Publications

Employment Ontario Services at AETS

Official press release link effective April 1, 2026:  Anishinabek Employment & Training Services (AETS) Press Release - Northwestern Ontario

AETS is proud to deliver Employment Ontario (EO) services across Northwestern Ontario.  We provide culturally grounded employment and training supports for individuals at all stages of their career journey.

For Jobseekers – Northwestern Ontario

Looking for work or exploring your next step?  We're here to help.

Personalized Employment Supports

We offer one-on-one support to help you succeed, including:

• Career exploration and planning
• Resume and cover letter development
• Job search strategies and interview preparation
• Skills training and upgrading
• Job placements and employer connections
• Referrals to education, training, and community services

Removing Barriers Together

We understand that everyone's journey is different.  Supports may include:

• Access to training opportunities
• Connections to community and cultural resources
• Financial and employment readiness supports

Culturally Grounded Services

Our approach is rooted in:

• Respect for Indigenous cultures and traditions
• Community-driven approaches
• Strong partnerships with First Nations, employers, and service providers
• A focus on long-term success and self-determination

Supporting Employers

We offer the below and following linked services:

• Recruitment and job matching services
• Access to wage subsidies and training supports
• Guidance on culturally respectful hiring practices
• Ongoing support for both employers and employees

Who Can Access Services?

Employment Ontario services are available to all eligible individuals.  You do not need to be of Indigenous ancestry to access services.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be 18 years of age or older and legally able to work
• Currently reside in Ontario and be eligible to work in Canada
• Be unemployed or underemployed
• May be receiving Employment Insurance (EI), Ontario Works, or the Ontario Disability Support Program

Get Started

Step 1: Complete Intake Form

Click here to complete your intake

Once submitted, a member of our team will follow up with you.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

All applicants must provide:

• Completed intake form
• Resume
• Copy of valid ID
• Copy of Status Card (front and back, if applicable)

Need Help?

Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Integrated Employment Service Delivery/Employment Ontario Co-ordinator, Lorraine Keough

Employment Ontario Assistant, Bev Hunsberger  

Visit us in person:  

523 Algoma Street North 
South Wing, Box #4, 3rd Floor, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7A 5C2
AETS Guest/Client Entrance and Parking Map
(within the former Dawson Court Home for the Aged)

or by appointment at:
Suite 210 - 250 Park Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 1C2 (within Goods & Co in the former Eaton's Building)

Call our office:

807-346-0307 or Toll Free 1-866-870-2387

Email: 

aets@aets.org

Link to above Employment Ontario Poster and Brochure (pdf version)!

Explore Job Opportunities & Supports

Looking for work or planning your next career move? Explore the resources below to get started:

• AETS Job Seeker Portal
  • Explore the AETS Job Seeker Portal to search for employment opportunities, access career resources, and connect with supports to help you achieve your employment goals

👉 Anishinabek Employment & Training Services – Job Seekers

• Online Job Posting Board
  • Browse our Online Job Posting Board to discover current employment opportunities and connect with employers hiring in your community and beyond

👉 https://www.aets.org/job-opportunities

• Find an Employment Counsellor in Northwestern Ontario
  • Connect with an Employment Counsellor in Northwestern Ontario for personalized support with job searching, career planning, training opportunities, and employment services

👉 https://nw.employnext.ca/jobseekers/#next-step

• Considering a Career Change while on Employment Insurance (EI)?
  • Considering a career change while on EI? Explore available supports, training opportunities, and employment services to help you transition into a new career path

👉 Better Jobs Ontario | ontario.ca  

• Employment Ontario Employment & Training Services
  • Employment Ontario Employment & Training Services provide personalized support, job search assistance, skills training, and resources to help individuals achieve their employment and career goals

👉 Find Employment & Training Services in Ontario

• Ontario Job Grant
  • Provides funding to help businesses train their employees and update their skills

👉 https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-job-grant

 Our Commitment to You

We are committed to providing timely and responsive service:

• Telephone calls returned within 1 business day (24 hours)
• Voicemail messages returned within 1 business day (24 hours)
• Emails acknowledged within 2 business days (48 hours)
• Appointments scheduled within 1 week of initial contact

Our goal is to support your success in a way that respects your whole journey.

Link to above Employment Ontario Information Cards (pdf version)!

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 an aggreement 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.

Please see link to AETS's involvement with the Integrated Employment Services Delivery Model in Northwestern Ontario.

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.

Supporting Indigenous clients through justice, healing, and pathways forward

The AETS Justice Bundle Program is a new community-focused initiative designed to support Indigenous clients who are navigating the justice system, returning home from correctional or remand settings, or seeking help with justice-related barriers that affect employment, education, training, wellness, and community reintegration.

