HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
A need for a broad-based association, relating primarily to Native employment issues, was formally identified when a group of concerned individuals attended a Northern Employment Committee meeting in 1975. As the problems affecting Native employment were similar in adjoining provinces, efforts were made to establish communication and information sharing networks. In May 1976, Ivan Ahenakew, the Saskatchewan Chairperson, opened the “Native Employment Symposium”. At this meeting the participants approved a resolution for the establishment of what is known today as the Inter-Provincial Association on Native Employment Inc. It was officially formed as a non-profit society under the Canadian Corporation Act on August 29, 1977. In 1984, the Association was recognized as a charitable organization and authorized under the Income Tax Act to issue official tax exemption receipts for qualified donations. OBJECTIVES
• Promoting and supporting information sharing and networking among members.
• Providing a forum where Aboriginal people and organizations, governments, industries and business, and unions learn about best practices on recruitment, retention, and advancement of Aboriginal people through employment and training initiatives.
• Providing a forum for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to increase awareness and understanding of Aboriginal relations and where Aboriginal people learn about training and employment initiatives.
• Recognizing employers and individuals that demonstrate successful employment initiatives that support the hiring, training, retention and advancement of Aboriginal people.
