Canada Wide Indigenous Skills Training Resources
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These resources apply to ALL provinces & territories in Canada.
While some groups are headquartered in Ottawa, they do serve Indigenous peoples across the ENTIRE COUNTRY.
Provincial & Territorial Indigenous Skills Training Resources
These resources apply ONLY to the specific province or territory.
Contact Info
Quick Start Guide - 7 Steps To Get Funding
This is the road map of skills training resources to access to get funding.
If you want to minimize reading about the resources available, follow this guide.
First you apply for the free, non-repayable funding, meaning grants, scholarships & bursuries. Repayable
loans are your very lowest priority.
- ISET funding typically pays for tuition, books, fees, equipment & supplies for:
- up to six month job trade skill courses, e.g. construction, plumbing, electrician, welding
- two year college diploma, e.g. practical nursing
- the last year of a university program, bachelor, masters, doctorate
- possibly high school upgrade GED
- Skills training programs that give certificates or diplomas and are specifically recognized and accepted by the
industry are usually
eligible for ISET funding
- Some ISET groups also cover:
- wage subsidy to specific employer to help qualified person obtain employment in their chosen field
- apprenticeships
- summer student
- self employment
- applicants that can demonstrate great financial need may submit documentation requesting funding for
travel / living expenses
- ISET funds are given as a grant.
- You keep the ISET funds.
- You do not repay the ISET funds.
- The ISET funds typically pay for tuition, books, fees, equipment & supplies.
- ISET Regional Contacts by Affiliation:
NB: CAP (see step 5) will accept applications from off-reserve clients that have been wait-listed by other ISET-funded groups.
- You still need funds for food, rent & travel, which are usually NOT covered by ISET funding.
- The ISET programs typically encourage you to apply for additional funding via scholarships & trusts.
- As soon as you finish applying for ISET funding, start applying for scholarhips & trusts.
- This no longer happens automatically when you do your Income Tax return.
- You get $6,765/year for each eligible child under the age of six.
- You get $5,708/year for each eligible child aged 6 to 17.
- You MUST go to
CRA and register to get the benefit.
- You may still be able to claim CCB for previous years that you are qualified for.
- These two ISET groups fund Indigenous people across Canada including Status, Non-Status, Métis & Inuit.
- CAP focuses on people living OFF reserve and OFF Inuit owned lands, those falling through the cracks.
- NWAC is FOR WOMEN ONLY and does not have any residency requirements.
- These two ISET groups are the funders of LAST RESORT.
- Before you apply to one of these groups, you MUST get a written response to your application from the local ISET program.
- If the local ISET group wont give you a written response to your application, work with your local Friendship Center,
Probation Officer or Parole Officer and have them write a letter on your behalf about the situation.
- NB: CAP will accept applications from off-reserve clients that have been wait-listed by other ISET-funded groups.
- Friendship Centers may have some funding from other government programs, usually not ISET.
- They may be able to help with some tuition costs, but often rely on other program grants, loans and scholarships
to pay for training.
- Only the Ontario Friendship Centers have ISET funding.
- Friendship Centers regional contacts:
AB
BC
MB
NB
NL
NS
NU
NWT
ON
QC
SK
YK (none in PEI)
Other Programs of Interest
Indigenous Skills Employment Training
(ISET)
ISET Program Scope
The ISET funding typically pays for tuition, books, fees, equipment & supplies for:
- up to six month job trade skill courses, e.g. construction, plumbing, electrician, welding
- two year college diploma, e.g. practical nursing
- the last year of a university program, bachelor, masters, doctorate
- possibly high school upgrade GED
Skills training programs that give certificates or diplomas and are specifically recognized and accepted by the
industry are usually
eligible for ISET funding.
Some ISET groups also cover:
- wage subsidy to specific employer to help qualified person obtain employment in their chosen field
- apprenticeships
- summer student
- self employment
- applicants that can demonstrate great financial need may submit documentation requesting funding for
travel / living expenses
ISET Program Selection Criteria
Program selection criteria are customized for each agreement holder.
- The Tribal Councils ISET programs typically needs the candidate to be living on the Tribal Council lands, may require
a First Nations Status ID card or proof of ancestry.
