ACCESS is a co-operative venture of the off-reserve Aboriginal community of Metro Vancouver, conceived by Native Education Centre (now known as Native Education College), Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and United Native Nations. In 1999, these organizations entered into a five year Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement (AHRDA) with Human Resources Development Canada.  This urban AHRDA Agreement provided the means and framework for the creation and implementation of labour market development initiatives customized to the needs of urban Aboriginal people in Metro Vancouver.  The Agreement launched a new era placing urban Aboriginal people in control of the design and management of their education and employment requirements and objectives.  Out of this agreement, ACCESS evolved into a duly incorporated BC non-profit society in January 2002.

ACCESS opened its first office at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, which today remains as the main Employment Assistance Service office. ACCESS has since expanded throughout Metro Vancouver to include more points of service and more diverse programs for the urban Aboriginal community.