Alberta Labour Market Study: Shaping a Digital Future for Indigenous Peoples
Creating a more inclusive digital economy — one where Indigenous Peoples in Alberta are not just participants but leaders.
What is the Alberta Labour Market Study?
The Alberta Labour Market Study is a multi-year initiative designed to identify opportunities and challenges for Indigenous job seekers, training institutions, and employers within Alberta’s growing digital sector. With funding from the Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade, we’ve partnered with the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and Engage Delaney to understand and expand opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in Alberta's digital economy.
Help us build a future where Indigenous Peoples are taking on innovative and meaningful technology roles.
We're talking about roles like software development, cybersecurity, AI architecture, and IT support — careers that are shaping the future of every industry. Our goal is to listen to Indigenous voices to understand current gaps in training, explore culturally safe work environments, and uncover how we can support Indigenous talent in tech.
Creating a More Inclusive Digital Economy
Digital skills are in high demand, and Indigenous communities in Alberta deserve to be at the forefront of this transformation. But systemic barriers, underrepresentation, and limited culturally relevant pathways into tech persist.
That's why we’re engaging Indigenous Peoples and key players in the tech industry to:
- Understand the lived experiences, interests, and barriers Indigenous Peoples face when exploring careers in tech.
- Identify gaps in training and access.
- Explore how employers and institutions can create spaces that support Indigenous success.
- Recommend actions to increase the representation of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta's digital workforce.
This research will inform governments, educators, and employers while also serving as a foundation for Indigenous-led strategies to create opportunity in the tech space.
Experiences
Understand the lived experiences, interests, and barriers Indigenous Peoples face when exploring careers in tech.
Gaps
Identify gaps in training and access.
Support
Explore how employers and institutions can create spaces that support Indigenous success.
Actions
Recommend actions to increase the representation of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta’s digital workforce.
Get Involved!
Between September 2024 and June 2025, we will engage with Indigenous Peoples, leaders, and organizations across Alberta. In summer 2026, we will publish the final Labour Market Study report and present it to the Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy, and Trade.
Your voice is essential. Whether you’re a job seeker, student, community leader, or tech worker, we want to hear from you.
Online Survey: A short online survey (approx. 10-15 minutes) for Indigenous Peoples in Alberta with experience or interest in the tech sector.
Focus Groups: We hosted two in-person conversations, one in Calgary and one in Edmonton, with Indigenous Peoples interested in digital careers. These 90-minute gatherings included a hot lunch and engaging conversation.
One-on-One Interviews: We’re meeting with Indigenous leaders and organizations supporting tech workforce development to learn more about job seekers and industry perspectives.
Research Grounded in Cultural Safety and Respect
This engagement is grounded in cultural safety and respect. We’re committed to:
- Offering honoraria and gifts to recognize contributions.
- Hosting culturally safe and accessible sessions.
- Working with Indigenous liaisons to build trust and foster authentic connections.
- Ensuring that your input shapes the future, not just the report.
- Upholding OCAPⓇ (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession)
Questions?
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The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.