- For Métis, the candidate typically needs to be a member of the Métis Association for the specific
province to access that provinces Métis ISET program.
- The Inuit ISET programs typically needs the candidate to be living on Inuit owned lands.
Some ISET Holders serve on reserve, off reserve urban, Status and Non-Status including Métis & Inuit members
residing in their service area.
For specific lists of which groups are served in each region, see:
ISET Agreement Holders
List of 110 ISET agreement holders
At the bottom of the list of ISET agreement holders, you will see Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and
Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC).
- These two groups fund Indigenous people across Canada including Status, Non-Status, Métis & Inuit.
- CAP focuses on people living OFF reserve and OFF Inuit owned lands, those falling through the cracks.
- NWAC is FOR WOMEN ONLY and does not have any residency requirements.
Regional ISET contact information:
AB
BC
MB
NB
NL
NS
NU
NWT
ON
PEI
QC
SK
YK
ISET Funding
ISET funding level has been raised to $408 million/year, starting 2019, see: ISET Funding
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) can fund training education requests for candidates if their home band denies
them funding.
CAP will help Indigenous of all affiliations, Status, Non-Status, Métis & Inuit BUT WILL PRIORITIZE THE
NON-STATUS FIRST NATION FIRST.
CAP serves the Indigenous and Inuit community Canada wide.
CAP ISET Program Scope
CAP ISET funding pays for tuition, books, fees, equipment and supplies for:
- six month job trade skill courses, e.g. construction, plumbing, electrician, welding
- two year college diploma, e.g. practical nursing
- the last year of a bachelor university program
- high school upgrade GED
CAP ISET funding also covers:
- wage subsidy to specific employer to help qualified person obtain employment in their chosen field
- apprenticeships
- summer student
- self employment
- applicants that can demonstrate great financial need may submit documentation requesting funding for
travel / living expenses
CAP ISET Program Selection Criteria
CAP will help Indigenous peoples of all affiliations, Status, Non-Status, Métis & Inuit BUT WILL PRIORITIZE THE
NON-STATUS FIST NATION FIRST.
Selection criteria are:
- the candidate MUST be living OFF reserve and OFF Inuit owned lands
- the candidate is currently unemployed or underemployed (minimum wage, limited hours, etc.)
- the candidate has some documentation showing that they have applied to their home band or
local Tribal Council for training funds,
but was denied for reasons beyond their control
- missing a deadline is NOT considered a valid reason
- CAP is looking for those who are basically slipping between the cracks
- the client has been accepted in a skills training program meeting the eligibility criteria
- specifically being industry recognized, 1-year certificates, 2-year Diplomas, Apprenticeships, and
the last year of Bachelor Degree program
NB: CAP will accept applications from off-reserve clients that have been wait-listed by other ISET-funded groups.
CAP ISET Ottawa Contact
CAP ISET program coordinator is: Matthew Gallina, 613-747-6022 X225,
m.gallina@abo-peoples.org
CAP Application Form
Download CAP Application Form
Send the completed form and supporting documentation to: Mathew Gallina, 613-747-6022 X225,
m.gallina@abo-peoples.org
A response to the application form usually occurs in 2 to 3 weeks.
Native Women's Association of Canada
(NWAC)
The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) has ISET funding to pay for skills training,
similar to CAP.
The key difference is that NWAC is FOR WOMEN ONLY, all affiliations, Status, Non-Status, Métis & Inuit.
NWAC has regional affiliated groups in
AB
BC
MB
NB
NL
NS
NU
NWT
ON
PEI
QC
SK
YK
NWAC ISET Program Scope
NWAC ISET funding typically pays for:
- six month job trade skill courses, e.g. construction, plumbing, electrician, welding
- two year college diploma, e.g. practical nursing
- the last year of a university program, bachelor, masters, doctorate
- possibly high school upgrade GED
Skills training programs that give certificates or diplomas and are specifically recognized and accepted by the
industry are usually
eligible for ISET funding.
NWAC Ottawa Headquarters Contact
ISET program coordinator is: Andrea Aiabens, 613-854-4718,
aaiabens@nwac.ca
NWAC Application Form
Download NWAC Application Form
Send the completed form and supporting documentation to: Andrea Aiabens, 613-854-4718,
aaiabens@nwac.ca
Non-Status First Nation Resources
These ISET funded groups are available to Non-Status First Nation.
