Indigenous Employee Training Fund

Learn. Discover. Grow!

Welcome!  The Employee Experience Team, part of the Human Resources and Employee Wellness Directorate, is excited to present the Indigenous Employee Training Fund (IETF) 2026-2027 content on ParksEXTRAnet. This updated resource is crafted to support potential applicants and is accessible anytime, from any web-connected device. We hope you find this content valuable and enriching on your learning journey!

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  1. Introduction
  2. Guide for IETF 2025-2026
  3. IETF Application Form
  4. Resources

1. Introduction

Delivered annually since 2019, the Indigenous Employee Training Fund (IETF) is a dynamic learning fund that supports Indigenous employees along their chosen learning paths, which could include career development and/or cultural learning opportunities.

The IETF grew from the need to address barriers to retention, career development and advancement for Indigenous employees as identified in the whole of government strategy, Many Voices One Mind: A Pathway to Reconciliation Report. As a tangible response to calls to action, the Indigenous Stewardship Branch (ISB) and the Human Resources and Employee Wellness Directorate (HREWD), developed the Indigenous Employee Training Fund (IETF).

The IETF is managed by the Employee Experience (EE) Team (ParksNet) within HREWD, whose mandate is to provide national leadership and functional guidance in fostering a culture of belonging. This is achieved through programs, policies, and activities that aim to embed inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) into everything we do at Parks Canada.

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2. Guide for IETF 2026-2027

Explore the questions below for core information for IETF 2025-2026! We encourage you to review the information carefully, as some items may have changed from IETF 2025-2026.

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Who can apply?

The IETF is open to Indigenous Parks Canada employees, who are:

  • Indeterminate (seasonal or full-time), or
  • Term employees with contracts longer than 3 months. The employee must be able to complete their learning activity during their term of employment.

Please note: Parks Canada executive-level employees and students are not eligible to apply.

When are applications accepted and what is the deadline? 

📝 Applications will be accepted starting May 19th, 2026.

⏰ The deadline for submitting applications is June 19th, 2026. Applications received after this date will be placed on a waiting list.

What learning activities qualify?

As learning is a personal journey that can take many forms, the types of activities eligible for IETF funding are broad. Generally, they fall within two primary learning categories established by the Fund:

  1. Cultural Learning

These are activities grounded in cultural enrichment, wellness and knowledge. The fund provides support for activities such as:

  • Indigenous language programs,
  • traditional craft workshops,
  • knowledge-sharing initiatives,
  • Elder mentorships,
  • and a full range of culturally relevant activities.
  1. Career Development

These are development learning opportunities aimed at improving an individual's skills, knowledge, and competencies to support their professional growth and career aspirations.

The fund provides support for activities such as:

  • certifications,
  • training and development courses or programs,
  • and funding for post-secondary education
    (no commitment on multi-year funding)

The IETF supports a wide range of both formal and informal learning activities, as well as various resources that help achieve learning objectives. Here are some examples:

  • Informal: Coaching, job shadowing, career aptitude assessments
  • Formal: Workshops, technical and professional courses, post-secondary education, experiential programs, or leadership development programs.
  • Resources: Books, software, subscriptions, honoraria, and more
Tip: Do you have a learning and development plan? Click to expand.

 

Within the Public Service Performance Management System (PSPM) app, yourLearning and Development Plan (LDP) (PDF, 812 kb) can be a valuable tool in identifying learning activities that best align with your goals. If you already have an LDP, it may include objectives that could be supported through the IETF.

Don’t have an LDP? That’s okay! While an LDP is not required to apply for or be considered for the IETF, it’s a helpful resource for guiding your professional development, supporting your current role, and tracking your career goals. We encourage you to speak with your manager or supervisor about developing one.

 

What activities do not qualify for funding?

Although the IETF supports a broad spectrum of learning activities, there can be some exceptions:

  • The IETF does not support:
    • Mandatory Learning (ParksNet): training or courses that you must successfully complete for your position. This includes any learning activity that is mandatory across Parks Canada, across your Branch or for the employee’s function, such as training for a delegated authority or training to keep your occupational certifications or professional accreditations up to date.
    • Job-Specific Learning; learning activities designed to hone your skills to master your current position.
    • Official Language (OL) Training*; Language training in French or English for job requirements or for advancement purposes.
  • Conferences, and salary dollars are not eligible under IETF.

* If you are interested in OL Training, we encourage you to explore the SOLT for employees section of the Language Training Hub on ParksNet. This resource provides a great overview of the steps you can take to pursue formal official language training as an employee at Parks Canada.

The IETF is committed to avoiding unnecessary barriers to employees’ personal and professional growth. Managers and employees are encouraged to contact an Employee Experience (EE) Team advisor at ffea-ietf@pc.gc.ca with any questions regarding the eligibility of a learning activity.

What is the application and approval process for the IETF?

Below is an overview of the IETF process to help guide both employees and managers.

  1. Discuss your interest in applying with your manager and propose a plan for completing the learning activity (e.g., outside of work hours, with dedicated time away, or a hybrid approach).
  2. Review all IETF 2026-2027 information carefully to ensure to meet the criteria and understand the process.
  3. Complete the Indigenous Employee Training Fund Application Form. When filling out the form, keep the following key assessment areas in mind:
  4. Alignment with objectives: Clearly demonstrate how the proposed learning activity supports your learning and development goals.
  5. Cost efficiency: Provide a detailed, itemized cost estimate to show cost-effectiveness.
  6. Verify that your application is complete and approved by your supervisor or manager before the submission deadline.
  7. With your manager copied, email your completed application to the IETF inbox at ffea-ietf@pc.gc.ca. Be sure to monitor your email for any requests for additional information or clarifications, as these will be time sensitive.
  8. The Employee Experience (EE) Team will review your application to confirm eligibility and assess it against pre-established criteria. Once decisions are made, an EE advisor will contact you to inform you of the status of your application. If approved, you will need to complete the Training Application and Authorization Form (GC211) and submit it by within 30 days of IETF approval.
  9. After completing your learning activity, you will receive a post-learning evaluation questionnaire. We value your input and ask that you please share your feedback on the process to helps us improve future IETF offerings.
What other key information should I know?
  • Applicants must indicate if they have received IETF funding previously. To support equity, priority will be given to new applicants who have not previously received funding.
  • Applications must include a clear, meaningful, and cost-effective justification for the chosen learning activity. This should include a detailed cost breakdown, including any travel-related expenses.
  • Applicants are encouraged to choose the most economical option available. Where appropriate and where the learning experience is comparable, virtual options should be selected over in-person alternatives.
  • Learning activities must take place within Canada. International travel is not permitted due to various considerations, including budget limitations.
  • Learning activities must be completed by March 31, 2027. In exceptional cases, activities that extend beyond this date may be considered, provided that full payment is made before the end of the fiscal year.

 

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3.  IETF Application Form

Coming soon—applications open May 19

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4. Resources

We are here to help!

A thumbnail image of the IETF poster.
We encourage employees and managers to reach out if they have any questions, concerns, require accommodations, or need assistance with the application process. You can connect with us at ffea-ietf@pc.gc.ca.

Help spread the word!

We encourage you to post these IETF posters at your workplace and share amongst employees and managers. Thank you for helping us get the word out about this great Fund!

 

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