cover, 2021
Our action plan
Past actions
Simplified job application process: Increased accessibility to employment.
Community Advisory Board: Northwestel executives receive regular feedback from largely Indigenous community leaders on future plans and actions.
Northern Futures Scholarships: Over $250,000 awarded with 50% of scholarships going to Indigenous students.
2022
Build Indigenous education partnership: Agreement and framework for technology focused programming in schools built.
Launch accessibility focused job listings and career planning tools: Simplified job descriptions and clear career pathway options allow candidates to view Northwestel as an option for their career and continued development. 11.4% Indigenous hiring target met.
Community Advisory Board further integrated into operations with increased understanding of telecommunications: CAB provides better, more specific guidance to Northwestel, allowing them to act as stronger third-party advocates.
2023
Educational products produced and educational partnerships expanded to more areas: Student become aware of career options and are supported in advancing technical skills.
Increased presence at job fairs, First Nations graduation activities, and the warrior program is expanded: More people see Northwestel as a career option, earlier. 13% Indigenous hiring target met.
First Nations technology upskilling partnerships: Indigenous-created technology upskilling program launched for First Nations organizations.
2024
Education program integrated within grade school: Students have clear idea of how to reach desired employment through certification and diploma programs.
Indigenous mentorships for new employees: Experienced individuals are trained to support new Indigenous employees. 14% Indigenous hiring target met.
2025 Outcomes
- Northern high schools and universities are graduating Indigenous students with telecommunications and corporate skills.
- Northwestel has an employee base that is 15% Indigenous.
- Northwestel has increased access to jobs, training, and education opportunities for Indigenous people within the company, and provided Indigenous communities long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.
