GNWT approves Indigenous Employment Policy
Press Release
March 11, 2025
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has approved an Indigenous Employment Policy to ensure that Indigenous applicants have equitable opportunities for employment and career advancement within the public service.
The Indigenous Employment Policy establishes preferred hiring status for Indigenous peoples, with primary consideration given to those who are recognized members or descendants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories. Additional consideration will be given to Indigenous peoples who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples indigenous to areas of Canada outside of the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories.
This policy addresses important feedback from Indigenous leaders, and the public, is that for this policy to have the impacts that we want in our government and in our communities, it must clearly prioritize the Indigenous Peoples of the Northwest Territories.
The Indigenous Employment Policy will come into effect on April 1, 2025.
Quote
“The GNWT has listened carefully to feedback from Indigenous governments, Regular MLAs, and the public to ensure this policy reflects the needs and priorities of Northerners. The Indigenous Employment Policy is a meaningful step toward building a more inclusive and representative public service—one that creates real opportunities for Indigenous people to grow their careers and take on leadership roles. By refining the policy to prioritize Indigenous people from the Northwest Territories while ensuring Indigenous Canadians whose ancestry is from other regions are still recognized, we are taking a fair and balanced approach that reflects the feedback we’ve heard. These changes reinforce our commitment to a stronger, more representative government that better serves all Northerners.”
– Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance
Quick facts
- Indigenous employees who are recognized members or descendants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories currently make up 29% of the GNWT workforce, compared to 49.6% of the NWT population.
- The Affirmative Action Policy will be rescinded on March 31, 2025.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Department of Finance
Public Affairs and Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
EIA_FINComms@gov.nt.ca
Backgrounder:
indigenous_employment_policy-backgrounder.pdf
IBF4