NB: NWAC is FOR WOMEN ONLY!
See additional resources in Quick Start Guide
Métis Resources
These ISET funded groups are available to Métis.
NB: NWAC is FOR WOMEN ONLY!
See additional resources in Quick Start Guide
Inuit Resources
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) (website)
ITK has an education training program for all Inuit, see:
ITK Amaujaq
ITK Contact
Ottawa contact: Heather Ochalski, 613-238-8181 x241, ochalski@itk.ca
Inuit Regional ISET Resources
NB: NWAC is FOR WOMEN ONLY!
See additional resources in Quick Start Guide
Friendship Centers (Map)
Friendship Centers Program Scope
Friendship Centers typically provide career counselling, resume writing and other services and are available in most
provinces & territories.
Friendship Centers typically will help Indigenous of all affiliations, Status, Non-Status, Métis & Inuit.
Friendship Centers Funding
Friendship Centers may have some funding from other government programs, usually not ISET.
They may be able to help with some tuition costs, but often rely on other program grants, loans and scholarships
to pay for training.
Only the Ontario Friendship Centers have ISET funding
for skills training.
Friendship Centers Contacts
Contact information:
AB
BC
MB
NB
NL
NS
NWT
NU
ON
QC
SK
YK
(none in PEI).
Indigenous Scholarships & Trusts
There are a variety of scholarship & trust funds that help with tuition for Indigenous skills training & education.
- has $10 million in the scholarship fund
- available to all Canadian Indigenous & Inuit candidates: Status, Non-Status, Métis & Inuit
- awards given 3 times/year
- has $181 million in the scholarship fund
- available for ANY & ALL candidates, Canada & USA
National Indian Brotherhood (NIB) Trust (website)
- individuals can apply for up to $20,000
- the average awarded in 2017 - 2018 to individuals was $3,300
- available to Canadian Status & Non-Status First Nations, Métis citizens (for Inuit, see Inuit DAF below)
- preference is given to former students of residential schools
- the next call for individual applications will be in the spring of 2022
- Inuit individuals can apply for up to $10,000
Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool (website)
- has 650+ Indigenous bursaries
- searchable by region, subject & affiliation
Regional Scholarships
See MB
ON
PEI
Federal, Provincial & Territorial Training Allowance/Grants/Loans
This is an overview of the Federal, Provincial & Territorial Allowance/Grants/Loans programs across Canada.
Fund Usage
- these funds are given to the student to use as needed, such as tuition, food, rent, travel
- the only restriction on the funds use that I am aware of is that NB says you must go to school in NB
Eligibility Requirements
- most provinces, AB, BC, NB, NL, NS, ON, PEI & QC have a residency requirement of 1 year to qualify
- YK has a residency requirement of 2 years to qualify
- NWT & SK say you must be a resident to qualify (e.g. registered with Ministry of Health)
- the residency requirement is often only visible when you download and read the detailed application forms
- this will slow down student migration for education purposes
- the Federal Government Student Grants & Loans
Student Financial Assistance Estimator shows that
- students taking programs < 2 years long will get only a Loan, but no Grant
- students taking programs ≥ 2 years long will get both a Loan and a Grant
Canada Student Grants & Loans for Full Time Students
(website)
- this program is not available to students from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Quebec as they have their own programs
- $375/month maximum benefit for 8 months, depends on family income & size, as a grant
- $200/month/child under age 12, as a grant, see
Dependants
- $200/month for mature students, out of school for 10+ years, in a 2+ year program, as a grant, see
Skills Boost
- for students with permanent disabilities
- student loans available, see
Loans and
National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC)
- your eligibility for the Canada Student Grants & Loans is automatically considered when you apply for assistance through your
province or territory of residence
- Government of Canada contributes up to $2,000 to an RESP for an eligible child, see
Learning Bond
more links
Provincial & Territories Training Allowances/Grants/Loans Programs
Most provinces & territories have a program of allowances, grants and/or loans, see:
AB
BC
MB
NB
NL
NS
NWT
NU
ON
PEI
QC
SK
YK
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
(website)
This TAX-FREE benefit is available to everyone in Canada, Indigenous, Settlers & New-comers, see
Overview
While this benefit is not tied to training & education, it really helps pay the bills when you are going to school.
