Cambridge Business Association
7 Ways to Incorporate Reconciliation into Your Business
Article

7 Ways to Incorporate Reconciliation into Your Business

Animikii, Inc.
Animikii, Inc., 2019
Read the article

Read or listen offline

Amazon Kindle
  • 0.5×
  • 0.75×
  • 1×
  • 1.25×
  • 1.5×
  • 1.75×
1×

Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Eye Opening
  • Visionary

Recommendation

Including Indigenous people in your inclusion and diversity practices is meaningful, particularly in Canada where company policies need to address the issues raised in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action. One challenge is that each local situation is different, but companies can take some practical steps. Begin by employing skilled Indigenous people, nurturing Indigenous students and creating a relationship with your local Indigenous communities. Above all, educate yourself and your stakeholders. This short essay from Animikii, Inc., a Canadian Indigenous nonprofit, provides a simple, pragmatic template for taking honest, respectful and effective action.

Summary

Your company can honor reconciliation with Indigenous people by taking seven steps.

When you set out to address Indigenous issues and incorporate Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action policies in your company’s ethos, concrete action matters. Take seven meaningful steps:

Employ skilled Indigenous people.

Diversifying your workforce is not enough; you need to make jobs broadly available to Indigenous people.​​​​ Post available jobs on boards that serve them.

A job posting can attract skilled Indigenous people if it explicitly states that, for example, your company will consider applications from people “self-identifying as Indigenous” especially valuable. In addition, businesses wishing to employ more Indigenous staff members should adapt their time-off policies to Indigenous cultures and practices.

Cultivate Indigenous students.

Hiring Indigenous people who are already professionals with developed skills is important, but for continuity you must also bring ...

About the Author

Animikii is a company that regards technology as an economic liberator toward Indigenous self-sufficiency. Its team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous innovators attempt to drive equitable outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.

Comment on this summary