News Diversity & Inclusion
CIC announces new Indigenous internship program in response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action

Saskatchewan’s Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) has announced a new Indigenous internship program called “Crown Career Pathways.” The program is an answer to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92, which urges employers to create pathways for Indigenous workforce participation, it said in a press release.

The Crown Career Pathways initiative is a collaborative effort between CIC and various Crown corporations in Saskatchewan, designed to help Indigenous graduates transition from eligible post-secondary institutes into permanent employment. The program has earmarked $1.2 million for a two-year pilot, which will hire 22 interns — 11 each year. Positions will be available in various Crown entities, including SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskEnergy, SGI, SaskWater, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan, and CIC.

Interns will be selected from recognized post-secondary institutes in Saskatchewan according to the individual workforce needs of the participating Crown corporations. The job positions for the pilot program are slated to be posted in October 2023.

Dustin Duncan, CIC Minister and Minister Responsible for all Major Crowns, emphasized the program’s importance.

“This internship program is an important step in ensuring Indigenous people are represented in our workforce and have quality opportunities across Saskatchewan,” Duncan said.

Don McMorris, Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs, echoed Duncan’s sentiments, highlighting the province’s continued efforts since the 2015 release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report.

“This program demonstrates our commitment to support Truth and Reconciliation in Saskatchewan,” said McMorris.

The program will undergo a review after its initial two-year run to assess its impact and determine the next steps for its continuation or expansion.