Supporting Indigenous Communities: JIBC Indigenous Bursary & More

At Blackbird Security, we are a firm advocate and ally to the Indigenous communities of Canada. We work closely with businesses, organizations, and institutions to uplift Indigenous community members in support of Truth and Reconciliation. In this blog, we’ll highlight our support of the Indigenous communities in British Columbia and Manitoba. Through our service donations to Circles for Reconciliation, our inclusive coverage of the Winnipeg Millennium Library, and our Indigenous Bursary program in collaboration with the Justice Institute of British Columbia, we’re honoured to support Western Canada’s Indigenous communities through meaningful action. 

Blackbird Security Proudly Donates Security Guard Services to Circles for Reconciliation

For the second consecutive year on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we were honoured to provide our event security services, free of charge, to Circles for Reconciliation in Winnipeg. This organization brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together in respectful dialogue to promote understanding and reconciliation. It was a privilege to help contribute to the event's success once again. 

Opportunities for Winnipeg’s Indigenous Community Members: Winnipeg Millennium Library

The Millennium Library is Winnipeg's largest public library, welcoming approximately 5,000 visitors daily and spanning 17,600 square meters. As a hub of community activity, it requires continuous security coverage from 6:30 AM to 12:30 AM, with more than 12 uniformed security guards on duty. This provides a safe and welcoming space for visitors to enjoy reading, learning, and participating in their community.

Blackbird Security is proud to employ a security team that is 50% Indigenous at the Winnipeg Millennium Library. This initiative reflects our team’s commitment to diversity and inclusion while creating opportunities within the Winnipeg Indigenous community.

The Blackbird Security Indigenous Bursary Program in Partnership With the JIBC

At Blackbird Security, we understand the impact companies can have on their communities. We have proudly collaborated with the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) since 2021 to provide the British Columbia Blackbird Security Indigenous Bursary. This program prioritizes Indigenous Rights holders by offering financial aid to Indigenous students, particularly those experiencing economic challenges, who are pursuing online Basic Security Training (BST) at the JIBC. The initiative aims to increase Indigenous representation and create career opportunities in security. 

Criteria for Program Participation

The program is open to Indigenous participants from the traditional territories of many Indigenous peoples across Canada, including the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, prioritizing individuals who may face financial barriers to accessing BST.

To be eligible for the Blackbird Security Indigenous Bursary, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status.

• Identify as Indigenous and plan to enroll in the online Basic Security Training (BST) course at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC).

• Demonstrate financial need that is not covered by other sources of funding, such as student loans, grants, sponsorship, or work income.

• Provide proof of a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (secure status card) or Certificate of Indian Status (status card).

Careers in Security

While we can't guarantee employment for bursary participants, many have successfully joined Blackbird Security as valued team members. 

By passing the exam, obtaining a security license, and demonstrating a good fit for our company, participants have the opportunity to build a rewarding career with us. We are hopeful and excited about the potential of each bursary recipient to join our team and grow within our company.

How to Apply

We encourage Indigenous Canadians to explore opportunities in the security industry by visiting our Indeed page for regional job listings. If you are an Indigenous Canadian and wish to apply for our bursary, please contact us at [email protected] to be considered for our Indigenous track. Let us know which role you are interested in by referring to our Indeed page.

Encouraging Indigenous Community Members to Enter The Security Industry

A career in security is a rewarding one, offering opportunities for personal growth while making a positive impact on the community. In addition to providing a valuable career path within the security field, security guards can utilize the skills they have learned to become police officers across Canada. 

Read our previous blog, where we interviewed Shayde Russell, a former Blackbird Security Loss Prevention Operative (LPO), about his journey from security to policing and how his experience with Blackbird Security laid the foundation for his current role as an RCMP officer.

Working Together With Indigenous Organizations

At Blackbird Security, we’re truly honoured to safeguard organizations in Manitoba and BC while uplifting the Indigenous communities within these provinces. We recognize that there is much work to be done to ensure equity for Indigenous people within Canada, and we’re proud to play a small role in contributing to a better future. 

Are you interested in protecting your business or organization with Blackbird Security? Get in touch through the form below to learn how we can support your team.