Another frequently asked question: “Why is preference given to Aboriginal People’s for some government jobs?”. Some people perceive this as discrimination. Discrimination is a sensitive topic and I believe it to be highly controversial at times. However, I felt inclined to write about my own convictions, as well as revelations when it comes to being declined certain job positions because I am non-Indigenous. I remember the emotions I would experience when I would reach the end of a job application only to see the words, “Preference will be given to…”. I remember feeling immediately discouraged. Despite being discouraged, I tried my best to understand and found that the reason why the government implements this policy on some of their job postings is in hopes of giving minorities an equal opportunity at income. 1 in 5 racialized families live in poverty in Canada, as opposed to 1 in 20 non-racialized families. The situation is even more dire for the Indigenous population, where 1 in 2 Status First Nations children lives in poverty. Although, as I began reading more and researching, I learned very quickly that what I thought I knew and understood to be the reason, was not even half the story.

I was in need of a reality check. A change in perspective from old ways of thinking. I realized more truth when I read, “The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.”, where the Prime Minister of India is quoted, stating, “…this is our way of atoning for the centuries of injustices we inflicted upon these people…”. This statement is referring to India’s “Untouchables”, who are people of a lower caste system, accepted into College or University over those of higher caste systems, as a way to try and eliminate discrimination. This is relevant for the Indigenous People’s of Canada today.

There is another book that I am currently reading, “Decolonizing Employment – Aboriginal Inclusion in Canada’s Labour Market“, by Shauna MacKinnon, where I am gaining more understanding as to why current policies are the way that they are when it comes to the labour market. Policies are continuously evolving, moving away from the convenience of short-term job training. Moving away from the fast and convenient work policies that only focus on capitalism is a good thing because when accepting these policies, we are accepting, “narrow economic theories that ignore factors including class, race, and gender…”. Assumptions that the market ensures everyone is given equal opportunity is an illusion because it is based on convenience – thinking that good jobs are available for all who are willing to do what is required of the labour market. This simply is not the case.

MacKinnon states that governments seem to be less concerned with learning for its inherent value; instead, they do what is more practical for employability in order to benefit the overall labour market, without thinking about the employee’s themselves. Where is the value in that? I apologize for rambling and possibly straying off topic, but I think it is important for people to know about current policies within the labour market that still continue to hinder many minority groups from gaining meaningful employment. I agree with the shift away from narrow-minded policies because it makes for more equal opportunity for those who have faced injustice in the past and those who are at different stages of life. It should not be expected of every single person to do the exact same training when everybody has different life experiences. An individuals life experience should not limit them, but instead help them to succeed.

The truth is, I am still trying to understand the ever-changing labour market policies. However, I can honestly say that I am no longer discouraged when I reach the end of an application and read the words, “Preference will be given to…”, because now I have, and continue to gain, more of an understanding and what it means to truly decolonize employment, not only through reading and researching but also in conversation with others. In fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way.