Indigenous Leadership and Mentorship Program

The intake for the Indigenous Leadership and Mentorship Program takes place annually each fall and typically runs from January to September. 

What does the program offer?

Monthly cohort learning opportunities on topics that include:

• Orientation
• Coaching for leaders
• Elders teaching on leadership
• Indigenous leadership panel
• Breakout discussions
• Virtual wrap up

New to the public service

• Indigenous employees who are new to the BC Public Service or within the first year of employment, who are interested in learning more about the BC Public Service overall and/or interested in exploring different areas in the BC Public Service are encouraged to apply as protégés in this stream.
• Any BC Public Service employees who are experienced in the BC Public Service, knowledgeable about government processes, open to learning about Indigenous employees, have undertaken independent learning about decolonization, reconciliation and allyship, and are open to sharing tips on navigating the BC Public Service are invited to apply as mentors in this stream.

Aspiring/growing leaders

• Indigenous employees in a mid-career level position, who are aspiring to grow into a leadership position and interested in learning about the journey of individuals who have grown in their careers are invited to apply as protégés in this stream.
• Any BC Public Service employees in a mid-career level position or higher-level position, who are open to learning from Indigenous employees, knowledgeable about government processes, have undertaken independent learning about decolonization, reconciliation, and allyship, and who have progressed into a higher-level position in the BC Public Service are invited to apply as mentors in this stream.

Experienced leaders

• Indigenous employees who are aspiring to be in a senior leader (Bands 4 to 6) level position, who are experienced as leaders inside or outside of the BC Public Service with experience supervising staff or contractors are invited to apply as protégés in this stream.
• Any BC Public Service employees who are considered to be people leaders, knowledgeable about government processes, open to learning from Indigenous employees, have undertaken independent learning about decolonization, reconciliation and allyship, and have progressed into a higher-level position in the BC Public Service are invited to apply as mentors in this stream.

Who can apply?

For mentors, we are seeking individuals who have strong active listening skills and empathy, can share honest and constructive feedback, are willing and keen to share relevant information, and are invested in the growth and development of others. For this program, it will be highly important for mentors to have a deep understanding of Indigenous and settler histories in BC and Canada, allyship, reconciliation and/or decolonization.

The program will accept up to 25 pairs of mentors and protégés. Best efforts will be made to ensure representation from across ministries and within each stream.

We strongly encourage employees to seek endorsement from their supervisors before applying.

To apply, please fill out the appropriate form:

• Protégés
• Mentors

and return via email to IndigenousInitiatives@gov.bc.ca

Questions?

Please contact the Lead, Indigenous Talent Programs at IndigenousInitiatives@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.