Government of the Northwest Territories

Diversity and Inclusion

What is the GNWT Diversity and Inclusion Unit?

The Diversity and Inclusion Unit works with all GNWT departments, boards and agencies to provide direction, advice and coordination for workforce diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Current Diversity and Inclusion initiatives include:

  • the Diversity and Inclusion Framework, this resource will help support departments as they review current programs, policies, and resources with a lens to help identify and address systemic barriers  that may prevent GNWT employees from reaching their full potential or prevent diverse people from accessing opportunities within public service.
  • the Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Awareness Module, an online program to help employees become more knowledgeable and aware of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, find the tools to build a more inclusive workplace, and help to create an inclusive workplace for all employees.
  • the GNWT Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (GACDI) provides advice to the Deputy Ministers’ Human Resources Committee on improving access for designated employment equity groups in the Public Service by promoting awareness within the public service; working with departments, agencies and boards to find ways to remove and prevent barriers faced by these groups; and promote, support and increase the diversity within the GNWT workforce.
  • the Indigenous Employee Advisory Committee, which provides strategic advice to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) on strategies and approaches to attracting, recruiting, advancing and retaining Indigenous employees within the GNWT; and

  • Living Well Together: the GNWT Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Training helps GNWT employees further develop cultural competencies and play a more active role in reconciliation.

  • Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework: The Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Framework is designed to help the GNWT improve Indigenous representation among its public servants with the ultimate goal of a public service that is representative of the population it serves

  • Indigenous Development and Training Program, which supports the professional development of Indigenous Aboriginal employees within the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) by providing the necessary skills training and/or work experience for career advancement.

  • Indigenous Career Gateway Program, which supports the career objectives of NWT residents who are designated Indigenous Aboriginal Persons, under the GNWT Affirmative Action Policy, who are interested in a career with the territorial government.

  • Regional Recruitment Program, which provides a link between vacant positions and local northern residents through on the job training.

  • In-person LGBTQ2S+ Inclusive Workplace Awareness Training to provide employees with the necessary knowledge and tools to recognize key terms associated with the LGBTQ2S+ community, identify and apply respectful behaviour and to support co-workers and clients within the LGBTQ2S+ community.