Through this program, AETS will provide practical guidance, culturally grounded support, referrals, and learning opportunities to help clients better understand the justice system, access important documents, connect with appropriate services, and move forward with dignity.

What the program will offer:

The Justice Bundle Program will support clients through both proactive and responsive services, including:

• One-on-one support for clients involved in or impacted by the justice system
• Help navigating justice-related services and community resources
• Assistance with obtaining government identification and important documents
• Workshops, courses, and information sessions on justice-related topics
• Referrals to local justice partners, including Gladue-related supports where appropriate
• Support for clients preparing to return to education, training, employment, and wellness programming
• Outreach to correctional facilities and remand centres to help onboard clients before or after release
• Youth and adult education opportunities focused on understanding the legal system
• Restorative justice and healing-focused programming developed with community partners
• Have recently been released from a correctional facility or remand centre
• Need support accessing legal, identification, or government documentation services
• Would benefit from culturally respectful guidance, referrals, and wrap-around support

AETS proudly serves nine First Nations in Northwestern Ontario:

• Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon First Nation)
• Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic River First Nation)
• Biinjitiwaabik Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay First Nation)
• Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation)
• Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation)
• Michipicoten First Nation
• Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation)
• Pays Plat First Nation
• Red Rock Indian Band (Lake Helen First Nation)

Our approach:

AETS understands that justice-related challenges can create barriers to employment, education, training, housing, wellness, family stability, and long-term success. The Justice Bundle Program is built on a wrap-around approach that connects clients with the right supports at the right time.

The program will work alongside existing AETS services, including education, employment, life skills, and wellness supports, to help clients build stability and confidence as they move forward. Where AETS is not the right service provider, clients will be connected to trusted local partners already working in the justice field.

Brochure Link:

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Poster Link:

DOWNLOAD POSTER

Application can be downloaded below to complete or completed online at https://superior.aets.org/Client

Download Application

Contact:

Mitchell Boulette, Justice Support Liaison 
Suite 210 - 250 Park Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 1C2 (within Goods & Co in the former Eaton's Building)
Phone:  807-346-0307 ext. 402
Email:  mitchell.boulette@aets.org

or by appointment at:
523 Algoma Street North, South Wing, Box #4, 3rd Floor, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7A 5C2 (within the former Dawson Court Home for the Aged)

The Reaching Home Initiative Program at Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS) is committed to preventing and reducing homelessness by providing culturally appropriate, client-centered housing support to the AETS 9 First Nations Citizens.  Rooted in a Housing First approach, the program helps individuals and families access safe, stable housing while addressing the challenges that may have led to housing instability.

At AETS, we recognize the importance of culture, identity, and community in the healing journey.  The Reaching Home Initiative program with Indigenous individuals and families, incorporating traditional teachings, Elder support, and culturally relevant services to promote long-term success and well-being.

Participants in the Reaching Home Initiative Program receive personalized support based on their unique needs and goals.  This includes assistance with finding and maintaining housing, support with rental arrears, life skills, and connections to essential services such as mental health supports, addictions services, health care and employment and training programs offered through AETS.

Strong partnerships are a key part of the program's success.  AETS collaborates with local landlords, housing providers, shelters, outreach services, and community agencies to ensure a coordinated and responsive approach.  These partnerships help create more housing opportunities and provide wraparound supports that promote stability and independence.

The Reach Home Program also focuses on prevention by supporting individuals who are at risk of losing their housing.  Through early intervention, financial assistance, and advocacy, AETS helps individuals maintain their housing avoiding homelessness creates pathways to success.

The Reaching Home Initiative Program at AETS is more than a housing program, it is a pathway to stability, self-sufficiency, and a stronger future.  By combining housing support with culture, community, and opportunity, AETS continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those it serves.

Brochure Link:

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Poster Link: 

DOWNLOAD POSTER

Contact:

William Kusznier, Reaching Home Co-ordinator 
Suite 210 - 250 Park Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 1C2 (within Goods & Co in the former Eaton's Building)
Phone:  807-346-0307 ext. 213
Email:  bill.kusznier@aets.org

or by appointment at:

523 Algoma Street North, South Wing, Box #4, 3rd Floor, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7A 5C2 (within the former Dawson Court Home for the Aged)

Resources

• "Wellness" - Kevin Belmore - Meaning
  • Kevin Belmore is an Ojibwe artist from Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) currently living and painting in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Since 1989, Belmore has been painting in his iconic woodland style, taking inspiration from the four-season splendour of the Northwestern Ontario landscape animals, plants, and people who inhabit it.
    
