Quel sens donner à la sécurisation culturelle pour la main-d’œuvre autochtone? Le contexte du secteur forestier québécois

Abstract

Employment can enable First Nations to improve their socio-economic conditions and foster individual and collective well-being. At the same time, there is a growing scarcity of labour in the Canadian forestry sector. In order to address this issue, it is important to consider the difficulties in attracting and retaining First Nations workers in this sector, something that is also the purpose of the efforts undertaken by many First Nations in Quebec, as well as elsewhere in Canada. This qualitative case study research is in line with the initiatives of the Atikamekw of Wemotaci First Nation. Its objective is to better understand the issues and possible solutions to attract and retain Atikamekw workers in the forestry sector. The results show five sets of issues: ( i) the perception of a hierarchy, ( ii) inadequate training methods, ( iii) the individual nature of the work, ( iv) the inclusion of cultural practices, and ( v) the creation of community benefits. For forestry stakeholders interested in attracting and retaining First Nations employees, this research is an invitation to reflect on their practices. The results suggest various avenues to either implement or maintain a cultural safety approach with First Nations workers. [Journal translation]