Michayle Hay, an Inuk resident of Ottawa originally from Igloolik, Nunavut, has been actively searching for employment for a two-year period. Despite receiving only one call back for a six-month contract, she remains determined to secure a more permanent position. Hay expressed feeling disheartened and unsure about her prospects during the prolonged job hunt.
To broaden her opportunities, Hay volunteered at the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition’s career fair aimed at facilitating direct interactions with potential employers. The event attracted numerous attendees, including over 70 employers from various sectors like construction, government, and Indigenous service providers.
Stephanie Mikki Adams, co-chair of the coalition, highlighted the organization’s efforts to address the prevalent issue of high unemployment rates within the Indigenous community. The fair serves as a platform to connect job seekers with companies seeking specific skills. For individuals lacking these skills, the coalition offers training and workshops to enhance their employability.
According to the latest Ontario government labor report from August 2025, approximately 12 percent of Métis and First Nations individuals residing off-reserve in Ontario are unemployed, in contrast to about eight percent of non-Indigenous Ontarians. These figures signify a noticeable increase from the rates in August 2023, which stood at around eight percent for Indigenous groups and six percent for non-Indigenous individuals.
Ashley Stephens, who relocated from Iqaluit to Ottawa last summer, attended the career fair after a six-month job search in the area. She emphasized the added challenge faced by Indigenous individuals seeking employment in unfamiliar territories, expressing a desire to find a sense of community in her new surroundings.
Among the fair attendees was Scott Sinquah, a hoop dancer and cultural presenter, currently employed but seeking a more stable and long-term position. As a member of the Gila River Pima and the Hopi Nation, Sinquah viewed the Indigenous-led fair as an ideal starting point in his job search, emphasizing the importance of securing a stable nine-to-five job for his family’s future.
Adams noted a significant increase in interest for the second annual fair compared to the previous year, with the participation of double the number of employers. Plans are already in motion to further expand the event for the upcoming year, underscoring the growing impact and relevance of such initiatives within the Indigenous community.
