CREAN Awarded Future Skills Centre Grant to Advance Workplace Inclusion

The Future Skills Centre (FSC) has announced an investment of $7.6 million through the Skills Horizon open call for proposals to support 35 new projects that will strengthen labour market inclusion and outcomes. These projects focus on the priorities essential to Canada’s prosperity, including solutions for labour market shifts driven by climate and technology changes, enhancing worker mobility while supporting the adaptability of the small and medium-sized businesses to achieve a critical outcome of a more inclusive economy.

CREAN’s research project will focus on addressing barriers that Indigenous employees face in the workplace, with the aim of building culturally safe and inclusive work environments.

Indigenous employees in Victoria’s labor market face systemic barriers due to lack of recognition and accommodation for cultural holidays and ceremonies, leading to burnout, low retention, and limited leadership opportunities. This research will engage 300 employers and 120 Indigenous employees through surveys, focus groups, and consultations on how best to develop culturally safe workplace policies. The research will explore inclusive onboarding, flexible time-off policies, and workplace cultural safety. Findings will inform employers, policymakers, and municipal inclusion goals, informing greater Indigenous representation, retention, and leadership opportunities in workplaces while strengthening community inclusion.