Integrated Employment Services Delivery (IESD)

Serco Canada Inc., is a Service System Manager (SSM) administering the Northwest, Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie, and Kingston-Pembroke catchment areas in Ontario through EmployNext, and has partnered with Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS) in Northwestern Ontario as an Indigenous Skills Employment and Training Agreement (ISETA) Holder to incorporate Indigenous perspectives across its provincial network to support the Integrated Employment Service Delivery (IESD) Model.  

EmployNext powered by Serco is a locally responsive, outcomes-based employment services program funded by the Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (OMLITSD).  EmployNext also is a collaborative consortium featuring partners such as Serco Canada, Thrive Career Wellness, and Deloitte Canada, in addition to an expansive network of Service Providers and Community Partners.

The partnership between EmployNext and AETS aims to enhance client pathways to employment for Indigenous Peoples across various streams to ensure improved outcomes in Northwestern Ontario.

The goals include, but are not exclusive to:

  1.  Establish and Co-Chair an Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC):  This combined effort aims to bring Indigenous community voices to the forefront, ensuring the development and delivery of services meet the unique needs of Indigenous clients.  The IAC will focus on ongoing dialogue, respect, and the creation of frameworks that address these specific needs

  2.   Resource Identification, Development, and Community Engagement:   We will collaboratively identify and document existing resources available within Northwestern Ontario, as well as develop new resources as needed. Special attention will be given to engaging Elders and Knowledge Keepers, fostering cultural awareness, and promoting Indigenous-led community initiatives.

  3.   Cultural Awareness Training:  A comprehensive training program will be developed to deepen understanding of Indigenous cultures, ensuring the staff at EmployNext and its network partners are equipped to build respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.  This training will be co-created with Urban Indigenous, Rural Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, reflecting the diverse experiences and needs of Northwestern Ontario.

This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to culturally responsive, impactful services that elevate the needs and perspectives of Indigenous communities, ultimately driving better employment outcomes for Indigenous jobseekers across the region.

For further information on the partnership's progress or to learn more about the goals and initiatives we are working on, please visit our websites:

Additionally, we've created a flyer to explain the details of this exciting partnership. You can view and download the flyer here:  AETSXEmployNext

For any inquiries on the partnership, please reach out to the contact persons listed below and/or select the  EmployNext Meet the Team Flyer :

  • John DeGiacomo
    Executive Director, Anishinabek Employment and Training Services
    ed@aets.org 
    T:  807-346-0307 ext. 201

  • Nicole Richmond
    Consultant, Anishinabek Employment and Training Services
    nicole.richmond@nish-law.com 
    M:  807-633-8088

    • Nicole Richmond is an Anishnaabe lawyer who provides consulting and legal services focussed on healing, wellbeing and positive relationships. She supports Anishinabek nation-building by creating healthy, transparent, accountable and effective governance and administrative practices. Nicole is a member of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and was called to the bar in 2007.
    • Nicole is a jingle dress dancer and beader. She loves spending time hiking through the forest and along Lake Superior. Nicole also has a special interest in energy healing, meditation and wellness, and is interested in applying principles of personal healing and wellness to the various organizations she serves.

  • Kellie Wrigley
    Consultant, Anishinabek Employment and Training Services
    kelliewrigs@gmail.com
    M:  807-633-8088

    • Kellie Wrigley is a proud member of the Red Rock Indian band from Nipigon. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students. With 22 years of dedicated service in the field of education, Kellie has amassed a diverse range of experiences across various roles, including classroom educator, school principal, and system principal.
    • Throughout her career, Kellie has demonstrated a passion for collaborative leadership and a deep-seated belief in the power of teamwork to drive positive change. In each of her roles, she has worked alongside fellow educators to enhance student outcomes and learning in "a good way," through a holistic approach to education, grounded in Indigenous knowledge, culture, and ways of being.

  • Crystal Gionette
    Indigenous Community Navigator
    Crystal.Gionette@serco-na.com 
    M:  807-889-1468

  • Stacey Vincent Cress
    Manager, Indigenous Relations
    Stacey.Cress@serco-na.com 
    M:  705-262-0250

  • Chanelle Pépin
    Director, Employment Services
    chanelle.pepin@serco-na.com 
    M:  705-562-4111