The 1st annual GGDL Human Resource Working Group Session, led by GGDL and the Wicehtowak Workforce Development Program (WWDP), was held on March 11, 2026 in Regina, Saskatchewan as a pre-event to the GGDL Partnership Forum. The session focused on sharing practical best practices, strengthening Indigenous workforce pathways, and helping develop both existing and emerging industry partners to better prepare industry and Canada for a stronger future. Industry leaders, project partners, and workforce development professionals came together to discuss the growing importance of long-term Indigenous participation strategies within major projects across Saskatchewan. Through presentations and open discussion, participants explored how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments, Indigenous Participation Plans (IPP), and meaningful public statements on inclusion can move beyond symbolic commitments and become measurable workforce outcomes that benefit both industry and Indigenous communities. Discussions highlighted how strong Indigenous inclusion strategies improve workforce stability, strengthen relationships, reduce project risk, and create long-term economic participation.
A key component was hearing directly from several top employer collaborators who shared examples of Indigenous hiring, apprenticeships, and workplace strategies that led to project success. Lessons covered retention, workplace culture, onboarding, and creating respectful, culturally aware environments. Employers were encouraged to move beyond transactional hiring and follow GGDL’s lead in building partnerships that support long-term career progression and leadership for Indigenous workers. Additional discussions focused on aligning workforce planning with future energy, mining, and infrastructure projects, emphasizing early engagement between industry and Indigenous organizations.
The Indigenous Skills Program was showcased as a practical model for preparing participants for industrial employment, focusing on technical readiness, workplace expectations, and life skills. GGDL and WWDP emphasized that these programs help partners meet CSR and IPP commitments by strengthening pipelines and workforce readiness. The session underscored that practical, accountable Indigenous inclusion strategies are built through action, meaningful partnerships, and shared responsibility.
At the close of the session, it was so well-attended that the 24 people who RSVP’d soon became a much larger crowd, we had to bring in all of the venues additional chairs, and then, once they ran out, it was standing room only!
