Human Resource Solutions that Support
Connections, Culture and Community.
Strong HR practices support a solid base that helps improve employee relationships, support the community, and grow a positive workplace culture. That’s why we are passionate about providing HR support for Indigenous Communities across Canada.
Through our partnerships with community organizations, we’ve seen firsthand how establishing strong HR practices allows organizations to:
- Create better managed multi-generational workforces,
- Leverage the experience of older employees, while nurturing the innovation and energy of younger staff, and
- Foster intergenerational collaboration, ensuring knowledge transfer and leadership development.
How we work
We strongly believe in being a partner in your organization’s growth. We take the time to get to know your values and what is important to your community, so we can find the HR solutions that will best support the changes you’d like to see.
We are honoured to collaborate with organizations to bring access to HR resources, training, and mentorship opportunities that create pathways for leadership and professional growth.
Explore how People First HR has partnered with organizations to provide HR Support for Indigenous communities.
Ongoing HR Support
We work with indigenous leaders and community members to strengthen the HR capacities of their organizations by bringing years of expertise in Indigenous and rural workforce needs.
For organizations with no HR resource or when your needs are greater than what your current team can manage, we can provide a dedicated HR consultant to help bridge the gap. This helps to ensure communities receive top-tier professional HR guidance, aligned with both cultural values and practical HR needs.
“Having access to Human Resources services through People First HR has been a tremendous help to our organization. We receive expert advice at low or no cost to the organization* and we have peace of mind knowing that our policies, processes and training are up to date and compliant with current legislation. People First HR makes personnel management easy and efficient.” – Tammy Ryll, Executive Director, Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services
*Support funded through a partnership between People First and Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong
HR Internship
Provide community members with the opportunity to gain new skills and experience to help them advance in the HR field.
HR Internship program participants will expand their knowledge through a virtual learning environment, one-on-one discussions with experienced HR consultants, and in their day-to-day work.
The program is designed to take place over 8 months, and includes project work and an HR mentor.
“The HR Internship program gave me the skills and confidence needed to further my career in Human Resources. After completing the program, I felt confident bringing ideas to improve processes to my manager and was able to implement these new process within my organization. It was great to be in the program with other Indigenous organizations. The breakout groups gave us time to discuss and share information and the discussions we had helped me learn that I am not alone. I found a lot of my conflicts or frustrations were also frustrations other organizations faced. Since doing the Internship I was able to grow within my organization and I also had the confidence to get my Certified Indigenous Human Resources Professional Designation through AFOA Canada. Having the skills from the internship and getting my designation has allowed me to now receive a job as a Human Resource Manager.” – Amanda Lelonde
HR On Call
Great for small-to-medium sized organizations, HR On Call gives you access to an experienced HR professional through phone and email, where you can get advice and guidance for general HR inquires and access to a 100+ HR templates at a low monthly cost.
Through using HR On Call, leaders have found peace of mind and the confidence to manage HR issues on their own.
Support topics include:
- Legislation and best practice
- Creating a respectful workplace
- Policy development and workplace procedures
- Employee relations
- Managing leaves of absence
- Performance management guidance including employee discipline
- Termination
- Disability management consultation (accommodations, return to work, doctor notes)
HR templates include:
- Code of Conduct Policy
- Disability Management Policy (accommodation, return to work)
- Drug and Alcohol Policy
- Exit Interview
- Job Posting Template
- Offer Letter (multiple versions)
- Respectful Workplace Policy
Governance Reviews and Foundations
In addition to a solid HR foundation, with policies and processes in place, strong organizations need to have the right governance framework. This framework supports the relationship between the board of directors, senior management, and key stakeholders. It provides the system through which objectives are set and attained, and performance is monitored.
Organizations that develop a governance foundation benefit from:
- Clear roles and responsibilities
- Effective working relationships
- Good succession plan for the board
- Improved communication
- Enhanced organizational results
- Improved reputation
We work with community organizations and boards to review the current governance structures in place, create governance manuals, and provide board training.
“The governance review process was a great exercise to help the board ensure the right structure is in place for making decisions. The process allowed us to gather input from all the Chiefs on the board and provided us with a governance manual, which we will continue to review and update, so it evolves with our practices and legislative requirements.”- Rhonda Nash – Director of Operations, AKRC
My Career Path: Youth Career Development Program
We understand that the youth of your community are vital members. Supporting youth to find meaningful careers, both in and outside of the community, will help to carry your culture and traditions into the future.
Through our partnerships with communities, we created the My Career Path Program to help youth design a career path that is aligned with who they are and what matters most to them.
Through the program participants:
- Learn about themselves and what kind of work they might enjoy,
- Explore jobs and work opportunities,
- Build supportive relationships, and
- Establish work and career related goals.
The program provides access to industry-leading lessons, tools, and resources for all aspects of a career journey.
Team and Employee Training
Employee training helps to build stronger teams, foster leadership skills, and move your organizations forward. People First offers a variety of workshops to help meet your organization’s development needs.
All programs can be tailored to the needs of your organization. We have held training days within communities, as part of team retreats in Winnipeg, or virtually.
Training topics
- Leadership development
- HR training
- Performance management
- Employee onboarding
- Business communication
- Respectful workplace
- Unconscious bias
- Workplace wellness
- And more…
Training formats
- Single or multiple modules
- 90 minutes to multi-day sessions
- Delivered in person or virtually
- Tailored to situations and workplace
“This session was very helpful and interesting. The facilitator kept everyone involved the whole time. The explanations were clear and useful for the organization, making it a great experience. I would recommend this session to others.” – Naotkamegwanning Health Centre – HR and Self Care – December 17, 2024
Strengthen your organization with the support of a trusted HR partner. Get in touch today to get started.
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