Let’s address the elephant in the room right off the bat: I am a white woman writing about Truth and Reconciliation, and I’m fully aware that my perspective comes with some historical (and present-day) baggage. You might be wondering, "Why is she speaking on this?" Well, because not speaking about it would be worse. As allies, we can’t shy away from these conversations out of fear of getting it wrong or overstepping. We need to engage, even if it’s uncomfortable at times because meaningful change happens when we lean into these discussions rather than tiptoe around them. The responsibility of reconciliation doesn’t just lie with Indigenous peoples—it’s up to all of us.
So, here I am, a white woman, using my platform to raise awareness, because reconciliation is about collective responsibility, and allyship means standing up, speaking up, and taking action. Let’s dive into what reconciliation really means and how we can all be part of the solution.
What is Reconciliation?
Reconciliation is the ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It’s about addressing past harms, making amends, and ensuring the rights, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples are respected and upheld in the present and future. It involves listening to the truths of the past, learning from them, and committing to change both personally and collectively as a society.
Moreover, in the Canadian context, many businesses and governments are still in the process of truly understanding and respecting Indigenous sovereignty. Reconciliation means learning how to operate in a world where Indigenous peoples have a say over the lands they’ve stewarded for millennia. It’s not just about the legal framework, but also about respecting the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples to self-determination and land management.
The Significance of Land Acknowledgements:
Let’s be honest, there’s a bit of buzz around land acknowledgements—some people feel they’ve become routine, while others think we’re going too far by starting every event, conference, or meeting with one. But the reality is, we’re not going far enough. Land acknowledgements are just the starting point on the road to reconciliation. They are, in essence, an elementary first step—a symbolic gesture that acknowledges the traditional lands of one Nation, but often leaves out a critical complexity: land is contested, and Indigenous self-governance, like all politics, is nuanced; as is anything organized, run by and impacted by the human experience.
One thing we often overlook is that neighbouring Nations or bands may have differing claims to the same land. These claims are rooted in deep histories of use, stewardship, and governance that predate colonization, but they are still very much being debated and determined today. Simply stating, “We acknowledge this territory,” doesn’t account for these ongoing conversations and can oversimplify the Indigenous peoples' complex relationships with each other and with the land.
This is why land acknowledgements, while important, cannot be the end of the conversation. They should prompt us to dig deeper, to ask questions, to understand more about the Indigenous communities around us and their evolving rights.
In business and everyday operations, we need to go beyond mere acknowledgment. It’s about understanding the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). FPIC is a fundamental right recognized under international law, meaning that Indigenous peoples have the right to give or withhold consent to a project that may affect their lands or resources. And it doesn’t stop there. This also entails proper consultation—an often misunderstood aspect that is not just about checking a box but about building real, lasting relationships with Indigenous communities.
At the core, land acknowledgements should be treated as invitations to further education, not as a final step in reconciliation. They must remind us that deeper understanding, meaningful action, and ongoing dialogue are necessary to create true partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Reconciliation Efforts in the Workplace:
The workplace plays a crucial role in advancing reconciliation, but it’s important to approach this work with care. Too often, Indigenous employees are asked to take on additional emotional and cultural labour, expected to lead reconciliation efforts without proper compensation or support. True reconciliation in the workplace involves recognizing this and ensuring that Indigenous employees are not burdened with this responsibility unless they are hired specifically for it and fairly compensated.
For organizations looking to take action, here are some meaningful steps:
Education and Training: Provide resources and training on Indigenous history, rights, and reconciliation efforts to all employees.
Review Policies and Practices: Assess workplace policies for any potential biases or systemic barriers that might disadvantage Indigenous employees.
Engage Indigenous Experts: If you're developing reconciliation initiatives, ensure you're working with Indigenous consultants or organizations who are compensated for their expertise.
Create Safe Spaces: Foster a workplace environment where Indigenous employees feel respected, valued, and supported.
Why the Conversation is Important:
Having ongoing conversations about reconciliation is crucial because it keeps the truth at the forefront of our collective consciousness. It reminds us that reconciliation isn’t a one-time event but a long-term commitment to healing and justice. Engaging in these discussions helps foster understanding, accountability, and action. It creates the space to challenge colonial structures that still exist in today’s society and in our workplaces.
Important Resources in Canada:
For those looking to learn more and take action, here are some valuable resources:
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC): The TRC's
94 Calls to Action provide a roadmap for reconciliation efforts in various sectors. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration.
Orange Shirt Day: This initiative raises awareness about the residential school system and honours the experiences of survivors.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR): A repository of information and resources about residential schools and reconciliation efforts.
University of Alberta Indigenous Canada Course: A 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.
Reconciliation Canada: A charitable organization that offers tools, programs, and initiatives for reconciliation in various areas of life, including education and workplace environments.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a powerful reminder of the work still needed to heal the wounds left by colonization and the residential school system. However, it’s not just a day to reflect—it’s a call to action. Every one of us has a role to play in the reconciliation process, from individuals to entire organizations. By learning, listening, and taking action, we can contribute to a future where Indigenous peoples are treated with the respect and justice they have always deserved.
Together, we can honour the past and build a more inclusive, respectful, and just future.
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If you don’t know where to start with your reconciliation efforts and would like to connect more broadly with the community, contact Janice Otremba. Janice Otremba is a Certified Executive Coach and People & Performance Catalyst with over 25 years of experience. Reach out today by completing a Needs Assessment to discover how she can partner with your organization in achieving team development goals.
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