Real-World Career Experience Empowers Indigenous
People to Explore New Opportunities

Indigenous Development Program Associates past and present share their experiences.
RBC Employee - Hunter Michael


Hunter Michael - IDP Graduate
RBC Origins Strategic Intitiatives
After graduating from university, Hunter Michael was looking for a place where he could grow and develop. With a degree in communications and a minor in political science specializing in reconciliation, he wasn’t sure where or how to begin his career. When he came across an online ad for RBC’s Indigenous Development Program (IDP), it seemed like the perfect fit.

“I was unsure about my next career step, so I was excited to gain exposure to different lines of business and career paths,” he explains.

The program enables First Nations people like Michael to gain invaluable, hands-on work experience over a two-year period at the bank. Participants complete four rotations – three within various RBC business areas and one with a charitable organization – plus take part in group activities, workshops, courses, training modules and formal mentorship. 

Michael started the program at the main RBC branch in downtown Toronto, where he participated in client advisor training and learned about all the branch positions. He then joined the Business Financial Services Climate Strategy team, supporting with strategy and digital tools development.

As part of his charity rotation, he volunteered with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, where he helped lead digital strategy. “They do a lot of events with Survivors and partnering with other corporations – I helped with those as well as some social media and website development.”

Those are just a few of the many skills that participants can develop says program leader Chad Garlow.

“We provide a differentiated development experience by helping Associates develop core skills – communication, collaboration, self-awareness, adaptability, critical thinking and problem solving,” he explains. “The workforce is changing, and the skills required to succeed in the future of work are changing – we prepare Associates for meaningful long-term careers.”

Leveraging the connections he made during his first rotation, Michael returned to RBC to work on digital climate tools and helped RBC employees learn about climate resources. He finished up his last rotation with the Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) strategy team, where he worked with businesses globally. “It was an incredible opportunity to be part of the bigger RBC picture.”

Michael is now working full-time at RBC supporting RBC’s enterprise human rights work and the development of the organization’s Reconciliation Action Plan. He says he wouldn’t be where he is without the support and mentorship he received in the IDP program.
RBC Employee - Noella Gilkes


Noella Gilkes - First Year Associate
RBC Insurance
Exploring careers she never expected

As a “non-status” First Nations person, Noella Gilkes does not qualify for Indigenous status based on the requirements set out by the federal government in the Indian Act. As she tells her story, Gilkes’ grandmother was Mi'kmaq and married a Frenchman – this meant she lost her status in the eyes of the government. “If it was the other way around, our family would have kept our status,” she explains.

Given her “non-status,” Gilkes has been excluded from many opportunities offered to Indigenous people. But thanks to RBC’s Indigenous Development Program, she feels both acknowledged and supported as an individual with Indigenous heritage.

Upon learning about the program, she felt it was a perfect bridge between her degree in Business Administration and Indigenous heritage. “I wanted to experience different areas of the bank and learn various roles, instead of being limited to just one position,” says Gilkes. “It’s an opportunity to communicate with people in various areas, ask questions about their teams and determine my future plans from there.”

Currently in her first rotation, Gilkes works with the sales enablement team for RBC’s Creditor Insurance group. For the first month, she took time to understand the product, learning from people both within and outside her team. “That outreach gave me a good foundation before I started doing the real work,” she explains.

She also connected with members of the Royal Eagles, RBC’s Employee Resource Group that fosters fellowship of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees to raise awareness and support Indigenous culture throughout RBC. “I’m looking forward to getting involved with Royal Eagles events,” says Gilkes, who is passionate about her Indigenous heritage.

That many programs don’t accept “non-status” individuals is an issue rooted in a lack of understanding. “I want people to understand that non-status counts – it’s still our heritage and no one should be punished for not knowing the language or fitting into the mold. We’re still valid, no matter what part of our family has the Indigenous heritage.”

With her acceptance into the program, she says “I really appreciate RBC for that.”
RBC Employee - Noella Gilkes


Chad Garlow
Lead Rotational Programs Specialist
Building professional expertise while embracing indigenous heritage

Gilkes and Michael also appreciate advancing their professional development and connecting with their Indigenous heritage simultaneously. “It’s a nice balance of the diversity and inclusion part of the program and the work I do in my rotation. It gives me a chance to go between both worlds,” shares Gilkes.

From career development to community connection, Associates experience many program benefits that they can carry with them wherever their paths may lead.  “Some folks have completed the program and have gone back to law school. Some got their master’s degree,” says Garlow. “Associates can apply what they’ve learned in the Indigenous Development Program in so many ways.”

Ultimately, he says, “we want them to be successful in building a long-term career here at RBC.”
A word from our lawyers

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subject matter discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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