CALGARY — When Annie Korver sits down with a new corporate or small business client, she encourages them to focus first on the truth part of Truth and Reconciliation. This isn't about making things right overnight, but about committing to a long-term process of healing and understanding. As an Indigenous relations specialist, Korver supports Canadian businesses in fostering positive relationships with the Indigenous community, rebuilding trust through education, understanding, and meaningful actions.
Reconciliatory Workplace Environment
By embracing reconciliation in the workplace, companies are not only contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society, but they are also strengthening their performance and protecting their brand. It is for this reason that Korver encourages her clients to participate in meaningful and comprehensive actions such as recognizing cultural events, providing Indigenous staff training, conducting land acknowledgments, and supporting Indigenous economic development.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada highlights the importance of corporate Canada participating in the process of reconciliation. Annie Korver believes this participation begins with corporate Canada accepting responsibility for past actions and their commitment to being allies in the creation of positive and meaningful change for Indigenous people. The corporate world needs to be at the table and participate in reconciliation in order to create opportunities for Indigenous people and restore the balance of human rights.
Steps Forward in Indigenous Relations
Moving forward, every organization is in a unique position and needs a customized plan to respond to reconciliation. This means evaluating an organization's current state, policy, and procedures while being open to feedback and recommendations for development. Working closely with Indigenous relations specialists, business leaders need to focus on a positive, inclusive company culture to remove any obstacles that may stand in their way to truly embracing reconciliation.