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First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program - British Columbia - Canada
Closed
Source verified May 28, 2026

First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program

Summer wage subsidies for Indigenous youth work experience
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
March 6, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Who can apply

First Nations schools or federal schools on reserve

See full eligibility

Overview

This program offers wage subsidies for summer work experience for First Nations and Inuit youth. It supports career-related employment opportunities, employability skills, and education-related costs, with funding available up to 100% for non-profit organizations and 50% for private sector employers.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
  • Up to 100% of project cost

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • British Columbia
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Primary and Secondary Education
  • Higher Education
  • Other Education
  • Employment and Training
  • Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
  • Young adults
  • Indigenous peoples
Revenue structures
  • 100% donations / grants
Scope
  • National

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Summer work experience opportunities for First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students.
  • Career and labour market information support for youth.
  • Help finding summer or short-term employment.

Documents Needed

  • Detailed project proposal
  • Activity description and expected results
  • Estimated eligible costs
  • Proposal form submitted through ISC portal

Official resources

Official page

First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program

Program guide

First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program

First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy

Program guide

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • First Nations schools or federal schools on reserve
  • First Nations and Inuit governments and organizations
  • Not-for-profit associations
  • Private sector employers

Eligible expenses

  • Participant wages and mandatory employment-related costs
  • Work-placement costs such as criminal record checks, uniforms, and protective gear
  • Special equipment and facilities for participants with disabilities
  • Administration costs, within the program limit

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Office infrastructure or equipment purchases, such as computers and software
  • Land or building purchases
  • Construction of buildings, except small repairs or renovations for accessibility

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada
  • British Columbia applicants must apply through the First Nations Education Steering Committee

Selection criteria

  • Capability of the recipient and project leader.
  • Comparability with nearby provincial or territorial school programs.
  • Alignment with program objectives and expected outcomes.
  • Project management, including governance, risk management, and reporting.
  • Cooperation and partnerships with other organizations.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Prepare the proposal
    • Draft a detailed proposal for the activities to be carried out.
    • Make sure the proposal meets the program guidelines and required elements.
  • Step 2: Complete the electronic form
    • Use the electronic proposal form issued by ISC.
    • Access the form through the ISC Services Portal, or contact the ISC regional office if needed.
  • Step 3: Submit the proposal
    • Submit the completed proposal through ISC's electronic process.
    • First Nations organizations in British Columbia must apply through the First Nations Education Steering Committee.
  • Step 4: Await the decision
    • ISC or the managing organization reviews the proposal.
    • Applicants receive a written funding decision.

Processing and Agreement

  • Proposals are reviewed and approved by ISC regional or headquarters staff.
  • A written response confirms whether the proposal is approved for funding.
  • Funding is not guaranteed even if the proposal meets the criteria.
  • Approved recipients must follow the signed funding agreement.

Additional information

  • Funding is limited, so not all eligible projects are funded.
  • Applicants may receive less than the amount requested.
  • Proposals are reviewed and approved by ISC regional or headquarters staff.

Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program Program

What is the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program?

This program offers wage subsidies for summer work experience for First Nations and Inuit youth. It supports career-related employment opportunities, employability skills, and education-related costs, with funding available up to 100% for non-profit organizations and 50% for private sector employers.

How much funding can be received?

First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program program?

To be eligible for the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program program, you must: Gender-balanced proposal required. Supports eligible First Nations or Inuit youth. Minimum 80 work hours per participant.

What expenses are eligible under First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program?

Summer work experience opportunities for First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students. Career and labour market information support for youth. Help finding summer or short-term employment.

Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program?

You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) by email at pse-eps@sac-isc.gc.ca.

Where is the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program available?

The First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program program is available the province of British Columbia.

Is the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program is a Grant and Funding