Indigenous Career Navigators Program Report

January 20, 2025 - Defence Stories
Estimated read time - 1:30

The Indigenous Career Navigator Program (ICNP) was launched by the Knowledge Circle for Indigenous Inclusion (KCII) in September 2021. The program has since been adopted by many departments across the public service and was launched at the Department of National Defence (DND) in June 2024.

The KCII released The Knowledge Circle for Inclusion’s Indigenous Career Navigators Program 2023 – 2024 Report. They surveyed Indigenous employees that used the program, Indigenous Career Navigators (ICNs), as well as human resource officers and hiring managers that had used one or more services under the ICNP. The report presents the findings of the survey and program recommendations.

While the program continues to expand and evolve, this report highlights the important and necessary role the ICNP plays in advancing Indigenous recruitment, retention, talent management, and career progression across the public service.

From 2023 - 2024, 1,954 Indigenous clients sought support or advice via an ICNP across the public service. Overall, 90% of Indigenous employees reported being “very satisfied” and “satisfied” with the program.

About the program at DND

The ICNP provides culturally relevant career management advice and guidance to Indigenous employees working at DND, Indigenous CAF members transitioning to the public service, and external Indigenous candidates seeking employment at DND. These services are offered by ICNs, who are fully trained Indigenous employees, in a safe and confidential environment. The ICNs also support managers seeking to recruit Indigenous Peoples or wishing to guide Indigenous employees on their team. 

Reach out to DND’s Indigenous Career Navigator to get started.