Michayle Hay, a resident of Ottawa who is of Inuk descent and originally from Igloolik, Nunavut, has been actively seeking employment for a period of two years. Despite receiving only one callback for a six-month contract, which she intends to pursue, Hay expresses feelings of being trapped in a prolonged hunt for a more permanent job. This situation has left her feeling somewhat despondent and questioning her sense of worth.
In a bid to enhance her job-seeking efforts, Hay participated as a volunteer at the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition’s career fair, aiming to establish direct connections with potential employers. The event attracted numerous attendees who engaged in workshops and interacted with over 70 employers from various sectors, including construction, government, and Indigenous service providers.
Stephanie Mikki Adams, the co-chair of the coalition, highlighted the initiative’s goal of addressing the prevalent issue of high unemployment rates within the Indigenous community by facilitating connections between job seekers and employers seeking specific skill sets. For individuals lacking the required skills, the coalition offers training programs and workshops to enhance their employability.
According to the latest Ontario government labor report from August 2025, approximately 12% of Métis and First Nations individuals living off-reserve in Ontario are unemployed, compared to around 8% of non-Indigenous residents in the same region. This signifies a noticeable disparity from the statistics reported in August 2023, where the unemployment rates were approximately 8% for Indigenous groups and 6% for non-Indigenous individuals.
Adams emphasized that the barriers faced by Indigenous people in accessing education and funding, coupled with workplace inclusivity issues and a lack of historical understanding of past injustices, may contribute to the higher unemployment rates among Indigenous communities.
Ashley Stephens, who relocated from Iqaluit to Ottawa last summer, shared her six-month job search journey that led her to the career fair. She highlighted the additional challenges faced by Indigenous individuals seeking employment in unfamiliar territories and expressed her desire to find a sense of community in her new surroundings.
Scott Sinquah, a hoop dancer and cultural presenter, attended the fair despite being employed, as he seeks a more permanent position to secure stability for his family. As a member of the Gila River Pima and the Hopi Nation, he found the Indigenous-focused event to be a fitting platform to advance his job search and secure a steady nine-to-five job.
Adams noted a significant increase in interest for the second annual fair compared to its inaugural year, with more than double the number of participating employers. Plans are already in motion to expand the event further for the upcoming year, reflecting the ongoing commitment to addressing Indigenous unemployment challenges.