• Wellness Poster
• Brochure
• Power Point Presentation
• Book an Appointment
• Workplace Without Limits Employers Conference Poster - Sept 12, 2025
• Workplace Without Limits Conference Agenda - Sept 12, 2025

• Accessibility Standards Canada has developed the Employment standard (CAN/ASC-1.1 – Employment) to help organizations create more equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities.  The standard provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help organizations identify, remove, and prevent barriers across the entire employment lifecycle. By taking a lifecycle approach, the standard helps organizations recognize how barriers can emerge and accumulate over time and how early decisions can affect long-term outcomes for employees with disabilities.

Applications

Are open and ongoing and will include a scheduled appointment in Suite 210 at 250 Park Ave (behind Dilico Health Centre on Court Street). 

• AETS Client Information Form
• Participant Information Form
• Employer Information Form

AETS & Wellness Staff:

• Melanie Thompson, Program Coordinator
  

  • Melanie is a dedicated Program Coordinator based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Drawing on her personal experiences and a strong background in prevention services, she brings a deep commitment to community-centered program development and Indigenous advocacy. She is a proud band member of Rocky Bay First Nation.  In her role with Anishinabek Employment & Training Services, Melanie works to uplift the strengths of the 9 AETS communities by promoting wellness, supporting independent living, and fostering culturally grounded care. Her work is guided by empathy, respect, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and a personal connection to Indigenous knowledge and practices.  Melanie is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where community voices are truly heard and valued. She strives to ensure that programs are responsive, empowering, and rooted in the unique strengths of each individual and community she serves.

• Bev Hunsberger, Employment Advisor
  

  • Bev moved to Thunder Bay in 2014 after falling in love with the land, the lake, and the people during her time at Lakehead University. Bev's experience includes retail management, volunteer management, running a small business, and the lived experience of being an employee with a disability. Bev has degrees in History and Indigenous Learning from Lakehead University and recently completed the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program at Confederation College. Bev is dedicated to meeting people where they are at, using a strength-based, holistic approach to relationships and healing and is passionate about assisting people in finding meaningful and sustainable employment. 

• Kallie Milani, Job Developer
  

  • Kallie Milani is a Job Developer with the Wellness Initiative at Anishinabek Employment & Training Services (AETS). Working under the direction of the Wellness Community Coordinator, Kallie leads Job Development activities, building strong relationships with employers and leads employer engagement across AETS's nine First Nation communities, fostering meaningful employment opportunities and strong community partnerships. Kallie is committed to creating supportive, culturally respectful pathways that help individuals reach their career goals.

• Sunset Achneepineskum, Life Skills Officer

  • Sunset Achneepineskum is AETS new Life Skills Officer from Marten Falls First Nation, committed to supporting the well‑being and growth of First Nations people across Ontario. With a strong educational foundation as both a Personal Support Worker and a Child and Youth Worker, Sunset brings a compassionate, community‑centered approach to every role she takes on. Over the years, she has worked with numerous First Nation communities, providing guidance, advocacy, and culturally grounded support to individuals at all ages and stages of life. Her work focuses on empowerment, healing, and creating pathways for holistic wellness. Deeply committed to serving First Nations, Sunset continues to champion programs and initiatives that uplift her people, strengthen communities, and honor the values and traditions she carries from her home in Marten Falls First Nation.

Hours of operation and parking:

Monday to Friday 8:30 - 4:30 for walk ins, suite 210 at Park Ave

• • Monday to Tuesday:
    • Call 807-698-5611 to enter 251 Red River Road wheel chair accessible door access or 250 Park Avenue rear AETS door 
  • Wednesday through Friday:   
    • Call 807-698-5611 to enter 251 Red River Road wheel chair accessible door access or 250 Park Avenue rear AETS door, 
    • or enter 251 Red River Road wheel accessible door access at 11 am 
• Free Parking at:
  • 250 Park Avenue outside rear AETS door, in 2 marked AETS Parking Spots
  • Parking Lot next to Silk & Cedar (275 Park Avenue), in 2 marked AETS Parking Spots

Community Resources:

• Mental Health Support

  • • Call 211 or visit the 211 North Website
    • Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or visit the ConnexOntario website
    • See below for supports and services in Thunder Bay and District

• Disclaimer

  AETS does not provide acute crisis or mental health services or counselling.  If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis:

  • Call 911
  • Call the suicide crisis helpline at 988 for calls and texts in both English and French, 24/7.
  • Visit your nearest emergency department
    • (807) 684-6100 (in Thunder Bay)
  • Contact Crisis Response
    • Thunder Bay: Call or text 807-346-8282
    • District of Thunder Bay: 1-866 888 8988
      
      

Funding for the initiative is provided by Employment and Social Development Canada through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. 

