People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream

Finding and developing Indigenous talent can be challenging for organizations in Northern Ontario, especially when budgets limit the ability to create meaningful, paid opportunities. The People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream is designed to ease that barrier by helping employers bring Indigenous interns into their workforce for structured, full‑time roles that build long-term skills and experience. Delivered by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation on behalf of the Government of Ontario, the program supports businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not‑for‑profits across the region.

This stream focuses on covering a significant portion of an Indigenous intern’s wages and mandatory employment costs for up to a year, making it more feasible to create positions that go beyond entry-level or short-term work. Funding support can reach tens of thousands of dollars per intern annually, with higher support levels available to public and community-based organizations and substantial wage coverage for eligible businesses as well. The intent is to encourage meaningful placements that help participants enter the workforce, transition careers, or move into new fields, while giving employers the capacity to invest time in training and mentorship.

For organizations looking to strengthen their workforce while contributing to Indigenous economic participation in Northern Ontario, this program can be a practical and impactful option. Reviewing the full program details can help determine how it fits with your hiring plans and operational goals.