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, I
van 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.
