Inclusion Works ‘09

Inclusion Works ’09 Report

Photo Gallery – Inclusion Works ’09

When people come together with a common dream anything is possible. With nearly 600 employers, presenters, and job-ready graduates on hand April 6-8, 2009, Inclusion Works ’09 saw the stars align to stimulate real change for the Aboriginal workforce. As the sun shone over Vancouver, this first ever gathering of HR practitioners with 100 Aboriginal post-secondary students/grads energized an employment event that aimed to put Aboriginal Inclusion in a national spotlight.

What began as a vision to connect committed employers to the next generation of Aboriginal talent soon grew into the council’s new signature event. First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders and speakers such as Chief Shawn Atleo, Charles Coffey O.C., Alika Lafontaine, Tewanee Joseph, Lloyd Axworthy and Allan McLeod, brought energy and inspiration to participants from every corner of Canada. With informative workshop sessions, a recruitment fair, trade show, and an unforgettable networking reception in Stanley Park, Inclusion Works ’09 drew national media attention to our shared work of bridging the Aboriginal employment gap towards a goal of full inclusion.

Among the highlights was a sensational gala evening, featuring Inuit singer Susan Aglukark, First Nation mezzo-soprano Marion Newman and the unforgettable Métis Buttertown Jiggers. The Honourable Steven Point Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia warmed up the crowd and emcee Rick Mercer brought us together in laughter as we celebrated the cultural diversity of Canada’s First Peoples. And keynote speaker, David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber, provided entertainment and inspiration when he donated his appearance fee to the council’s charitable arm – being the first corporate donate to the foundation.

Many of Canada’s most committed corporations stepped forward to invest in Inclusion Works ’09, helping make it possible for the council to fly 100 Aboriginal students to Vancouver all expenses paid. Watching the young men and women carry themselves with pride and professionalism was so rewarding. With many graduates accepting employment offers, the effort was well worth it and a new movement is being moved forward by the grads through an initiative called Young Indigenous Professionals (YIPs).

And as our staff refocuses for Inclusion Works 10, April 27-29, 2010 in Toronto, we hope you will continue to champion our cause and invest your belief in the Aboriginal Human Resource Council so we can help First Nations, Métis and Inuit people advance in the workforce and corporate Canada move up the Inclusion Continuum. Be sure to visit our events page to see upcoming listings for Mastering Aboriginal Inclusion, Guiding Circles, and Workforce Connex forums and check out our great photos that capture the inspiration and success of Inclusion Works ’09.

Please visit our sponsors page to recognize the progressive investment partners that help make this remarkable and inaugural event possible.