This program is a joint initiative of the Business Council of British Columbia, the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations and Vancouver Island University. Indigenous graduates from the twenty five post-secondary institutions in British Columbia are encouraged to apply for meaningful work through internship positions that match your skills and professional interests.
Background
In September 2016, the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) and the Business Council of BC (BCBC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing to work together to eliminate societal gaps between First Nations and non-First Nations, and to advance reconciliation through sustainable economic development.
Flowing from the MOU was the creation of the Champions Table, a group composed of 11 First Nations leaders, and 11 private sector leaders. An early joint initiative of the Champions Table was the creation of the Indigenous Intern Leadership Program.
The program
Qualifying indigenous post-secondary graduates apply for intern positions in prominent BC companies for a two-year period at the employers' expense.
The program allows for a rich experience that builds personal experience, networks and knowledge for both the intern and other firm employees.
By providing recent graduates with workplace skills and training beyond their classroom learning, the initiative aims to assist in building a strong foundation towards a lasting career. The initiative is further intended to create opportunities to support Indigenous interns as future community leaders in business and BC's economy, and to identify and fill the skill-gaps common to many First Nations communities.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved with the program please contact Patrick Brennan at Patrick.Brennan@viu.ca.
Frequently asked questions for employers and interns
Employers must be willing to meet the following program requirements:
- offer a two-year employment position for an IILP participant
- be available for regular check-ins by phone or email
- identify a mentor for the intern who is Indigenous or possesses significant knowledge on Indigenous issues
To be eligible to apply for an internship through this initiative, internship candidates must:
- most candidates will be 35 years or younger at the start of employment
- graduated or graduating from a trades or technical program, diploma, degree or higher level of education program from a recognized post-secondary institution
- self-identify as Indigenous
- be a BC resident
- hold a valid Social Insurance Number and be able to work for a period of two years
Contact the career services department at your university to discuss your eligibility and to obtain assistance with job application documents. Once you are prepared to begin your employment search, email Patrick.Brennan@viu.ca to advise him that you are ready to get involved in the program. Patrick will provide you with the information needed to proceed to the next steps in program application.
Please be aware that during the program application process you may be asked to share the following documents:
- unofficial transcript
- cover letter
- resume
- references
- confirmation of graduation
Please contact Patrick Brennan, special advisor to the president, Vancouver Island University at Patrick.Brennan@viu.ca to discuss your organization and internship opportunity eligibility. Patrick will provide you with the information required to complete the program application process.
As the project sponsor, Vancouver Island University will be the administrator and primary point of contact for both internship candidates and employers.
Vancouver Island University will engage on a regular basis with potential employers and all public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.
Vancouver Island University will also work closely with the Business Council of British Columbia and the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations to promote the program and identify new intern positions.
Patrick Brennan at Vancouver Island University will be available and provide ongoing support to interns, employers, members of BCBC and BCAFN, and can be reached at Patrick.Brennan@viu.ca.
- work with their university to prepare application documents
- commit to a two-year employment placement
- fulfill all job requirements as agreed to with their employer
- be responsible for transportation to and from work and their personal daily accommodations and expenses
- be available for regular check-ins by phone or email
- participate in training opportunities developed by the First Nations Public Service Secretariat and delivered as part of the IILP
- offer a two year employment position for an IILP participant and be responsible for all aspects of the internship beginning from the time of hiring, including provision of salary and compensation
- ensure that the intern gains valuable sectoral and business experience to the benefit of the intern
- be available for regular check-ins by phone or email
- identify a mentor for the intern who is Indigenous or possesses significant knowledge on Indigenous issues
Vancouver Island University is available to provide support and guidance to both the employer and interns as necessary.
Interest in participating in this initiative has been expressed to the Business Council of BC by leading organizations across the BC economy from all sectors including finance, technology, manufacturing, forestry, education, healthcare, energy, engineering, mining and professional services.
The location of the job is at the employers' discretion, however the location and potential for long term geographical movement (beyond acceptable business travel at the employer's expense) must be referenced in the original placement posting.
IILP training is developed by the First Nations Public Service Secretariat and delivered as part of the IILP. Interns will be informed of other potential networking opportunities.