Education Course (Grade 11 Interdisciplinary Studies)

ON-Reserve Survey

VISION

Our vision is to collaborate and develop, prototype, and measure the impacts of the education to employment system, and how specific contributing factors within those systems pose as a primary barrier to high school graduation rates and employment opportunities for Indigenous youth ages 15-25 years.

Once impacts are determined, it is imperative to focus on providing youth with the guidance and resources necessary to overcome challenges, complete their high school education, and help them embark on a path towards a successful future. This will be done by deeply rooting and continuously integrating Anishinaabe values and culture throughout their development. We aim to nurture their personal growth while preserving their cultural heritage.

Our vision extends beyond high school graduation to encompass comprehensive support for youth, including access to meaningful employment opportunities and continuous professional development. By facilitating connections between youth and the working world, youth will then apply their cultural knowledge, skills, and perspectives, empowering them to achieve their career aspirations while maintaining a strong connection to their ancestral traditions.

CURRENT PRIMARY COLLABORATORS 

The six-year innovation involves the essential participation of the following individuals, groups, and organizations under the below governance model framework, to enhance the 60% non-graduation rates and future employment prospects of Anishinaabe youth served in the nine First Nation communities of AETS:

STRATEGIES

A fundamental shift is required to meet the needs of Anishinaabe youth and is necessary to change the education-to-employment system into one that is supportive, accessible, and engaging. The collaborators involved will assist and support the youth by integrating the following strategies for the remainder of the project:

•   Engage 15–18-year-old youth currently enrolled high school students in a process of consultation and decision of how they want teachers to work with them
•  
•   Engage 19–25-year-old youth who left high school without a diploma in a process of consultation for a re-entry summer employment program including credit earning opportunities and skills development
•  
•   Develop and deliver a plan with affiliated communities, high schools, and teachers
•  
•   Integrate exposures and opportunities to explore future employment, employment training, and future education possibilities

Empowering Indigenous youth to assume leadership roles and take ownership of their educational and employment pathways to success holds immense significance. Their unique perspectives, cultural knowledge, and connection to their lands are vital in shaping inclusive systems that meet their needs. By assuming responsibility, Indigenous youth inspire future generations, foster self-determination, and empower their communities. We can recognize them as:

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

In the beginning two years of the innovation, recognizing the vital importance of laying the groundwork and involving all collaborators, including stakeholders, youth, and the communities served, becomes the cornerstone for accurately assessing and executing the project plan. This initial collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive understanding of the youth's needs, enabling the development of a tailored plan that addresses those needs effectively.

LOOKING AHEAD

Now the groundwork has been established, a crucial next step involves examining the compiled and analyzed data, along with the recommendations and perspectives gathered from the youth and their communities. This valuable information will be shared and deliberated amongst collaborators and will then serve as the basis for identifying pathways connecting education and employment opportunities for the youth involved. Using this data, collaborators will develop a tailored action plan that will be implemented in select schoolboards to improve both on and off-reserve graduation rates of Indigenous youths. Research will continue to monitor the success of these innovations, so we can make accurate recommendations with proven results.

This initiative will provide various opportunities and benefits for youth and their respective communities:

• Capacity development of a representative group of First Nation high school students
• Capacity development of a representative group of First Nation youth that have left high school before completing an OSSD
• Summer employment opportunities connected to key business and industry sectors in the territory
• The professional development of high school educators (working with students between grades 9 through 12)
• Formative and summative research that gathers evidence of improved high school graduation and employment outcomes

STEPS TAKEN

• Compiled groundwork data and use it to create frameworks that will support Indigenous youths in education and employment.
• Testing policies, procedures, and strategies that support Indigenous youths in employment and retention.
• Arrange meetings with school boards to begin implementation of the education framework.
• Work with employers to implement more inclusive hiring practices, as well as internal policies/procedures that are more supportive/understanding of the needs of community members. The ultimate goal is to improve the retention of Indigenous youths in the workplace.

Anishinabek Employment & Training Services is pleased to offer The Vera Shaganash Seven Sacred Teachings Award.  Inspired by the memory of Elder Vera Shaganash of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, who was an active member of the AETS Elder In-Residence Program from 2018-2019 prior to her passing on November 11, 2019, in White River ON.  Vera saw the potential in our youth and felt the importance of recognizing and acknowledging their good efforts.

Award Committee

We are seeking one (1) Elder from each of the nine AETS Communities to join an Awards Committee that will assist our team in selecting the youth recipients of this prestigious award of recognition. We will be meeting in September to introduce all members of the Award Committee and select award recipients from the nominations received.

Forms

Nomination Form

Photographic Release Form

Media

Vera Shaganash Seven Sacred Teachings Award Poster

Call out for Elders Poster