There is no doubt that Canada’s Aboriginal population plays an extremely important role in our labour market. The Canada West Foundation (Brunnen, 2004b) has completed extensive research related to Aboriginal human resource strategies. Brunnen stated, “There is a great opportunity—indeed a great need—to more fully engage Aboriginal people in addressing labour supply challenges”
(p. 2). Now, more than ever, there exists a need in remote regions for ECs supporting the employment of Aboriginals. Aboriginals entering the labour market are seen as a viable source of workers in the high-demand labour market of all Canadian communities (p. 2). The opportunity for action following this research has been optimized, as NILA provided an excellent vehicle for the distribution of the report and for implementation and action based on recommendations.
This project provided an opportunity for participating ECs to take action on their personal development and training needs, as they continually improve their personal practice for guiding people in the employment process. I also hope that the ECs will continue to take action in multiple ways to improve their working conditions and the intake process for their clients.
This project offered significant opportunity for my own personal growth as a social leader. Helping to build the leadership skills of the ECs in this project was a leadership stretch and challenge for me, as I tried to understand the cultural importance of living and working with high-need clients in rural and northern regions. I learned a great deal about the kind of transformation required to support the employment and health of these individuals and their communities. Yukl (2002) presented a definition that best described my personal view of transformational leadership. Yukl stated, “The essence of transformational leadership appears to be inspiring, developing and empowering followers”
(p. 139).
There are ECs on or near most of the reserves in rural and northern Manitoba communities. These rural and northern ECs often do not have sufficient resources, training, or other supports to properly assess and refer a high-needs client. The list of services to which clients may be referred is very small and geographically difficult to access in rural and northern regions. This project provided a systemic intervention that can have far-reaching impacts on Aboriginal peoples’ success in the labour market in rural and northern regions. From this group of participants, a few transformational leaders emerged through this research process.