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Non-Status Indigenous Peoples face unique challenges when it comes to employment. Unlike Status Indians, they don’t have access to the same government programs and services, which can make it harder to find the support they need to enter into the labour force. The lasting impacts of colonialism have also created barriers that continue to affect their career opportunities. As a result, Non-Status Indigenous Peoples often struggle with lower employment rates and wages compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts.
In this article, we’ll explore how career practitioners can be key allies in helping break down these barriers, offering solutions for financial and education challenges that can empower Non-Status Indigenous Peoples on their career journeys.
How can someone be Indigenous but not have Indian Status?
The term Non-Status Indian refers to Indigenous people who are not registered Indians (Status Indians) under the Indian Act. Losing Status is more common than you might think, with 16.3% of the Indigenous population in Canada being Non-Status.
The effects of colonialism are still very visible today: to get Indian Status, you have to “prove” your Indigenous ancestry. Residential schools and the 60s Scoop removed children from their families and many genealogical records were destroyed. Simply put, the paper trail no longer exists.
In addition, the Indian Act has contributed to the loss of Status. You can read more about that here.
Non-Status Indigenous Peoples do not have access to government-funded Indigenous programs and services, which is why they face unique barriers to employment.
What barriers to employment do Non-Status Indigenous Peoples face?
Employment rates for Non-Status Indigenous Peoples sit at 65%, compared with 74% of the non-Indigenous population 2. This gap stems from the barriers that Non-Status Indigenous Peoples face. In this article, we will focus on the financial and education barriers to employment.
Come see our presentation at the Cannexus 2025 conference to learn more.
Financial
Non-Status Indigenous Peoples face unique challenges when it comes to employment. They are more likely to live in low-income situations (17% compared to 11% for non-Indigenous people2) and often lack financial support at home. Even though 74% are employed, they earn about $8,000 less per year than their non-Indigenous peers.
How can career practitioners support their clients to overcome financial barriers?
- Access to financial literacy programs: Offer workshops or resources on budgeting, saving and financial planning.
- Mentorship and networking opportunities: Connect Indigenous jobseekers with Indigenous role models in their field who understand their unique challenges.
- Job placements with living wages: Build partnerships with employers to ensure job placements have strong EDI policies and practices that are inclusive and culturally informed, which can further help close the income gap.
Education
Non-Status Indigenous Peoples face significant educational disparities that affect their career opportunities. While 83% of Indigenous individuals complete high school compared to 91% of their non-Indigenous peers, the gap widens in post-secondary— with 16% of Non-Status Indigenous Peoples having a university degree compared with 37% of the general population2. Financial barriers and a deep-seated lack of trust in institutions, rooted in the harmful legacy of residential schools and colonialism, are major contributors to these lower rates.
How can career practitioners support their clients to overcome education barriers?
- Connections with community at school: Many skills training institutions have Indigenous student centres that are accessible to all Indigenous students, including Non-Status. Additionally, in most urban areas there are friendship centres and other Indigenous organizations. Creating these links helps create a sense of community and belonging.
- Finding funding and grants: Some Indigenous people are unaware of the grants, bursaries and scholarships available to them. Career practitioners can connect clients with these resources and help them navigate the application process.
- Access to educational support programs: Partnering with organizations to provide tutoring, mentorship and culturally relevant learning resources can help Indigenous students succeed academically.
Career practitioners play a vital role in helping to address barriers to employment for Non-Status Indigenous Peoples. By providing this support, we can help create a more inclusive path to employment for Non-Status Indigenous Peoples.
