This recorded webinar was hosted live in spring 2026 and continues to offer practical insights for career development professionals supporting Indigenous clients in Canada's changing labour market.
What you'll learn
Indigenous learners in Canada face a critical gap in post-secondary and employment support. The recent Enhancing Educational Outcomes report from the ISET National Hub found that while cultural competency is widely recognized as essential, many learners continue to encounter barriers such as geographic location and limited access to wraparound supports including housing and childcare.
This
FREE
recorded webinar brings together ISET representatives and the CEO of Polytechnics Canada to move beyond high-level statistics and explore the practical application of distinctions-based support. Learn how services can be tailored to First Nations, Métis and Inuit identities in ways that are community-rooted, culturally safe and focused on long-term prosperity.
Analyze the unique barriers, including digital equity and geographic location, that impact Indigenous learner retention and career transitions
Evaluate the effectiveness of wraparound support models in improving educational and employment outcomes for Indigenous individuals
Distinguish between the cultural priorities and service needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners to provide more nuanced and effective counselling
Implement strength-based approaches that leverage Indigenous learners' community ties and cultural identities as workforce assets
And much more!
Registration Includes
• 1 hour-long recorded webinar to learn at your own pace
• A downloadable certificate upon completion
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Register
Free
Meet the Presenters
Chelsie Rodriguez is a Senior Program Co-ordinator at the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) in Saskatoon, where she supports Métis training and workforce development initiatives. She holds a bachelor's degree in Aboriginal Public Administration and has spent the past 10 years with GDI Training and Employment in various management roles, with a strong focus on enhancing employment opportunities and skills development for Métis individuals.
Katherine "Kurugak" Ciboci was born and raised in Inuvik, NT, and works for the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) as the Acting Director of Education, Training and Capacity. Her work focuses on building internal and external capacity, developing training and employment opportunities, supporting post-secondary and apprenticeship students, and increasing Inuvialuktun education. She is also appointed to numerous ITK task force groups and Inuit Crown Partnership Committees.
Sarah Watts-Rynard has served as Chief Executive Officer at Polytechnics Canada since July 2018. Polytechnics Canada is the voice of leading research-intensive, publicly funded polytechnics and institutes of technology, and is involved in federal advocacy related to skills and innovation policy. Sarah chairs the CWB Foundation and is Vice-chair of the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology.
Allison Bear is a nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) member of the Ochapowace Nation on Treaty 4 territory and a residential school survivor whose lived experience shapes her leadership with authenticity and deep commitment to systemic change. As Vice-president of the Saskatchewan Indian Training Assessment Group (SITAG), she provides oversight to a team supporting 39 sub-agreement holders across Saskatchewan's First Nation distinction ISET network, grounded in relationship-building and a long-term vision for generational impact.
Darian Kovacs is the Indigenous founder of Jelly Academy, a leading digital skills training provider. With over 15 years of experience in education and skills training, Darian is a passionate advocate for reducing barriers to entry in the modern workforce and brings a unique perspective on how digital literacy and Indigenous-led training models can drive national economic success.
What Learners are Saying:
About CERIC
CERIC is a charitable organization that is dedicated to the advancement of education, research and advocacy in career counselling and development. We fund projects and provide innovative resources and learning opportunities that build the knowledge and skills of diverse career and employment professionals.