2 Selection criteria data and analysis

2.1 Labour market representation

The LFS provides the three key metrics necessary for evaluating the representation of Indigenous Peoples–or any group–in the labour market: the unemployment, employment, and labour force participation rates.

The unemployment rate of Indigenous Peoples has been consistently higher than the joblessness rate for women and the total population since 2007 but slightly less than for recent immigrants and youth workers. In 2015, the unemployment rate of this population surpassed recent immigrants to be among the top two highest of all groups in this study. This indicates that Indigenous Peoples may face greater barriers to finding jobs relative to recent immigrants, women, and the total population. To better understand how to address these barriers, more data is needed.

Similarly, along with youth workers, the employment rate for this population is among the lowest, while their labour force participation rate is better than both youth and women.

2.2 COVID-19 impact (Need)

The Coronavirus pandemic poses a serious health threat to Indigenous peoples around the world, 2020). To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, one has to consider that this group is composed of multiple bands and two types of individuals: those who live on and those who live off reserves.

Indigenous Peoples living on reserves were already dealing with challenges, such as substandard housing, inferior infrastructure, and limited access to safe drinking water. These challenges make the the impact of COVID-19 on this population all the more significant. This impact, however, is different for Indigenous Peoples living in off reserves, especially in urban areas.

According to a recent survey by Statistic Canada (STC) of Indigenous not living in reserves, over one-third (36%) of Indigenous participants reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had a strong or moderate impact on their ability to meet financial obligations, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and groceries. The corresponding rate among non-Indigenous participants was lower at 25%. Prior research further showed that labour market impacts of the 2008/2009 recession were greater for Indigenous people than for non-Indigenous people, with the downturn lasting longer and the recovery being slower (Moyser, 2017; Usalcas, 2011). Employment disruptions likely had a larger financial impact on Indigenous participants because of greater pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as lower income levels and higher proportions living in poverty and experiencing food insecurity (Arriagada, Hahmann & O’Donnell, 2020a).

Participants in STC’s survey were asked whether they had experienced temporary or permanent job loss or reduced work hours since the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those employed prior to the pandemic, 37% of Indigenous participants experienced job loss or reduced work hours, compared to 35% of non-Indigenous participants.

It is clear from the above graph that there is an inherent inequality among the two groups. Indigenous individuals that experience job loss, reduced hours would have been unable to meet their financial obligations. Indigenous families living off Reserves also experienced hight financial vulnerability compared to Non Indigenous, as shown by a Statistic Canada report. In fact, of all individuals living in families headed by an Indigenous person (including First Nations people living off-reserve, Métis and Inuit), 47% are unlikely to have enough liquid assets to sustain themselves for a period of two months without employment income compared to 29% of families headed by a non-Indigenous individual.

Therefore COVID-19 mounted additional pressure on a group that was already facing many different barriers. However, exact data on the financial situation of Indigenous communities and individuals living off the Reserve is not easily available at this time.

2.3 Accessibility of LMI (Need)

Another factor to consider is the group’s relationship to LMI. Specifically, we want to know their experiences locating and interpreting LMI. A recent Statistic Canada survey based on the 2017 APS concluded that among First Nations people living off reserve what would help them most to find work, education and skills training were among the top responses.

As of 2017, Labour market information was not a topic that Aboriginal individuals living off the reservation even considered to assist them in finding employment. However, not knowing where to look for market information, or jobs, as well how to interpret it would pose a barrier to employment. In fact, the APS, has shown that between Aboriginal men and women, 21% of Aboriginal men reported that not knowing where to look for jobs was a major obstacle to their employment, compared to 26% of Aboriginal women.

Moreover, more than half of the Aboriginal women who responded to the survey reported that not having enough education w as well as not having enough experience was reported to be a major obstacle to employment. Although having access to LMI is crucial in order to understand how to map out our lives, it won’t be of any use if we don’t provide a basic standing ground from where to start from.Given that labour market experiences are important to economic well-being, not only of individuals but also of families and communities.

2.4 Use and impact of LMI

It is also important to consider the impact that LMI will have on this group. Knowing, therefore, whether this group uses LMI and the impact it has had on their previous job-related decisions can be beneficial. No data could be found, however, identifying the rate of usage, impact of, and existing challenges to accessing or understanding LMI among Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

2.5 Dedicated career practitioners

There are several organizations that are dedicated to supporting the labour market outcomes of Aboriginals, which includes offering career counseling activities as well as private research.

Indigenous Works - It has a mandate to improve the inclusion and engagement of Indigenous people in the Canadian economy. Provides inclusion training, advisory services, workplace inclusion diagnostics and various other services and products.

Indigenous Service Canada - Works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high quality services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis

Assembly of First Nations - The role of the National Chief and the AFN is to advocate on behalf of First Nations as directed by Chiefs-in-Assembly. This includes facilitation and coordination of national and regional discussions and dialogue, advocacy efforts and campaigns, legal and policy analysis, communicating with governments, including facilitating relationship building between First Nations and the Crown as well as public and private sectors and general public.

Congress of Aboriginal People - The organization was originally established to represent the interests of Métis and non-status Indians. CAP continues to undertake legal research, interventions, and political action to demand that the CAP Daniels decision be upheld and the rights of our constituents are protected and respected regardless of their residence off reserve or Indian Act status.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatam - Serve as a national voice protecting and advancing the rights and interests of Inuit in Canada.

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program - The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program is designed to help Indigenous people improve their skills and find employment.

2.6 LMIC’s pre-existing knowledge base

At present, LMIC has not engaged in any research that has involved in the collection and/or analysis of Indigenous Peoples’ data.

Data hub group selection analysis: Indigenous Peoples in Canada

1 Group definition