The Conference Board of Canada, in partnership with the Future Skills Centre, and Blueprint, published the Insights from Indigenous Executives: Recruitment and Retention in Business, Finance, and Administration Report, which was funded by the Government of Canada‘s Future Skills Program. As part of the research, between August 2019 and September 2020, 24 Indigenous leaders serving in C-Suite and upper-management roles across public, private, and Indigenous-led organizations were interviewed. The insights gathered as part of this study offered a grounded view of the conditions that either support or hinder Indigenous advancement in senior roles. Interviewees reflected on their career experiences and shared practical strategies for supporting the next generation of Indigenous leadership.
Key Findings:
- Early-career Indigenous professionals benefit from structured mentorship programs that provide consistent, culturally grounded guidance, which helps build professional confidence and reduces isolation.
- Hiring and retention practices should value Indigenous candidates’ cultural knowledge, community roles, and need for flexibility and support.
- Indigenous professionals are in high demand; when employers offer meaningful training and skills upgrading, it affirms their value and strengthens long-term commitment to the organization.
- Issues such as lateral violence and historical trauma within community-based organizations must be addressed through trust-building, training, and dialogue to foster healthy environments for Indigenous leadership.
For further insights and to download the report, click here.
