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Tailoring benefits for Indigenous employees

By: Benefits by Design | Tuesday September 30, 2025

Updated : Monday September 29, 2025

Tailoring benefits for Indigenous employees

Consideration and compassion for Indigenous circumstances is an important aspect of building a business relationship with the people who are there to protect and support your Indigenous employees.

September 30, 2025, marks the fifth year that Canadians recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Today commemorates the devastating cultural, societal, and psychological consequences of colonization on Indigenous Peoples, and how we can all move forward together, learning lessons from while never forgetting the past.

Together with Orange Shirt Day (also today), both days call awareness to the lasting ramifications of residential schools on survivors, families and communities, and honours those who were lost.

Benefits by Design (BBD) would like to acknowledge and thank the First Nations, Inuit and Métis lands on which our offices operate.

Burnaby, BC — Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Qayqayt, Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group, səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh), šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmaɁɬ təməxʷ (Musqueam), and Stz’uminus.

Mississuaga, ON — Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Wendake-Nionwentsïo, Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Attiwonderonk (Neutral), Mississauga, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation

Kingston, ON — Wendake-Nionwentsïo, Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), and Mississauga

We encourage everyone to participate in the many learning opportunities available through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and others. Because without learning and accepting the truth, we are not able to move forward with reconciling the past.

Why work with an Indigenous-focused advisory firm?

There are multiple advantages to working with an advisory firm that specializes in benefits and financial services for Indigenous employees.

Cultural sensitivity

Specialized firms understand Indigenous cultures and traditions, and are aware of the difficulties and challenges unique to Indigenous employees. They can also use their knowledge and understanding to ensure sensitivities are not overlooked, and that culturally important issues and events are properly addressed and recognized.

Tax rights knowledge

Specialized firms have extensive knowledge of the Indian Act, on top of the Income Tax Act and Canada Pension Plan that all firms should thoroughly understand. This helps them serve Indigenous employees more effectively.

They also understand tax exemption for Indigenous employees. Specifically, the unique treatment of inherent tax rights for Status individuals.

Lasting relationships built on understanding and trust

Teams with an Indigenous focus sincerely appreciate the nuances and challenges that Indigenous employees and employers face, and the specific offerings available. Working together with you, they build genuine trust from employees in the support and services that help shape their physical and mental health.

Available services for employers of Indigenous employees

Funding options and services

The average group benefits advisor may not be aware of the different publicly funded benefits for Indigenous employees.

A specialized firm can offer application support for Band Employee Benefits (BEB), Band Support Funding (BSF), and Tribal Council Funding (TCF) to maximize your entitlement to funding sources from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC).

Additionally, they design programs that coordinate with Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), which result in lower benefit premiums for drug, health, and dental coverage.

Tailored plans

An Indigenous-focused firm designs and implements personalized strategies that align with organizational goals and Indigenous employee needs. Because they provide specialized services, they can leverage stronger partnerships with leading insurance providers and offer high-quality plans at the best possible value.

What are the benefits of benefits?

Retirement planning with purpose

Specialization means Indigenous employees can build secure futures with retirement plans designed to leverage tax exemptions available to Status employees.

From a wide range of investment choices to one-on-one support from Licensed Financial Advisors, they ensure employees feel empowered and confident in their financial journey.

Why You Should Offer a Group Retirement Solution (GRS) in Your Employee Benefits Plan

Employee education and support

Engaging education sessions whether in person, online, individual or in group settings gives employees the knowledge they need to thrive. In addition, dedicated support teams offer reliable, personalized support for plan members.

[Free Download] How to Nail Your Benefits Communication Strategy

Learn more about the People Corporation Indigenous-focused practices available to serve your business

“At Eagle Bay, our mission is to create powerful, lasting impacts by offering services that truly make a difference. We are proud to deliver meaningful, customized financial solutions that go beyond the ordinary to support the unique needs of our clients and their employees.”

“WP Pensions + Benefits…offers unmatched experience and expertise regarding life, health, and retirement plans, specifically designed with your unique needs in mind. Working with First Nation Band Councils, Indigenous companies, and non-profit organizations, our success is based on the long-term relationships we develop with our clients.”

“Life Benefit Solutions is committed to serving Indigenous communities with integrity and accountability, and we respect the land, culture, and traditions of the Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge the unique needs and have customized solutions to bridge the healthcare gaps of government programs.”

Visit Life Benefit Solutions – serving clients across Canada from Manitoba

Tailoring benefits for Indigenous employees