Integrated Employment Services Delivery (IESD)

Serco Canada Inc., is a Service System Manager (SSM) administering the Northwest, Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie, and Kingston-Pembroke catchment areas in Ontario through EmployNext, and has partnered with Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS) in Northwestern Ontario as an Indigenous Skills Employment and Training Agreement (ISETA) Holder to incorporate Indigenous perspectives across its provincial network to support the Integrated Employment Service Delivery (IESD) Model.  

EmployNext powered by Serco is a locally responsive, outcomes-based employment services program funded by the Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (OMLITSD).  EmployNext also is a collaborative consortium featuring partners such as Serco Canada, Thrive Career Wellness, and Deloitte Canada, in addition to an expansive network of Service Providers and Community Partners.

The partnership between EmployNext and AETS aims to enhance client pathways to employment for Indigenous Peoples across various streams to ensure improved outcomes in Northwestern Ontario.

The goals include, but are not exclusive to:

  1.  Establish and Co-Chair an Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC):  This combined effort aims to bring Indigenous community voices to the forefront, ensuring the development and delivery of services meet the unique needs of Indigenous clients.  The IAC will focus on ongoing dialogue, respect, and the creation of frameworks that address these specific needs

  2.   Resource Identification, Development, and Community Engagement:   We will collaboratively identify and document existing resources available within Northwestern Ontario, as well as develop new resources as needed. Special attention will be given to engaging Elders and Knowledge Keepers, fostering cultural awareness, and promoting Indigenous-led community initiatives.

          Northwestern Ontario ISETA Holders Map & Contact Link (Select for resource information)

    Never be afraid to reach out for help. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. You don't have to face your struggles alone. There is support nearby with the following Indigenous Focused programs:

    Crisis

    • Beendigen Women's Crisis Home
      • Crisis Home
        • The crisis home, open 24/7, provides emergency shelter for women and children who require safe accommodations and are seeking refuge from abuse
        • (807) 346-HELP (4357) or Toll Free: 1-888-200-9997

    Counselling

    • Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
      • Walk-in counselling available in Thunder Bay, Tuesdays 1pm to 7pm
        • (807) 624-5818
      • Walk-in counselling available in Longlac, last Monday of each month from 1pm to 3pm
        • (855) 623-8511 - Contact local Dilico office for clinic times and locations in the district

    Programming

    Beendigen

    • Provides support and programs to women and their children who have experienced abuse with the incorporation of the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
    • (807) 622-1121

    Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre

    • Wide range of programming offered to support health and wellness across the lifespan. Open to clients by appointment only during COVID-19.
    • (807) 345-5840

    Thunderbird Friendship Centre

    • Variety of programming offered to people across the lifespan for improved health and wellbeing
    • Geraldton: (807) 854-1060

    Ontario Native Women's Association

    • Programming and support offered to Indigenous women (regardless of status)
    • Fort William First Nation head office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816
    • Thunder Bay office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816

    Biidaaban

    • The Biidaaban Healing Lodge is a 12 unit facility that provides the Aboriginal population in the Robinson-Superior Area with Residential and Community-based Programming.
    • (807) 229-3592 or Toll-Free: 1-888-432-7102

    Anishnawbe Mushkiki

    • Provide culturally safe, comprehensive care and helps empower patients through their health and wellness journeys
    • Services include: Maternal Wellness Programs, EarlyON Centre, Youth Mental Health, Healthy Eating and Active Living
    • Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30 pm
    • Phone (807) 623-0383

    Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

    • Walk-in counselling available in Longlac, Nipigon, Mobert, Thunder Bay, Whitesand
    • Toll free: (855) 623-8511
    • Call or click above for clinic times

    Addictions

    Ka-na-chi-hih Specialized Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre

      • Substance use residential treatment centre for First Nation youth aged 18-30. Offering services such as intake, referral, aftercare, and support.
      • (807) 623-5577 or Toll-Free: 1-888-863-1560

     

    Online/Over the Phone Support

    Hope for Wellness Helpline

    • Hope for Wellness Helpline offers free phone or online chatting support 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada from experienced and culturally competent counsellors
    • Chat lines are available in English and French and telephone support can be made available in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut). *Please note: Supports in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut are not available 24/7, so you may need to call in to find out the next time that a language-speaker will be available.*
    • You can chat with them online by visiting the link above or call them at 1-855-242-3310

    Talk4Healing

    • Culturally grounded, confidential helpline, for Indigenous women (available in 14 languages) offered 24/7
    • Call or Text: 1-855-554-HEAL
    • Live chat option available on website
  3.   Cultural Awareness Training:  A comprehensive training program will be developed to deepen understanding of Indigenous cultures, ensuring the staff at EmployNext and its network partners are equipped to build respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.  This training will be co-created with Urban Indigenous, Rural Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, reflecting the diverse experiences and needs of Northwestern Ontario.
     

*contact ed@aets.org to request the password to access the above files

This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to culturally responsive, impactful services that elevate the needs and perspectives of Indigenous communities, ultimately driving better employment outcomes for Indigenous jobseekers across the region.

For further information on the partnership's progress or to learn more about the goals and initiatives we are working on, please visit our websites:

Additionally, we've created a flyer to explain the details of this exciting partnership. You can view and download the flyer here:  AETSXEmployNext

For any inquiries on the partnership, please reach out to the contact persons listed below:

  • John DeGiacomo
    Executive Director, Anishinabek Employment and Training Services
    ed@aets.org 
    T:  807-346-0307 ext. 201

    • Amber Legarde
      • Operations Manager, Anishinabek Employment and Training Services
      • amber.legarde@aets.org 
      • T:  807-346-0307 ext. 203

    • Rick Baraniuk
      • IESD Model Co-ordinator, Anishinabek Employment and Training Services
      • rick.baraniuk@aets.org 
      • T:  807-346-0307 ext. 209
         
  • Nicole Richmond
    Consultant, Anishinabek Employment and Training Services
    nicole.richmond@nish-law.com 
    M:  807-633-8088

    • Nicole Richmond is an Anishnaabe lawyer who provides consulting and legal services focussed on healing, wellbeing and positive relationships. She supports Anishinabek nation-building by creating healthy, transparent, accountable and effective governance and administrative practices. Nicole is a member of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and was called to the bar in 2007.
    • Nicole is a jingle dress dancer and beader. She loves spending time hiking through the forest and along Lake Superior. Nicole also has a special interest in energy healing, meditation and wellness, and is interested in applying principles of personal healing and wellness to the various organizations she serves.

  • Kellie Wrigley
    Consultant, Anishinabek Employment and Training Services
    kelliewrigs@gmail.com
    M:  807-633-8088

    • Kellie Wrigley is a proud member of the Red Rock Indian band from Nipigon. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students. With 22 years of dedicated service in the field of education, Kellie has amassed a diverse range of experiences across various roles, including classroom educator, school principal, and system principal.
    • Throughout her career, Kellie has demonstrated a passion for collaborative leadership and a deep-seated belief in the power of teamwork to drive positive change. In each of her roles, she has worked alongside fellow educators to enhance student outcomes and learning in "a good way," through a holistic approach to education, grounded in Indigenous knowledge, culture, and ways of being.

  • Joanna Dowhos
    Indigenous Community Liaison (North West)
    Joanna.Dowhos@serco-na.com
    M: 807-252-8286

  • Crystal Olson
    Community Outreach Manager
    Crystal.olson@serco-na.com 
    M:  807-346-8840

  • TBD
    Manager, Indigenous Relations
    Email:  TBD
    M: