First Nations and Métis Employees’ Experiences

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Calls to Action stipulates to increase and retain the number of First Nations, Métis and Inuit employees in the healthcare sector. While many non-First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations recognize the importance of this call, many organizations often struggle with how to reflect and proceed effectively, humbly, and with intention. Retention of First Nations, Métis and Inuit employees requires thoughtful organizational support, which benefits not only employees through improved well-being, development, and reduced burnout, but enhances services for the people they serve. This community based project used qualitative description grounded with First Nations, Métis and Inuit approaches to research to explore what supports success for First Nations, Métis and Inuit employees working in non-First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations. Four women of First Nations or Métis heritage were invited to an interview to discuss successes. We found that the importance of allyship, autonomy, and opportunities for professional development contributed to these women’s successful experiences working in non-First Nations, Métis and Inuit organizations. These findings support First Nations and Métis employees' experiences at non-First Nations and Métis organizations. Organizations are encouraged to authentically hire, retain, and support First Nations, Métis and Inuit employees proceeding with intention and humility, including understanding roles as allies

Action research · Commission · Grounded theory · Narrative · Qualitative research · Arctic and Russian Policy Studies · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Indigenous Studies and Ecology