Awards
2026 Indigenous Skills and Employment Champion Awards
Nominate someone for the 2026 Indigenous Skills and Employment Champion Awards!
This year during the National Gathering we’ll be awarding various awards to special people. View the catergoies below.
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We’re celebrating the movers, shakers, and changemakers in Indigenous Skills and Employment Training!
Nominees can be:
Inuit, Métis, Urban or First Nations individuals
Or amazing individuals and organizations who work with (or have worked with) ISET Agreement Holder organizations across these communities.
Yes—you can even nominate yourself! 🙌
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Nominations are now closed! Thanks to all who submitted.
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Every nomination will be carefully reviewed by our independent Judging Panel made up of respected community leaders, Elders, and experts in Indigenous training and employment.
They’ll be looking for:
Impact 💥
Innovation 🌱
Leadership 🧭
And how well the nominee reflects the heart of what ISET stands for ❤️️
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Winners will be celebrated in style at the ISET National Gathering in Ottawa – January 23–25, 2026! 🎊
They’ll receive:
A beautiful award (some well deserved hardware)
National recognition for their incredible contributions
Champion Awards Details:
AWARDS
Categories for the 2026 Indigenous Skills and Employment Champion include:
Indigenous Skill and Employment Educational Partner Award
Honours an educational institution or training provider that has created inclusive, accessible, and effective learning pathways for Indigenous learners to succeed in the workforce. Celebrates an individual educator who has gone above and beyond to inspire, teach, and empower Indigenous students in their journey toward meaningful employment.
Indigenous Skill and Employment Legend (20+ years) Award
Pays tribute to a longstanding leader with over 20 years of service and dedication to advancing Indigenous skills training and employment across sectors.
Indigenous Skill and Employment Leader (30+ years) Award
Honours a trailblazer with more than three decades of dedicated service advancing Indigenous skills development and employment opportunities. This award recognizes a lifetime of mentorship, advocacy, and transformative leadership.
Indigenous Skill and Employment Manager Award
Recognizes a manager or supervisor who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in hiring, mentoring, and retaining Indigenous team members in the workplace.
Indigenous Skill and Employment Office Award
Honours an entire office, branch, or team that has created an inclusive, supportive, and results-driven environment for Indigenous employment and skills development.
Indigenous Skill and Employment Partner Award (NGO, Charity, Non-Profit)
Recognizes a non-profit organization, charity, or NGO that has made a substantial impact in fostering Indigenous employment and skill development through community-driven initiatives.
Corporate Indigenous Skill and Employment Champion
Recognizes a corporation that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and results in advancing Indigenous employment and skills development within their organization or industry.
Indigenous Skill and Employment Champion - One to Watch
Celebrates an emerging leader who is making a significant early impact in Indigenous skills training and employment. This award highlights vision, innovation, and the promise of lasting contributions to Indigenous workforce development.