Cultural Infusions and Shifting Sands

What Helps and Hinders Career Decision-Making of Indigenous Young People

Authors

  • Dr. Deepak Mathew Trinity Western University
  • Ria K. Nishikawara University of British Columbia
  • Dr. Alanaise O. Ferguson Simon Fraser University
  • Dr. William A. Borgen University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53379/cjcd.2023.345

Keywords:

Indigenous, Young adults, Career Decision Making

Abstract

Indigenous young adults experience disproportionately high rates of unemployment, which are exacerbated by systemic factors such as poverty and oppression (Britten & Borgen, 2010). Despite these challenges, many Indigenous young adults do well in their educational and employment pursuits (Bougie et al., 2013). This study explored what helped and hindered the career decision-making of 18 Indigenous young adults in Canada who see themselves as doing well in this regard. Using the Enhanced Critical Incident Technique (ECIT), a qualitative research method which focuses on helping and hindering factors (Butterfield et al., 2009), 13 categories were identified: (a) Family/Relationships & commitments, (b) Setting goals/Taking initiative/Focusing on interests, (c) Support from community/mentors, (d) A healthy way (physical, mental, social), (e) Finding meaning/motivation & contributing, (f) Networking & who you know, (g) Systemic/External factors (institution, job-market, sexism, racism, interpersonal aspects), (h) Financial situation, (i) Knowledge/Information/Certainty, (j) Experience (work/life), (k) Educational opportunities/Training & specialized education, (l) Indigenous background/Cultural factors, and (m) Courage & self-worth (vs. fear/doubt in self/others).  These categories highlighted the systemic, interpersonal, and experiential processes in career decision-making for Indigenous young people in Canada. Implications for career counselling practice and future research are also discussed.

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Published

2023-01-20

How to Cite

Mathew, D., Nishikawara, R., Ferguson, A., & Borgen, W. (2023). Cultural Infusions and Shifting Sands: What Helps and Hinders Career Decision-Making of Indigenous Young People. Canadian Journal of Career Development, 22(1), 6–18. https://doi.org/10.53379/cjcd.2023.345

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2023)

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Articles

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