Grandparents with legal guardianship papers for their grandchildren can easily apply for this benefit,
see
Who Should Apply see also
LegalLine Who is Eligible
You may still be able to claim CCB for previous years that you were qualified for. CRA pages used to show:
- If you were eligible for the months and years before July 1, 2016, the CRA will pay you:
- A lump-sum payment for the Canada child tax benefit.
- A lump-sum payment for the universal child care benefit.
See also StepsToJustice CCB Tips
CCB Current Benefits (Maximums)
- $6,765/year for each eligible child under the age of six
- $5,708/year for each eligible child aged 6 to 17
- We start to reduce the amount of CCB you get when your Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) is over $31,120.
- NB: For AFNI of $160,000 the Calculator below shows you may still get $1,135/year for one child under age 6.
The calculator also shows HST credit and provincial programs, such as Ontario Child Benefit, Ontario Trillium Benefit,
Saskatchewan Tax Credit, etc.
CCB Registration
You MUST go to
CRA and register to get the benefit.
The "Register Automatically" check box on the Income Tax form was removed after 2017.
Children can now get a Social Insurance Number as part of getting a Birth Certificate, see
SIN Newborn
When you are receiving CCB, you will see deposits in your bank account labeled "CANADA/CTB" or "CANADA/CCB".
Other Programs
These programs are available for ALL candidates.
- Employment Insurance (EI)
(details)
- You may be able to collect EI during courses or training
- Many regions have their own program to facilitate collecting EI during courses or training
- See links to Other Regional Programs below
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
(details)
- Lists many education & training programs
- In particular, see apprenticeship grants
(details)
- Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) (details)
- Indigenous specific 3 week free starter no obligation program (details)
- Some courses qualify for Paid Education (details)
- See Help Center (formerly FAQ)
- When you enroll in the Regular Force, you are expected to sign on for a few years of service
- Terms of service start at three years, but can be longer depending on the type and amount of training you
will need for your occupation
- If you join the Forces through a Paid Education program, you will be required to serve two months for every
month of paid education
- If you have a conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act,
you may still apply to the Forces, as long as you have served your sentence and no longer have any
legal obligations
- Bold Eagle is a paid summer training program for Indigenous youth 16 or older, see
Bold Eagle
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) (details)
- From the FAQ (at end of the above page)
- There is no fee for training
- In fact, you will receive an allowance during your 26-week training
- The current Cadet recruitment allowance is $525/week
- The RCMP also covers your room and board, uniform, training courses, insurance and travel to/from Depot
- In exchange, the RCMP requires your commitment to remain an RCMP police officer for a period of two
years following hire
- If you resign or are terminated during training, or in the two years following training, the RCMP may
require repayment of any allowance received
- Program selection criteria are:
Qualifications including
Good Character
- Correctional Service Canada (CSC)
(details)
- CSC offers neither salary nor allowance during the CTP; however, travel and meal allowances may be available
during the in-class portion (Stage 3) depending on location of residence.
- Recruits are not required to pay for tuition or any learning material to attend the CTP.
- If you are an Indigenous candidate, you may be eligible for an allowance for your participation in the CTP Stage-3
through your local ISET stakeholder.
- From Congress of Aboriginal Peoples: If your local ISET stakeholder does not
provide the above allowances, CAP
will provide the allowances. After you have been accepted into the CX training, fill out the application at:
Download CAP Application and check the Intervention Type box "Skills Training".
- CSC positions:
Casual Inventory
CX-01 Officers
CX-02 Officers
- What about criminal records?
- I talked to CSC Human Resources at 1-844-661-7857.
- The HR person explained that after a candidate has passed interviews and written exams, then and only then,
their application is sent to the RCMP for review.
- The RCMP response will be "cleared" or "not cleared", with no further explanation.
- It seems that an existing criminal record is not an automatic disqualification and each case is reviewed individually.
- The HR person did encourage interested parties to apply to CSC even if they have an existing criminal record.
Other Regional Programs:
AB
BC
MB
NB
NL
NS
NU
NWT
ON
PEI
QC
SK
YK