Careers

With National Indigenous Peoples Day around the corner here in Canada, we are taking time to reflect on our commitment to empowering Indigenous talent at Scotiabank.

As one of Canada’s largest organizations, and in alignment with our core values of respect, integrity, passion, and accountability, we are committed to advancing the diversity, equity, and inclusion of all people.

While we are making good progress, we know there is still work to be done. We have committed to doubling our Indigenous workforce by 2025 and becoming the Bank of choice for the diverse communities we serve. As we work towards our goals, we are focussed on removing barriers and building a stronger, more inclusive society.

We are proud of our long-standing history of supporting Indigenous communities across Canada. Did you know that Scotiabank was the first Canadian bank to open a branch in a First Nation community more than 5 decades ago? Today we operate On-Reserve Branches in four provinces. These locations are in a unique position to support Indigenous communities as they offer specialized knowledge, products and services, as well as local employment opportunities.

To better understand their unique perspectives and experiences, we spoke with four Indigenous employees who work at our On-Reserve branches. What do they value in an employer, and why do they choose to work at Scotiabank? What, in their eyes, can help to create greater inclusion and equity for Indigenous Peoples?

In this article, you’ll hear from:

  • Chris, Branch Manager, Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Makyla, Customer Experience Lead, Stand Off, Alberta
  • Chloe, Senior Small Business Advisor, The Pas, Manitoba
  • Cole, Customer Experience Associate, Rama, Ontario

Q & A

As a person who identifies as Indigenous, what is important to you in an employer?

Chris: It’s important for an organization to implement initiatives that help educate others about Indigenous culture, both in the workplace and community. Over the years at Scotiabank, I have seen many which have created a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Personally, I have been part of several committees and member of our BIPOC Employee Resource Group (ERG) which have helped changed the culture and led to employees becoming better allies for Indigenous Peoples.

Chloe: Definitely an employer that treats everyone fairly while taking into consideration that our upbringing, backgrounds and personal experiences vary. We may all be Indigenous, but we’re not all the same! Take the time to get to know your employees to understand why they do things the way they do and be supportive of what they need to excel.

 

“We may all be Indigenous, but we’re not all the same!”

Chloe, Senior Small Business Advisor, Manitoba

 

Would you tell us about your community and how you participate or support them?

Makyla: My reserve is the largest in Canada, with 15,000 members. Before the pandemic, a few of us represented the Bank and went out into our community to teach customers and non-customers banking 101. We provided the bigger picture so they know what they can do now - saving $20 a month can make a difference.

Chloe: I go to all kinds of events - Pow Wows, family days, hockey tournaments and lots of things where we are trying to bring our communities together. Because I’m a Small Business Advisor, it’s a perk for me to attend and be the face of Scotiabank in our community. Sometimes we decorate our branch to celebrate festivals. One example is the Trappers Festival which showcases the old traditions of our lifestyle - hunting, trapping, fishing, and logging. It’s amazing to see.

 

Why do you choose to work at Scotiabank?

Chris: Right from the start, I developed life-long friends, many of whom I still talk with. I can reach out to any number of colleagues who are willing to listen, give advice, or help on a moment’s notice. The Scotiabank culture is very inclusive, and you are basically family. The organization has provided the framework for change, and it is up to us to take advantage of it. It comes from the top right down to every employee. If you are looking for a career where there is unlimited room to advance and a workplace that you can be proud of as an employee, this is the place for you.

Day to day, I am blessed to be able to speak with and help many Elders, Artists, and Indigenous customers in our community. I make an attempt to see every new customer who identifies as Indigenous to make the process as welcoming as possible. My team at the branch does the same. We can also assist many of our Indigenous customers with products that may not be available elsewhere. Because of this, we have clients that travel across BC just to come to our branch.

Makyla: At first it was just a job, but after the years went by, I fell in love with it. Working with my people has been a benefit for me and the customers we serve. We are work family and we look out for one another. Personally, the benefits and pay are good. There are options. You can go anywhere in the Bank. You just need to have an open mind, want to learn, and pursue something you really enjoy. It’s honestly the atmosphere - being with my people, helping them, educating them.

Cole: Working on a reserve was something that drew me to the job. Growing and learning while being part of the community is important, along with a steady and stable job with good working conditions.

Chloe: I find that the messaging from training up, teaches you to do what’s right for the customer, to do the right thing. It’s the same for employees. Scotia does all kinds of things to make sure you are successful, it doesn’t matter if you’re Indigenous or not. I also never knew anything about the benefits of working on-Reserve vs. off-Reserve. Some might not understand the tax advantages of working on a First Nation. It really helped my family. It’s big.

 

“If you are looking for a career where there is unlimited room to advance and a workplace that you can be proud of as an employee, this is the place for you.”

Chris, Branch Manager, British Columbia

 

In your experience, how has Scotiabank created a more diverse and inclusive work environment for Indigenous Peoples? 

Chloe: Scotiabank is very ethical. They genuinely care. It has always been very welcoming for everybody - there are several different cultural backgrounds in our branch. The Bank puts a lot of effort into being diverse and making sure everyone takes training courses and understands what that means. As a team, we take pride in knowing the people, connections, and things that happen in our community. We all get along, and you have support. Many of us have been here several years. This creates an environment that’s inclusive and welcoming.

One thing that stands out about our branch – we have a counter called the Elder wicket. It’s shorter in length so there’s lots of disability access. We also have a chair if customers want to sit down. Our First Nation community noticed it and even changed the outside name of our parking spots to ‘parking Elder spots’. I hope they keep that forever!

Makyla: Becoming aware of the Indian Act. They’re working on it. Scotiabank is putting a spotlight on us and what difficulties our people go through. At the same time, our people don’t understand the Act or the struggles of trying to get a mortgage on or off Reserve. It’s difficult. There are restrictions that put barriers on certain things – credit, collateral, mortgages, loans, and credit cards. Educating customers is key - they may not know how to save or what their credit rating is (or what qualifies for it) because it was never introduced to them at a young age. Scotiabank has the initiatives, so now it’s just a matter of getting the word out and encouraging people to take advantage of them.

Cole: Scotiabank has proven to be very inclusive and open, starting with training courses that taught me about our values. We are very open to every background and culture, and we support people in need, no matter what they look like or where they’re from. We are all human, and all one and the same.

 

“We are all human, and all one and the same.”

Cole, Customer Experience Associate, Ontario

 

Curious about working at Scotiabank?

Our Indigenous Talent Program provides customized recruitment support to help find the right career path for you, based on your area of interest and skills. While this program is for applicants who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis, self-identification is completely voluntary. We understand that many people are at different points of their cultural journey, and we welcome all who feel comfortable to highlight their identity to our team.

Should you choose to join us, you will be warmly welcomed into our Indigenous community and have the opportunity to connect with other First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Scotiabankers and their allies.

Learn more about how Scotiabank’s Indigenous Talent Program can empower your career.