About Us
Tribal Chiefs Employment & Training Services Association (TCETSA) is an Indigenous-led organization established on April 25, 2000, to advance employment, training, and economic opportunity for Treaty Six Nations across Alberta.
What began as a vision from the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations—led by Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc.—has grown into a powerful movement rooted in culture, self-determination, and community.
Our Purpose
For over 25 years, TCETSA has helped open doors for Indigenous people by connecting individuals to training, education, and meaningful career opportunities.
Our work goes beyond job placement—we help remove barriers, build confidence, and support long-term career pathways that strengthen families, communities, and Nations.
Supporting Our Nations
Beaver Lake Cree Nation
Cold Lake First Nations
Frog Lake First Nation
Heart Lake First Nation
Kehewin Cree Nation
Whitefish Lake First Nation
TCETSA works closely with our member Nations and ISETS Sub-Agreement Holders to deliver labour market programming that reflects community priorities and cultural values. Through partnerships with leadership, employment departments, and community organizations, we support local workforce development, skills training, and employment services that help build stronger, more self-sufficient communities across Treaty Six territory.
Need to connect with our team? Please visit our Directory to find the right contact.
Daycare Centres
To further support employment and training within our communities, TCETSA helps provide childcare services through our ISETS Sub-Agreement Holder Daycare Centre locations.
These centres play an important role in removing barriers for parents and caregivers who are pursuing education, skills training, or employment opportunities. By ensuring safe, supportive childcare options, families are able to participate fully in programs that lead to long-term career success.
Our Impact 2026
Across our initiatives, we continue to see transformation:
ISETS
Connects Indigenous participants to training, education, and career opportunities across multiple sectors.
Xpression’s Arts & Design
Empowers youth and adults to explore identity and culture through the arts and media, strengthening pride and community connection.
TEAMS Alberta
Delivers mentorship, trades tutoring, career counselling, and job referrals directly to Indigenous learners through a mobile service model.
Community-Based Environmental Monitoring Training (CEMT)
Blends Traditional Knowledge with science to train land protectors grounded in cultural teachings.
IndigiConnect
Co-founded by TCETSA, is a digital platform connecting Indigenous professionals, businesses, and communities across Canada.
Driver Training
Supports community members in gaining the licensing and confidence needed to access work, training, and day-to-day opportunities.
Explore our 2026 training opportunities and take the next step toward building your skills, career, and future.
Our Journey
Over the years, TCETSA has delivered labour market programming under several federal frameworks:
- 2000–2005
- 2006–2010
- 2010–2015
- 2015–2020
- 2019–2029
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2000–2005
Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement (AHRDA I)
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2006–2010
Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement (AHRDA II)
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2010–2015
Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS)
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2015–2020
ASETS Extension / Transition to Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ISETS)
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2019–2029
ISETS 10-Year Agreement, a milestone that reflects long-term investment in Indigenous-led employment programming.
2025 Annual Report
Our 2025 Annual Report highlights the progress, partnerships, and programs that continue to strengthen Indigenous employment and training across Treaty Six territory.
Over the past year, TCETSA expanded training opportunities, supported community-driven initiatives, and continued connecting Indigenous participants to meaningful careers. The report reflects the collective efforts of our Nations, leadership, partners, and staff who work together to create pathways to opportunity and long-term prosperity.
Read the 2025 Annual Report to learn more about our impact, programs, and vision for the future.
Looking Forward
Today, TCETSA plays a key role in regional Indigenous workforce development—supporting training programs, strengthening partnerships with industry and government, and creating pathways to prosperity for Treaty Six communities.
While we celebrate over 25 years of empowering Indigenous futures, our work continues. We remain committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, workers, and entrepreneurs as they build strong and thriving communities.
To our Chiefs, Board, team, partners, funders, Elders, and community members—thank you. Your support makes this work possible.
Contact Us
Interested in partnership opportunities—or looking for employment or training support?
Contact us—we’re here to help.