Awards

2026 Indigenous Skills and Employment Champion Awards

The Indigenous Skills and Employment Champion Awards nominations are on pause until July 21 out of love and respect for the AFN ISET Recognition awards.

Learn more about their amazing awards here: 

The First Nations Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Agreement Holders are proud to announce a Recognition Gala in celebration of the outstanding achievements, leadership, and innovation of individuals and organizations dedicated to First Nations employment and training across Canada.

Submission Deadline: 11:59pm, July 20, 2025 EST

Judging Dates: July 18-28, 2025

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.

  • 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! 🙌

  • It’s super simple:

    Just fill out the Online Nomination Form > and tell us who deserves the spotlight!

    📆 Deadline to nominate: December 20, 2025
    Don't miss your chance to lift someone up!

    Got a question? Reach out anytime via our Contact Form >

  • 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 ❤️️

  • 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:

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.

Government Indigenous Skill and Employment Champion
Honours a government body, person or department that has significantly contributed to Indigenous employment and skills training through innovative policies, programs, or partnerships.

SME Indigenous Skill and Employment Champion
Celebrates a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) that has shown outstanding dedication to hiring, training, and supporting Indigenous talent in meaningful ways.

Indigenous Skill and Employment Resource Award (Tool, Platform)
Acknowledges an innovative resource—such as a digital tool, platform, or curriculum—that has effectively supported Indigenous skills training and employment readiness.

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.

Indigenous Skill and Employment Educational Partner Award (Post-Secondary, Bootcamp, Training Provider)
Honours an educational institution or training provider that has created inclusive, accessible, and effective learning pathways for Indigenous learners to succeed in the workforce.

Indigenous Skill and Employment Educator Award (Teacher, Instructor, Professor)
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 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.