Indigenous Reconciliation

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) developed its Policy statement on Indigenous-specific hiring and Context guide for the Policy statement on Indigenous-specific hiring to support employers hiring for Indigenous-specific positions. This Frequently Asked Questions page (FAQ) answers common questions with summary information from the policy statement and accompanying context guide.

With consideration for the limited scope of the Policy Statement on Indigenous-specific hiring, this supplemental context guide was developed to provide a more thorough understanding of the complexities at hand when discussing Indigenous identity and the implementation of human rights practices that impact Indigenous people.

Over the past several years, the OHRC has learned that there is significant demand from non-Indigenous employers for guidance on how to appropriately hire for Indigenous-specific positions, while meeting their obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code). The need for this guidance has been exacerbated by widespread reports of alleged Indigenous identity fraud by non-Indigenous people. In response, Indigenous Peoples and organizations have called for action, and it has become essential that hiring practices and policies for Indigenous-specific positions include a process to confirm claims of Indigenous identity.

 In a decision issued on April 2, 2024, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice struck down sections of the Safe Streets Act that prohibit panhandling in certain circumstances, effective immediately.

As the school year begins, we must actively and intentionally work to end the scourges of hate and violence in our education systems and communities.