The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of working with Indigenous populations. This was solidified on May 23, 2007 when an agreement was signed with the Assembly of First Nations.
The Canadian Red Cross has worked with and operated out of our Branch on the Blood reserve for more than 12 years.
Creating an Inclusionary Team
Approximately 4.9 per cent of Canada’s total population self-identify as Indigenous, a term which includes First Nations, Inuit and Métis people1, and represents the largest untapped labour force in Alberta.
In 2009, the average employment rate for Indigenous people was 57 per cent, compared with 61.8 per cent for non-Indigenous people2.
Alberta Employment and Immigration estimates that Alberta will experience a shortfall of over 93,000 workers during the next 10 years.
Designed by Indigenous people, our Cultural Sensitivity workshops aim to empower participants to understand the history, challenges and potential within Indigenous persons and communities.
Launched in 2017, our Indigenous Peoples Framework outlines key measures taken to acknowledge the unique experiences of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people in our hiring processes, relationships with leadership, and services to communities.
Strengthening Communities
All communities across Canada are at risk of experiencing instances of family violence, sexual exploitation of children and youth, and suicide. At the invitation of Indigenous communities, the Canadian Red Cross works to help develop capacity for the prevention of injuries, promote health and well-being, as well as prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies.
1Statistics Canada, "Aboriginal Peoples in Canada: Key Results from the 2016 Census," Women and Paid Work, October 25, 2017., accessed September 21, 2018, https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/171025/dq171025a-eng.htm.
2"Employment," Aboriginal statistics at a glance, November 30, 2015, , accessed September 21, 2018, https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-645-x/2010001/employment-emploi-eng.htm.