The place to start building your future today.
| our BACKGROUND
ACCESS began as a cooperative venture of the urban Indigenous community of Greater Vancouver. It was first conceived by the Native Education College, Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society and United Native Nations Society. These organizations entered into a five-year Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement (AHRDA) with Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) in 1999. This urban AHRDA provided the means and framework for the creation and implementation of labour market development initiatives customized to the needs of urban Indigenous people in Greater Vancouver.
The agreement launched a new era, placing urban Indigenous people in control of the design and management of their own education and employment requirements and objectives. Out of this agreement, ACCESS evolved into a duly incorporated BC nonprofit society in January 2002. In April, 2019, ACCESS signed a 10 year Indigenous Skills Employment and Training (ISET) Program agreement securing its funding until 2029.
ACCESS is one of the most comprehensive Indigenous training providers in Canada. It provides a variety of employment and training programs and services. Through a modern blend of interdisciplinary programs across industry sectors, ACCESS is dedicated to supporting urban Indigenous people in overcoming employment barriers and finding rewarding career opportunities.
| our MISSION
To increase Indigenous participation in the labour market
| our VISION
ACCESS envisions an urban Indigenous community empowered through culture, wellness, achievement and self-sufficiency.
| our MANDATE
ACCESS serves to enhance human resource development and the sustainable capacity of the urban Indigenous population in Greater Vancouver through the provision of employment and training services. Under the terms of its agreement, ACCESS is responsible and accountable for the programming, delivery, and reporting to government and community.
| our CORE VALUES
Honour
Kindness
Respect
Sharing