Our Mission
The Indigenous Professional Association of Canada is dedicated to advancing Indigenous leadership in the private, public and social sectors. IPAC serves its members through professional skill building, network development and the recognition of excellence. Through its mission, IPAC offers First Nations, Inuit and Métis professionals the opportunity to connect, learn and prosper as a community.
Who We Are
The Indigenous Professional Association of Canada (IPAC) is a membership-based, leadership-focused organization that connects, supports and promotes outstanding leadership within the Indigenous professional community.
Our Vision
The Indigenous Professional Association of Canada aims to foster and showcase world class leadership within the Indigenous community from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
Our Values
Collaboration: IPAC takes a multi-stakeholder approach to further its vision of advancing Indigenous leadership within Canada.
Respect for Indigenous Culture and Traditions: IPAC’s programs and services respect and cultivate knowledge built from different Indigenous cultures and traditions within Canada.
Membership-Focused: The interest of the Indigenous professional community is at the core of everything we do.
Non-Partisan: IPAC is a non-partisan organization.
Why Is IPAC Needed?
In Canada the Indigenous population is the fastest growing demographic in Canada, growing at roughly twice the annual rate of the general population (1.8% and 0.7% respectively).
In 2011, the Indigenous population represented 4.3% of the Canadian population (Statistics Canada, 2011).
Of this population approximately half reside in urban areas and with an overall median age of 27 (Statistics Canada, 2006).
The Indigenous population is expected to account for 7.4% of the Canadian working age population growth, 12.7% of labour force growth, and 11.3% of employment growth between 2006 and 2026 (Lapointe et al, 2009).
In a recent survey of Indigenous Professionals working within the GTA:
100% stated they would see value in joining an Indigenous Professional Association. 100% stated they would welcome some or additional career growth training and opportunities.
Although the population is growing there is a large gap and underrepresentation of Indigenous professionals and leaders across all sectors. In the Canadian Board Diversity Council (CBDC)’s 2015 Annual Report card, only 1.3% of FP500 companies self reported having Indigenous peoples on their Boards. Many studies have linked diversity in leadership to better financial performance, productivity and positive work environments.
