The Indigenous Labour Market Fund (LMF) supports Indigenous communities across B.C. in identifying and addressing employment gaps, training opportunities, and barriers to participation in the workforce. This funding is designed to enhance Indigenous-led initiatives that improve employment outcomes and build long-term capacity in ways that complement, but do not duplicate, existing WorkBC and ISET services.
B.C. First Nations (under Indian Act, Self-Government Agreement, or Treaty Agreement) or organizations under their authority or control
B.C. Tribal Councils
Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Offices
Métis Nation Government of B.C.
Métis Chartered Communities
Indigenous organizations wholly owned and operated by Indigenous communities in B.C. that support labour market and employment initiatives
Indigenous organizations that are effectively wholly owned and operated by Indigenous communities in BC that support labour market labour market and employment initiatives.
Intake Frequency
The LMF accepts applications through continuous intake periods:
Intake 1: January 15, 2024 – Open until funds are exhausted
Intake 2: Open – Until funds are exhausted
Intake 3: May 13, 2026 – December 1, 2026 (or until funds are exhausted)
Funding Streams and Amounts
Applicants may now apply to more than one stream at a time where there is a clear and strategic connection between project components.
Stream 1: Labour Market Plans/Studies
Activities
May include:
Analysis of employment barriers, trends, and skill gaps
Cultural competency training needs
Capacity building activities such as mentorship, train-the-trainer programs, and staff/contractor support for ongoing labour market studies
Funding Cap
$150,000
Stream 2: Cultural Recognition Support
Activities
May include:
Indigenous-led cultural competency training for employers
Elder-in-Residence programs to embed Indigenous knowledge and healing in the workplace
Indigenous Employee Support Programs addressing lateral violence, conflict resolution, employee rights, and access to mental health supports
Culturally informed mentorships for Indigenous students or graduates
Employer training modules focused on cultural humility, Indigenous history, and trauma-informed HR practices
Funding Cap
$250,000
Stream 3: Job Fairs
Activities
May include:
Hosting Indigenous-led job fairs that connect job seekers with employers and training providers
Funding Cap
$75,000
Eligible Funding Activities
Professional, technical, legal, and consulting services
Training and capacity building (including non-duplicative professional development)
Materials, supplies, and equipment
Community engagement and knowledge-sharing
Other costs directly related to the approved project
Ineligible Costs
Existing administrative and overhead costs
Salaries or honoraria for existing staff
Capital expenditures unrelated to the project
Training or services already provided by ISET or WorkBC
Funding Approval Process
Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness. Please allow 2–3 weeks to receive a funding decision once a complete application is submitted.
Reporting Requirements
Recipients must submit a final report using the standard reporting tool. The report should highlight successes, challenges, and lessons learned to support knowledge-sharing with other Indigenous communities pursuing similar initiatives.
Contact for Support
Questions? Need help with your application or want to confirm project eligibility?
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