A partnership initiative of the federal government, the Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) is committed to increasing the participation of Aboriginal peoples in the labour market. Initially launched in 1991, AWPI’s mandate was renewed and enhanced in 1996.
The goal of the program is to educate and inform employers about the advantages of hiring Aboriginal peoples. By facilitating the efforts of Aboriginal peoples and employers, the program hopes to emphasize the many benefits available to both through working together.
Responsibility for AWPI is shared between the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS). INAC oversees the AWPI external component geared to sectors of the economy other than the federal public service. TBS, in collaboration with Public Service Commission (PSC), looks after AWPI’s internal component, aimed at the federal public service. This internal component is part of the federal Employment Equity Program.
http://www.seda.sk.ca/images/file/Resources/Disaster%20Recovery/aboroginal%20toolkit.pdf